Navy League Philadelphia Council – Navy 250th Birthday Celebration 2025 Events
Join the Navy League Philadelphia Council as we commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Navy with a week of events across Philadelphia, Camden & Gloucester, NJ, and the Delaware River. From ship arrivals and a Blessing of the Fleet to community tours and game-day traditions, you’re invited to celebrate history, honor service, and experience America’s maritime heritage up close.
Schedule of Events
Times subject to change. Check back for updates.
| Date | City | Event | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 9, 2025 | Philadelphia & Camden / Gloucester, NJ | Blessing of the Fleet |
Time: 9:30 AM Location: Delaware River Ceremonial blessing honoring mariners and ships operating on the Delaware. Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
| Oct 9, 2025 | Philadelphia & Camden / Gloucester, NJ | Arrival of U.S. Navy Ships |
Time: Starting at 4:30 PM Location: Delaware River Welcome the U.S. Navy ships — including USS Arlington (LPD-24), USS Lassen (DDG-82), USS Cooperstown (LCS-23), and USS Billings (LCS-15) — as Navy 250 celebrations begin. Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Philadelphia | Cheesesteak Competition |
Time: 2 PM Location: USS ARLINGTON Philadelphia’s finest go head-to-head for cheesesteak bragging rights. Cheesesteak Competition with Tony Luke aboard the USS Arlington (FOR SHIPS CREW ONLY) Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Philadelphia | Bus Tours of the Philadelphia Area — 90-Minute Tours |
Tour #1: 12:00 PM – National Constitution Center Tour #2: 6:00 PM – National Constitution Center Tour #3: 6:00 PM – Navy Yard Explore historic Philadelphia through a maritime lens. Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Chester | Army–Navy Cup XIV at Subaru Park |
4:00 PM – Women’s Game 7:00 PM – Men’s Game Navy League Philadelphia Council is a proud sponsor of the Army–Navy Cup. Parking: $19 sponsor rate (Lots G & J) — Purchase parking Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
| Oct 11, 2025 | Philadelphia | Bus Tours of the Philadelphia Area — 90-Minute Tours |
Tour #1: 12:00 PM – National Constitution Center Tour #2: 12:00 PM – National Constitution Center Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
| Oct 11, 2025 | Philadelphia | Navy Midshipmen vs. Temple Football Game |
Location: Lincoln Financial Field Time: TBD Lincoln Financial Field Website |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Philadelphia | Old St. Mary’s Mass & Commodore John Barry Wreath Laying |
Time: 11:00 AM Location: Old St. Mary’s Church, 252 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Honors Commodore John Barry, “Father of the American Navy.” Old St. Mary’s Church Website |
| Oct 13, 2025 | Philadelphia | Navy Birthday Parade |
The Philadelphia Council will march with Sea Cadets, ROTC, and JROTC units. Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Philadelphia | Bus Tours of the Philadelphia Area — 90-Minute Tour |
Tour #1: 12:00 PM – National Constitution Center Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
| Oct 15, 2025 | Philadelphia | Bus Tours of the Philadelphia Area — 90-Minute Tours |
Tour #1: 12:00 PM – National Constitution Center Tour #2: 12:00 PM – National Constitution Center Contact: executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org |
Some times are TBD and may be updated. Please check back on this page before you travel.
Most events welcome members, families, and friends. Certain activities may have limited capacity or require tickets.
Email Christine Beady, Executive Director at executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org.
About the Navy League Philadelphia Council
The Navy League of the United States is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. Our Philadelphia Council connects community and sea service partners through events, youth programs, and maritime heritage initiatives. To learn more, visit https://www.navyleaguephilly.org/
