Pennsylvania to Host Free 250th Anniversary Concerts

Commonwealth Concert Series to bring music to Hershey and other cities

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist poster design featuring bold black silhouettes of musical instruments and geometric shapes in high-contrast red and white, conveying the celebratory energy of a concert event.The Commonwealth Concert Series will bring the joy of live music to communities across Pennsylvania as the state celebrates the nation's 250th birthday.Hershey Today

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and America250PA have announced a series of five free concerts across the state to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Commonwealth Concert Series will feature live music performances in cities like Hershey, providing free entertainment for residents and visitors.

Why it matters

The Commonwealth Concert Series is part of a broader effort by Pennsylvania to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday in 2026. These free concerts aim to bring communities together through the shared experience of live music while also highlighting the state's cultural offerings.

The details

The concert series will include stops in Hershey, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Lancaster, and Philadelphia. Each event will feature a mix of local and regional musical acts performing a variety of genres. Admission to the concerts will be free and open to the public.

  • The Commonwealth Concert Series will run from June through September 2026.
  • The Hershey concert is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2026.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The governor of Pennsylvania who announced the Commonwealth Concert Series.

America250PA

The organization partnering with the state of Pennsylvania to coordinate the 250th anniversary celebrations, including the concert series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These free concerts will bring Pennsylvanians together to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday through the power of music.”

— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania

What’s next

Tickets for the Commonwealth Concert Series will be made available to the public in early 2026. The full lineup of performers for each location will be announced in the spring of 2026.

The takeaway

The Commonwealth Concert Series is a creative way for Pennsylvania to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, providing free, family-friendly entertainment that showcases the state's diverse musical talent and brings communities together.