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Birthplace of the Declaration of Independence
America250 Time Capsule dedication
Major museum exhibits
Historic-site programming
Year-long national commemorations
Wawa Welcome America festival runs for 2+ weeks and culminates with ceremonies, concerts, museum access, historic programming and major fireworks
52 weeks of firsts (achievements that originated in Philadelphia)
Red, White & Blue-to-do (July 2) which includes a parade traveling along Independence Mall and performances at eight different historical sites in the city

3. NEW YORK CITY, NY

Sail 4th 250 tall ship fleet
International naval vessels
Harbor parade of ships
America250 broadcast events
Historic July 3 Times Square Ball Drop
Expanded fireworks programming
One of the largest maritime celebrations in U.S. history

4. LOS ANGELES, CA

Official national America250 Block Party
Massive concert and nationwide broadcast live from the Coliseum. Anticipated audience of 50,000 plus and national live stream coverage

TOP 10 MUST SEE EVENTS

Salute to America 250—Washington, D.C. (July 4)
Military parade, fireworks, and cultural showcases on the National Mall.
Mount Rushmore Fireworks—South Dakota (July 3)
A spectacular Independence Day celebration at an iconic landmark.
Battle of Princeton Reenactment—New Jersey (January 4)
Step back into Revolutionary history with this dramatic reenactment.
Stories in the Sky Drone Shows—Colorado (from September 2025 through December 2026)
High-tech storytelling through choreographed drone light displays.
Henry Ford Museum Celebration—Michigan (March 21-Jan 18, 2027)
A yearlong tribute to American innovation and ingenuity.
UFC Championship Event—White House Lawn (June 14)
A historic sports spectacle in an unprecedented setting.
National Archives Exhibition: "Free and Independent"—Washington, D.C. (through 2027)
Explore the documents that shaped America’s founding. The National Archives is also home to the original Declaration of Independence, on display year-round. This exhibition will be an opportunity to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration, illuminating the ways Americans have marked July 4, the major anniversaries of the signing (i.e., 50th, 100th, 150th, 200th), and how the ideals and spirit of the document have appeared in culture, art, and society throughout the years.
National Gallery of Art Semiquincentennial Exhibitions—Washington, D.C. (throughout 2026)
Exhibitions exploring 250 years of American creativity from across the nation.
Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous—Vincennes, Indiana (May 23 and 24)
"Midwest’s premier revolutionary war reenactment."
Copland & Twain Concert—Milwaukee Symphony Center (May 8-10)
A musical celebration blending American classics and literary heritage.

STORIES IN THE SKY AND MILE HIGH HOLIDAYS DRONE SPECTACULAR

When: Various dates throughout 2026

Where: Various cities

The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, Colorado Tourism Office and Visit Denver are hosting two drone event series throughout 2026. The first, Stories in the Sky, will bring drone shows that tell historical stories throughout Colorado. The tour kicked off in September 2025 and will continue through 2026.

SAIL250

When: May 28-July 16, 2026

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana; Norfolk, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; New York City, New York; and Boston, Massachusetts

Sail250 is a multi-city celebration of maritime history. More than 60 ships from 20 countries, including tall ships, military vessels and character ships, will travel along the Gulf of America and East Coast between May and July 2026. Each state is hosting its own collection of events related to the tour.

A CELEBRATION OF OUR ROLE IN THE WORLD

When: June 11, 2026

Where: George Washington's Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, Virginia

Global ambassadors at George Washington's Mount Vernon will meet to discuss the "challenges and opportunities faced by democracies today and celebrate our shared role in the world," per the America250 website. Details about what ambassadors will attend the event had yet to be shared, as of Nov. 24.

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH REENACTMENT

When: June 19-21

Where: Monmouth Battlefield Visitor Center in Manalapan Township, New Jersey

The annual reenactment of Battle of Monmouth will be held over an entire weekend in June 2026. Hundreds of troops will camp at the park for the weekend, recreating scenarios of the battle. Lectures and workshops will also be available to the public. The event is free but a $10 donation is suggested. More details about the weekend will be shared in 2026.

The Battle of Monmouth, which occurred on June 28, 1778, marked the end of the end of the Philadelphia Campaign and the longest single day of combat in the American Revolutionary War, according to George Washington's Mount Vernon. George Washington led the Continental Army against the British during this historical battle.

BOSTON HARBORFEST (JULY 2-4)

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (July 4)

GREAT AMERICAN ROADTRIP

Dept. of Transportation encouraging citizens to get on road and see celebrations across country
Mesa Verde Natl. Park
Alamo
Mount Rushmore
Theodore Roosevelt Natl. Park

CHICAGO SYMPHONY DATES

America 250: A Musical Journey | Chicago Symphony Orchestra

REENACTMENTS

Fort Ticonderoga reenactment- immersive reenactment of events proceeding and following battle REAL TIME REVOLUTION® | Fort Ticonderoga
Washington Crossing Delaware in December The Crossing Reenactment | Washington Crossing Historic Park

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL

June 4-6 festival at National Archives in Washington D.C. where activities like reenactments and dramatic readings will be hosted Kicking Off America’s 250th at the National Archives - National Archives Foundation

FESTIVITIES AT MOUNT VERNON

America 250 | George Washington's Mount Vernon

THEORORE ROOSEVELT PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

Scheduled to open on July 4 in Medora, North Dakota and will provide never before seen access into the life of the 26th president Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library | Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Around 1 to 4 July 2026, Gettysburg will host reenactments, guided battlefield walks, concerts, and a “Gettysburg Fourth” with food stalls and community events.

GETTYSBURG, PA

Around 1 to 4 July 2026, Gettysburg will host reenactments, guided battlefield walks, concerts, and a “Gettysburg Fourth” with food stalls and community events.