America 250: A Stroll Through West Chester
Sunday, August 2, 2026 4:00-8:00 PM
Gay Street between High & Walnut
West Chester, PA
Visit the West Chester Film Festival as we show "The Mushroom Man" as part of A Stroll Through West Chester.
About The Mushroom Man:
This 23 minute documentary profiles the life saving work of American Hero and West Chester resident Raymond Rettew who was the first person in the world to mass produce penicillin, changing the course of modern medicine. The documentary highlights Rettew's amazing discovery, as well as the involvement of his beloved town West Chester and it's people. More importantly it gives incite into the man through heartwarming interviews with his two children, as well as other experts and members of the West Chester community. This is a story that's never been told and is about passion and the dedication of a brilliant chemist who took his work producing spawn for the mushroom industry and turned it into a ground breaking discovery which saved thousands of lives during the end of World War II. As producers we are dedicated to giving this story the important historical perspective and role it deserves in American history.
The West Chester Area Council of Governments (WCACOG) invites you to a one-of-a-kind living history America250 celebration along Gay Street, highlighting Chester County and the United States from 1776 through 2026… and beyond.
From 4pm–8pm, enjoy a free Block Party featuring living history displays, activities, food, music, and family-friendly fun. Then at 9pm, look to the skies for a spectacular drone show celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Highlights include:
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4pm: Reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a flag raising ceremony at the Historic Courthouse
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4pm to 8pm: A FREE “Living History Block Party” featuring live music, exhibits, kids’ activities, restaurant specials, and more along Gay Street
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9pm: Ticketed Rooftop Viewing Parties with the best views of the Drone Show at the Chestnut Street & Bicentennial Garages
Want the best view? Purchase a ticket to the Rooftop Drone Show Viewing Party on the Chestnut Street Garage rooftop (sold out!) OR the Bicentennial Garage rooftop.
Your $10 ticket includes:
• Access to the Chestnut Street/Bicentennial Garage rooftop
• Prime viewing of the 9pm drone show
• Live music
The America250 Block Party is free to attend. Tickets are only required for the Rooftop Drone Show Viewing Party.
For more info, please visit the West Chester Parks and Recreation website or follow them on Facebook!
Noche de Shorts
Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM
45 S 3rd St, Oxford, PA 19363
This September, The Pearl partners with the West Chester Film Festival for an evening of short films that celebrate Latino voices, stories, and the many ways they shape and enrich our communities.
On Saturday, September 12 we open our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with a curated selection of shorts chosen to move us and remind us of the richness Latino artists bring to the screen.
There’s magic in short films. In just a few minutes, a filmmaker can present us with an entire world, a whole feeling, a story that never leaves us. Our friends at West Chester Film Festival will curate a program of films that speak to our community and welcome everyone who loves a great story well told.
Come early, stay late, and let us kick off Hispanic Heritage Month together.