Philadelphia’s tourism season kicks off this spring with the highly anticipated Philly Opener on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Hosted by the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (PVCC) at the Independence Visitor Center in Old City, this event is a spring fundraiser presented by Highmark. It takes place during National Travel and Tourism Week, marking the start of the city’s busiest visitor season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Philly Opener brings together tourism leaders, local organizations, and residents for a fun evening celebrating what makes Philadelphia a must-visit spot. The night starts with an exclusive sponsor reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by the main event from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy interactive experiences and photo ops featuring iconic Philadelphia and Pennsylvania destinations, thanks to PVCC and Visit PA. DJ Hollywood will provide live entertainment, along with speeches from PVCC, Visit Philadelphia, and local officials.
A highlight this year is the culinary experience featuring Nihonbashi Philly, a famous Tokyo restaurant known for its unique take on the cheesesteak. Guests can sample their signature cheesesteaks, and VIPs will get to see the owners, Kosuke and Tomomi Chujo, prepare them live.
Governor Josh Shapiro will receive the Most Valuable Philadelphian (MVP) Award for his leadership as the city gears up for the 2026 Semiquincentennial. Proceeds from the Philly Opener support PVCC’s mission to connect visitors with authentic Philadelphia experiences. Tickets are available for $150 at phillyopener.org. If you love Philadelphia and want to celebrate its future, the Philly Opener is the perfect event for you!
