Philadelphia Phillies Announce Fan Festivities for ‘Philadelphia’s 2026 All-Star Declaration’ on July 18

The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for an exciting celebration as they officially declare Philadelphia the host city for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. On Friday, July 18, 2025, fans are invited to join a day full of festivities kicking off at noon at Dilworth Park, located at the foot of City Hall.

The event will open and close with performances by Philadelphia’s own Grammy Award-winning band, The Roots, setting the perfect soundtrack for this historic announcement. The celebration will feature an All-Star Walk with Phillies legends such as Larry Bowa, Dave Cash, Greg “The Bull” Luzinski, and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, who famously played in the 1976 All-Star Game hosted in Philadelphia during the nation’s bicentennial year.

Other Phillies greats taking part include former Home Run Derby champions Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard, alongside stars Cole Hamels, John Kruk, Charlie Manuel, and Juan Samuel. The event will be emceed by Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy and PA announcer Dan Baker, with special appearances by the Phillie Phanatic and guest speakers from the team and city. Fans will also have the chance to grab commemorative rally towels while supplies last.

Adding to the excitement, the Philadelphia 2026 All-Star Declaration Bus will make its debut, offering fans unique photo opportunities. The bus will tour the city with stops at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2:00 p.m.), Independence Mall (2:45 p.m.), and Betsy Ross House (3:30 p.m.), before arriving at Citizens Bank Park at 4:15 p.m. for the Phillies’ game against the Angels.

The day’s festivities culminate with a pregame celebration at Citizens Bank Park, where the countdown to the 2026 MLB All-Star Game will officially begin. Special guests, including Phillies All-Star legends, will be on hand, and the U.S. Navy Leap Frog parachute team will make a thrilling All-Star entry. Fans can also shop for commemorative merchandise at the New Era Phillies Team Store starting at 12:30 p.m.

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard, will be the 96th Midsummer Classic and mark the fifth time Philadelphia hosts this prestigious event. It will be the first All-Star Game held at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies’ home since 2004, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Don’t miss this historic day celebrating Philadelphia’s rich baseball legacy and its exciting future as the 2026 MLB All-Star Game host city!