Our inaugural,

city-wide and

multi-disciplinary

arts festival.

what now: 2026
Our festival will foreground our city's artists as interpreters of this complex moment in American History.

We will highlight Philadelphia as a critical destination for arts and culture—not just for our country's 250th anniversary, but for every year to come.

Featuring over 30 original commissions and taking place during the nation’s 250th anniversary, What Now: 2026 will spotlight the work of artists from the city where it all began.

Explore the projects
What now: 2026 Projects
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Frequently 
Asked Questions

Find answers here to most often asked questions about ArtPhilly and What Now: 2026.

When is the What Now: 2026 festival?

The festival spans the summer of 2026, with events from May 27th to July 4th.

How do I travel throughout Philadelphia?

The whole city can be accessed via public transit. SEPTA's system of buses, trains, and trolleys. The city is also car and bike-friendly. You can find the individual addresses of events on their respective event pages.

How can I plan my What Now: 2026 festival experience?

By taking a look at the projects that interest you on the What Now page. We have something for everyone, including music, dance, film, theater, visual arts, culinary arts, and poetry!

How do I get involved?

Keep an eye on the Contact page for volunteer and paid opportunities! Unfortunately, we are not accepting new artists or works for the festival itself at this time.

What should I know about participating artists?

All of our projects were sourced from Philadelphia's expansive pool of talented and diverse artists. More information can be found on the artists' websites, which are linked in their related project pages.