The opening salvo of Semiquincentennial celebrations — a grand military parade marking the Army's 250th birthday and kicking off the year of festivities.
Jul3
National
America250 Events Formally Begin
Nationwide
America250's official program of events launched, with activities beginning across the country in communities large and small.
Dec31
Washington D.C.
Washington Monument 360° Projection & New Year's Show
National Mall, Washington D.C.
For six nights beginning New Year's Eve, the Washington Monument was transformed into a 360° storytelling canvas with precision projection mapping, depicting the story of America's 250-year journey.
January 2026 — Completed
Jan21
Traveling
Freedom Plane National Tour Announced
8 Cities Nationwide · Free Admission
A customized Boeing 737 carrying rare original founding documents — including George Washington's Oath of Allegiance and an 1823 engraving of the Declaration — announced for an 8-city tour through August 2026.
Jan29
National
Presidential Proclamation: 2026 Named Year of Celebration & Rededication
The White House, Washington D.C.
President Trump formally designated 2026 as a Year of Celebration and Rededication, committing the full federal government to the Semiquincentennial commemoration.
February 2026 — Completed
Feb8
National
Freedom 250 PSA Airs During Super Bowl LX
Nationwide Broadcast
A Freedom 250 public service announcement reached tens of millions of Super Bowl LX viewers, spotlighting the full calendar of 250th anniversary events.
Feb–
Traveling
Six Freedom Truck Mobile Museums Launch National Tour
Hundreds of Communities Nationwide
A fleet of six custom Freedom Truck mobile museums began crisscrossing the country, carrying an immersive American history exhibition including a gallery of 50 American heroes to schools and communities.
March 2026 — Completed
Mar2
Traveling
Freedom Plane Departs D.C. — National Tour Begins
Kansas City → Atlanta → Los Angeles → Houston → Denver → Miami → Dearborn → Seattle
The Freedom Plane departed Reagan National Airport for Kansas City, kicking off an 8-city tour of rare founding documents through August 2026. All stops free to the public.
May 2026 — Completed
May17
Washington D.C.Faith
Rededicate 250 — National Day of Faith & Prayer on the Mall
National Mall, Washington D.C. · 8 AM–7 PM · Free
A large-scale gathering combining morning worship before the U.S. Capitol with an evening of music, prayer, and testimonies. Headlined by Grammy-winner Chris Tomlin. Speakers included Speaker Mike Johnson, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Rev. Franklin Graham, and Secretary of State Rubio.
June 2026
Jun25
Washington D.C.Signature Event
Great American State Fair Opens — National Mall
U.S. Capitol to Washington Monument · Free Admission · Through July 10
A 16-day World's Fair–scale exposition stretching the length of the National Mall. All 56 states and territories. Nightly concerts featuring Martina McBride, The Commodores, Flo Rida, Bret Michaels, and Morris Day and The Time. A 110-foot Ferris wheel, military demos, innovation showcases, and state pavilions.
July 2026 — The Main Event
Jul3
Washington D.C.
A Capitol Fourth — Star-Studded Concert on the Mall
National Mall, Washington D.C. · 8 PM · Airs on PBS
The annual star-studded Independence Day concert on the National Mall airs live on PBS. Arrive early for the best spots. The evening's fireworks celebration continues July 4th.
Jul3
Washington D.C.
The Declaration's Promise — Library of Congress Opens
Library of Congress, Washington D.C.
A special exhibition opens featuring Thomas Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address among its featured treasures.
Jul3
New York CitySignature Event
Times Square Special Midnight Countdown to July 4th
Times Square, New York, NY
A special one-night edition of the Times Square ball drop countdown, in partnership with America250, marking the moment America turns 250 at midnight on July 4th.
Jul4
Washington D.C.Signature Event
Salute to America 250 — Independence Day Celebration on the Mall
National Mall, Washington D.C.
The centerpiece of the nation's 250th birthday — a massive Independence Day gathering on the National Mall featuring live performances, military demonstrations, and the largest fireworks display in Washington's history.
Jul4
New York CitySignature Event
OpSail 2026 & International Naval Fleet Review
New York Harbor, New York
The U.S. Navy hosts the 7th International Fleet Review in New York Harbor — approximately 60 ships from 30 countries expected. One of the most spectacular maritime gatherings in American history.
Jul4
NationwideSignature Event
America's Block Party — Synchronized National Gathering
Every Community Across the United States
The largest synchronized July 4th gathering in U.S. history. Millions of Americans come together in registered neighborhoods nationwide — from small towns to major cities — at the same moment on America's 250th birthday.
Jul4
Nationwide
Giving 4th — National Day of Charitable Giving
Every City, Town & Community
A movement to make July 4, 2026 the single largest day of charitable giving in U.S. history. Americans donate, volunteer, and support causes that strengthen their communities.
Jul4
Philadelphia
Never Forgetting — A Ceremony of Remembrance
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A solemn and lasting ceremony of remembrance — honoring the fallen, preserving the memory of today, and burying a Congress-authorized time capsule so future generations may know where we stood. Americans are invited to contribute stories and objects to this historic capsule.
Jul10
Washington D.C.
Great American State Fair Closes
National Mall, Washington D.C.
Final day of the 16-day Great American State Fair on the National Mall.
Fall 2026 — Coming Up
Sep2
Washington D.C.
DC JazzFest 2026 — "The Future of Jazz: America's Next 250 Years"
Citywide, including The Wharf · Sept. 2–6
The 2026 DC JazzFest honors jazz as both a reflection of American history and a forward-looking art form. Free and ticketed events throughout the city.
Sep24
Washington D.C.
Smithsonian NMAAHC 10th Anniversary & America250 Block Party
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture · Sept. 24–27
The museum marks its 10th anniversary alongside America's 250th with new exhibitions, "Welcome Home: Our Legacy Continues," expanded educational programming, and a public block party.
Oct–
Washington D.C.
Desert Shield / Desert Storm Memorial Dedication
Constitution Avenue at 23rd Street NW, Washington D.C.
Dedication of the new memorial honoring veterans of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, coinciding with America's 250th anniversary year.
Oct–
Washington D.C.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden Reopens After Major Renovation
Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum, Washington D.C.
The 1.4-acre art park reopens after the largest renovation in its 50-year history, featuring outdoor sculpture, time-based artwork, large-scale commissions, dining, and public education spaces.