Philadelphia Hosts 2026 MLB All-Star Game : What to Know

What’s more American than baseball? With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary this summer, Major League Baseball’s superstars are heading to Philadelphia for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

The 96th Midsummer Classic will take place Tuesday, July 14, at the Philadelphia Phillies’ home ballpark. In the days leading up to the game, fans can enjoy the Capital One All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the HBCU Swingman Classic, and other baseball-themed events at the ballpark as part of MLB All-Star Week.

“With baseball deeply woven into the fabric of American culture, this moment becomes more than a marquee sporting event, it’s a celebration of tradition, unity, and shared experience,” MLB Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Events Jeremiah Yolkut said. “Set within a year when Philadelphia will host the world, All-Star Week captures a uniquely American perspective on that global spotlight, rooted in heritage, community, and the enduring spirit of the game.”

Here is everything baseball fans need to know about the Midsummer Classic—from catching the on-field action to finding the best hotels and exploring Philadelphia’s top baseball-themed attractions.

2026 MLB All-Star Game: Essential Guide

Host Venue: Citizens Bank Park

All-Star Week Festivities: Friday, July 10 – Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Who is participating? Approximately 70 of MLB’s biggest stars as picked by fans, coaches and the league office.

Defending All-Star Game MVP: Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber.

What other events will take place?

HBCU’s best will be on display at the HBCU Swingman Classic; youth players will compete in the Jennie Finch Classic presented by ARM & HAMMER & All-Star Commissioner’s Cup; Baseball’s next stars will be picked at the 2026 MLB Draft; fans can get immersed at the Capital One All-Star Village; All-Star Sunday features baseball’s brightest prospects and MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3; and MLB’s stars will be swinging for the fences during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby.

Philadelphia’s All-Star Game History

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is a marquee highlight of Philadelphia’s summer-long Semiquincentennial Celebration.  This continues a proud Cradle of Liberty tradition from 1976, when Veterans Stadium hosted the game during the nation’s Bicentennial.

2026 marks the fifth time Philadelphia has hosted baseball’s Midsummer Classic, following previous games in 1943, 1952, 1976, and 1996. Those legendary match-ups featured Hall of Famers like Jackie Robinson, Stan Musial, Tom Seaver, and local native Mike Piazza. This summer will be the first time Citizens Bank Park serves as host of the game since its opening in 2004.

2026 All-Star Week: How to Get in on the Fun

The game itself is just one part of the festivities during All-Star Week. (Note all times EST)

HBCU Swingman Classic

When: Friday, July 10, 7 p.m.

Where: Citizens Bank Park

What: Co-created by Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., the Swingman Classic features 50 elite Division-I student-athletes representing Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU). Beyond the high-level talent on the field, fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with ceremonies, entertainment, and music in true HBCU spirit. Tickets start at just $28.

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Jennie Finch Classic

Presented by ARM & HAMMER & All-Star Commissioner’s Cup

When: July 10 to 13

Where: Preliminary rounds (July 10 to 12) at Philadelphia Phillies Urban Youth Academy in FDR Park; Championships (July 13) at University of Pennsylvania

What: Named for the softball legend, the Jennie Finch Classic features top youth softball players (17 and under) from MLB Youth Academies and the Jennie Finch program. Simultaneously, the Commissioner’s Cup showcases premier youth baseball talent from MLB Youth Academies across the United States and Puerto Rico. These tournaments highlight baseball’s future while providing a platform to compete on a national stage.

Capital One All-Star Village

When: July 11 to 14

Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center (Center City)

What: An immersive fan experience that promises to deliver “the ultimate baseball fan experience.” Expect interactive contests, prizes, player meet-and-greets, and local ballpark food. Young baseball players won’t want to miss PLAY BALL PARK. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express

When: Saturday, July 11, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center Grand Hall (across from Capital One All-Star Village)

What: For the sixth consecutive year, the MLB Draft coincides with All-Star Week festivities. The opening rounds—where the next generation of baseball stars will be selected—are FREE and open to the public. The Chicago White Sox are on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick. Expect more details in the near future.

All-Star Sunday

When: Sunday, July 12

Where: Citizens Bank Park

What: A true doubleheader. The All-Star Futures Game kicks off the afternoon, showcasing the game’s top prospects who might one day be All-Stars themselves. Besides the 7-inning game, witness incredible minor league promotions, mascots, and entertainment.  The day concludes with the  MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 event — a fast-paced, 3-on-3 knockout competition featuring celebrities, softball icons, and MLB legends showing off power hitting, strategy, and teamwork.

