Firstival Philadelphia: Free Weather Science at The Franklin Institute
Celebrate the First Weather Bureau: 1870
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 11 am - 1 pm | Franklin Hall
Celebrate Philadelphia’s weather-science legacy at Firstival, a free event at The Franklin Institute. The event is part of 52 Weeks of Firsts, a series of free Saturday festivals held throughout Philadelphia in 2026 to spotlight the people, places, and innovations that helped shape American history.
Meet weather experts, see science demonstrations, and try hands-on activities while exploring Philadelphia’s role in the history of weather forecasting.
Firstival programming in Franklin Hall is free. A separate museum admission ticket is required to visit the museum’s exhibits.
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Discover Philadelphia’s First Weather Bureau
Philadelphia became home to the first U.S. Weather Bureau office in 1870, when it opened as part of the Signal Service. That milestone helped lay the groundwork for modern meteorology. Today, The Franklin Institute’s iconic No. 1 sculpture celebrates this historic milestone and the city’s legacy of scientific innovation.
Weather Instruments in our Collections
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Explore Weather Science with Hands-On Activities
Firstival visitors can explore free weather science programming in Franklin Hall, including:
- Weather Show: Join NBC10 First Alert Meteorologist Brittney Shipp for a live exploration of how meteorologists observe, understand, and forecast changing weather.
- Giant Cloud Demonstration: Watch a cloud form up close and explore how temperature, moisture, and atmospheric conditions shape clouds.
- Hands-On Activity Tables: Discover weather through interactive activities with partners from the National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Firstival at The Franklin Institute?
Firstival takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm in Franklin Hall at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
Is Firstival at The Franklin Institute free?
Yes. Firstival programming in Franklin Hall is free and features weather science demonstrations, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn about Philadelphia’s role in the history of weather forecasting. General museum admission is separate.
What can visitors do at Firstival?
Visitors can see a Weather Show with NBC10 First Alert Meteorologist Brittney Shipp, experience a giant cloud demonstration, and try hands-on weather science activities with representatives from the National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly Office. The event celebrates Philadelphia’s role in establishing the first U.S. Weather Bureau office in 1870 as part of 52 Weeks of Firsts for America’s 250th birthday.