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What's happening on the Ben Franklin Bridge this Saturday?

By Kaitlyn McCormick, USA TODAY NETWORK USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
A PATCO train speeds across the Ben Franklin Bridge, which this month is celebrating its 100th anniversary. A parking-lot sign warns against parking near the Delaware River, which passes under the nearby Ben Franklin Bridge.
A PATCO train speeds across the Ben Franklin Bridge, which this month is celebrating its 100th anniversary. A parking-lot sign warns against parking near the Delaware River, which passes under the nearby Ben Franklin Bridge. Jim Walsh/Courier-Post USA TODAY Network, Reuters

If you've always wanted to party on the Ben Franklin Bridge (without the cars), tomorrow is your time to shine.

In celebration of the iconic bridge's 100th anniversary, the structure will be closed to vehicular traffic to give guests the opportunity to walk the bridge, grab a bite from a number of food trucks, check out family fun and more.

Here's what you need to know about attending.

Is the Ben Franklin Bridge celebration this weekend free?

Yes, the event is free to attend, though registration is highly encouraged.

Registration can be found through the Delaware River Port Authority website.

What is happening on the Ben Franklin Bridge Saturday, July 11

The DRPA has a long list of celebrations set up for families and individuals visiting the bridge Saturday.

In addition to just walking the main roadways of the bridge, family entertainment like face painting, yard games and inflatables will be available.

Food trucks, local vendors and even a live DJ will also be on deck for the event, alongside appearances by both the Philadelphia and Camden mayor and other special guests.

For those more interested in the historic side, the event will include a number of educational displays, photographs, artifacts and interactive components.

There will even be an opportunity for guests to check out the construction equipment used to maintain and operate the bridge, like the "zipper truck" that transfers the barriers on the bridge.

How to get to the Ben Franklin Bridge celebration Saturday

If you're coming from Philly for the event, you'll want to head toward the Camden side of the bridge.

Guests can either walk from Philly to Camden on the westbound roadway lanes or utilize other transportation like the PATCO or driving.

While the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic, guests can use either the Walt Whitman or Betsy Ross Bridges to get to Camden, where the main event area will take place near the toll plaza. They can park free at select Rutgers University lots or paid at the Camden County College garage or paid street parking.

The PATCO will be operating at an increased schedule for the event, and guests can take the line from any of its Philadelphia stations to Camden's City Hall station or Philadelphia's Franklin Square Station, and complimentary shuttles to the bridge will be available.

Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's happening on the Ben Franklin Bridge this Saturday?

Reporting by Kaitlyn McCormick, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 12:47 PM.