Gatorade All-Star Workout Day & T-Mobile Home Run Derby

When: Monday, July 13, 8 p.m.

Where: Citizens Bank Park

What: Watch the All-Stars hit the field for practice before the signature pregame event: the Home Run Derby. Eight elite sluggers will swing for the fences in hopes of claiming the derby crown. Past winners include Hall of Famers Dave Parker, Andre Dawson, Cal Ripken, Ryne Sandberg, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and David Ortiz, and current stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and last year’s champ, Cal Raleigh.

All-Star Red Carpet Show

When: Tuesday, July 14

Where: TBD

What: Watch baseball’s biggest stars showcase their personal style and walk the carpet with their families as they make grand appearances ahead of the Midsummer Classic. This event will air on MLB Network, with the specific Philadelphia location still to be announced.

MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard

When: Tuesday, July 14, 8 p.m.

Where: Citizens Bank Park

What: The grand finale. The best players in baseball share one field as the American League All-Stars battle the National League All-Stars.

Baseball-themed Spots to Check Out When in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a baseball town through and through, with the Phillies playing continuously in the city since 1883. Philly’s deep baseball history is vividly displayed on the sides of several buildings. The Phillies Mural (24th & Walnut Streets) along the Schuylkill River is a short walk from many Center City hotels. Other essential baseball art by David McShane includes the Philadelphia Stars Negro League Baseball Mural (4304 Parkside Ave.) in West Philadelphia, the Jackie Robinson “sliding into home” painting (2803 N. Broad St.) in North Philadelphia, and the City of Champions Mural (2701 Grant Ave.) in Northeast Philadelphia, featuring Mike Schmidt, Chase Utley, and other legends.

You can also get in some swings of your own without leaving the city. The Yard at South Bowl (19 E. Oregon Ave.) is a short drive from Citizens Bank Park and features several outdoor batting cages amid a beer garden-like atmosphere during the summer months.

Catch the Best Sports Action While in Town for All-Star Festivities

Whether you’re in town for an All-Star Week event or just want to be near the energy, there are several “home run” options to choose from.

Any visit to the South Philly Sports Complex isn’t complete without a stop at Stateside Live! With its massive television screens and wide array of food options, you’ll get that authentic stadium atmosphere. You can also head over to Sports & Social at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia to grab tasty bites and drinks while placing wagers on the action. Not far from the complex is the iconic Chickie’s and Pete’s, offering its “World Famous Crabfries,” plenty of screens, and a deep tap list.

You don’t have to venture out of Center City to capture the baseball bar vibe. Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse (1913 Sansom St,), City Tap House (100 N. 18th St.), Founding Fathers (1612 South St.), and Misconduct Tavern (two locations) are all local favorites for catching games. If you want to soak in history with your baseball, visit McGillin’s Olde Ale House (1310 Drury St .) — older than the Phillies, it has been a city staple since 1860.

Hotels That Will Get You “On Deck” for MLB All-Star Week

Be sure to book your room before stepping up to the plate for All-Star Week. Hotels closest to the ballpark in South Philly include Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard, and Holiday Inn Philadelphia Airport-Stadium Area.

To stay near the Capital One All-Star Village in Center City and major public transportation, consider the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, Four Seasons Philadelphia, The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, or Loews Philadelphia.

Looking for a fresh place to stay? Here’s a full list of new and recently renovated hotels that are worth getting into the batter’s box for.

Summer of Big Events for America 250

In 1976, numerous premier sporting events picked Philadelphia as their home in honor of America’s Bicentennial. 2026 will be no different. This same summer, Philadelphia will welcome visitors worldwide as a host city for the PGA Championship, U.S. Amateur Golf Championship, UFC 330, and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia®

Sporting Events Inspire Tourism

Sporting events are a vital pillar of Philadelphia’s tourism economy. This was demonstrated by the success of the 2017 NFL Draft, multiple NCAA Championships, and decades of hosting the Army-Navy Game. The MLB All-Star Game is expected to attract thousands of fans and generate over 30,000 hotel room nights.

PHL Sports, the sporting division of the PHLCVB, facilitates these major events and connects planners with regional partners to ensure every visit is a “grand slam.”