For a century, the Ben Franklin Bridge has connected Philadelphia and Camden, linking communities, supporting commerce, and moving millions of people across the Delaware River. Join us as we celebrate this historic milestone and look ahead to the next 100 years.
Since opening in 1926, the Ben Franklin Bridge has served as a vital link between Philadelphia and Camden, connecting millions of people across the Delaware River each year. Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, it remains an enduring symbol of engineering innovation and regional pride. A century later, the bridge continues to move our communities forward.
The celebration will recognize the bridge’s impact on the region over the past century. It will also highlight its continued importance for future generations.
Enjoy live music, performances, food trucks, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. There will be something for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with historical content, including a pop-up museum highlighting the bridge’s legacy. Exhibits will showcase bridge artifacts and pieces from throughout its history.
See the Ben Franklin Bridge from a whole new perspective as you walk the roadway, closed to vehicle traffic for this once-in-a-century celebration.
Enjoy live music, performances, food trucks, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. There will be something for everyone to experience and enjoy.
From an inflatable obstacle course and oversized yard games to face painting and other family-friendly activities, there will be plenty of opportunities for fun, friendly competition, and entertainment for all ages.
Explore the vehicles that help keep the Ben Franklin Bridge running, including a barrier mover machine affectionately called the "zipper machine", dump trucks, front-end loaders, and more. Meet the crews and get an up-close look at the equipment used to maintain the bridge.
Learn about the Ben Franklin Bridge's design, construction, and evolution through a display of historic photographs, artifacts, and information.
See one of the four original Winged Victory statues that stood atop the Ben Franklin Bridge when it opened in 1926. This rare opportunity offers visitors a close-up look at one of the bridge's most iconic historic features.
Enjoy remarks from special guests, live entertainment, DJ music, dance performances, and other special presentations throughout the celebration.
The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public, with activities for attendees of all ages. No registration or tickets are required, but advance registration is encouraged to help DRPA plan accordingly and provide the best possible experience for attendees. To register,click here.
The Ben Franklin Bridge 100th Anniversary Celebration will take place rain or shine on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The complete event lineup, including entertainment, activities, demonstrations, and special attractions, is available on the event registration page. Visit www.drpapatco.com/register
The celebration will take place on the Camden, New Jersey side of the Ben Franklin Bridge, near the toll plaza.
The main event area will feature food trucks, vendors, family activities, entertainment, historical exhibits, and more. During the celebration, the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m., pedestrians may enter the bridge from either the Philadelphia or Camden side and walk across the bridge using the westbound roadway lanes, which will be open exclusively for the event. The bridge's regular pedestrian walkway will be closed during the event and will reopen at 2:30 p.m., resuming its normal operating hours.
If you are driving from Pennsylvania, please note that the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicles beginning at 8:30 a.m. Motorists should use the Walt Whitman Bridge or Betsy Ross Bridge to reach Camden.
Attendees are also encouraged to ride PATCO to City Hall Station in Camden which is just a short walk to the event.
There are several convenient ways to get to the celebration. Please note that the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and review transportation options.
PATCO:
PATCO is the easiest way to travel to the celebration. Ride to City Hall Station in Camden, located just a short walk from the event. PATCO will operate enhanced service with trains every 15 minutes throughout the celebration.
Walking:Beginning at 10:00 a.m., pedestrians may enter the bridge from either the Philadelphia or Camden side and walk across the bridge using the westbound roadway lanes, which will be open exclusively for the event. The bridge's regular pedestrian walkway will be closed during the event and will reopen at 2:30 p.m., resuming its normal operating hours.
Driving:
The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic during the celebration. If traveling from Philadelphia to Camden, motorists must use the Walt Whitman Bridge. Expect additional road closures around the event area and allow extra travel time.
Parking:
Event parking is available at nearby public and private parking facilities in both Camden and Philadelphia.
In NJ:
• Camden County College Parking Garage (paid)
• Select Rutgers University lots (free)
• On-street metered parking (paid).
In PA:
• Garage/Surface parking lots (paid)
• On-street metered parking (paid).
Shuttle Service From PATCO Stations:
Walking across the Ben Franklin Bridge is the centerpiece of the 100th Anniversary Celebration, and we encourage attendees to take advantage of this rare opportunity.
For guests who are unable or prefer not to walk across the bridge, two complimentary shuttle routes will operate continuously throughout the event:
• Between PATCO's Franklin Square Station (7th & Race Streets, Philadelphia) and the event site on the Camden side of the bridge.
• Between PATCO's City Hall Station in Camden and the event site.
Attendees traveling from Pennsylvania who do not plan to walk across the bridge are encouraged to ride PATCO to City Hall Station in Camden, which is just a short walk from the event location.
Recommended Items: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle are encouraged.
What Shouldn't I Bring?Weapons, illegal substances, alcohol, fireworks, drones, and pets are not permitted. Bicycles are permitted only on the Ben Franklin Bridge roadway and must be walked or parked before entering the festival area. Bicycles are not permitted within the festival area.
Other Wheeled Devices: Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, and similar devices are not permitted anywhere on the event grounds.
The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency that serves as steward of four bridges that cross the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey: the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges. Through its Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO), the DRPA also operates a transit line between Camden County, New Jersey and Center City Philadelphia.