Philly is throwing a party, and everyone's invited – especially if you're a Phillies fan. The team is set to host a special celebration to officially proclaim themselves the future hosts of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game with a day-long series of fan events on July 18, as announced Wednesday. But let's cut to the chase: the headliners are a noontime kick-off at Dilworth Park, Philly's own Grammy Award-winning band The Roots, and a bevy of former Phillies All-Stars. Think the likes of Larry Bowa, Dave Cash, and Greg "The Bull" Luzinski – yeah, the 1976 heroes.
The event, according to a press release from the City of Philadelphia, is gloriously fan-centric, starting with those performances by The Roots and the All-Star Walk entry packed with Phillies legends you probably have posters of in your basement, including Home Run Derby champs Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard – as well as fan-favorites Cole Hamels, John Kruk, Charlie Manuel, and Juan Samuel; they'll join emcees Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy and PA announcer Dan Baker for an event that’s brimming with nostalgia, and also expect an appearance by the beloved Phillie Phanatic, you bet your rally towel there will be guest speakers from the team and the city – oh, and did I mention those commemorative rally towels? Get 'em while they're hot – or while they last, really.
But wait, there's more: the festivities include the debut of the Philadelphia’s 2026 All-Star Declaration Bus, say cheese for that photo opp. Later, catch the bus – if you're keen on snapping some iconic Philly backdrops – and be toured around key city landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Mall, and Betsy Ross House before it rolls up to Citizens Bank Park for the night’s game against the Angels.
For those already setting reminders in their phones for next year's festivities, keep in mind: this July 18 bash is just an appetizer. If you're in Philly and bleeding red, swing by these spots, grab a towel, snap a pic with the bus, and soak in the excitement of being the next All-Star host city – a full year in advance, because clearly, we can’t wait to get the party started, and neither can the Phillies. All the details for these events are here, per the Phillies' official announcement. So mark your calendars, and may the Schwarber be with you.
