America Celebrate 250 Years
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Come celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial with special events throughout our museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. Get a glimpse of the Declaration of Independence, the nation’s founding document. Experience monumental attractions on the National Mall, center stage for American history. As we look forward to America’s biggest birthday bash, enjoy everything from annual festivals and holiday celebrations to new museum exhibits, concerts and so much more. Check back often as we add new events confirmed.
JANUARY
Our Nation on the Millennium Stage (Kennedy Center)
January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027
Year-round performances celebrating diverse American artists from all 50 states.
https://washington.org/event/our-nation-millenniumstage
The Promise of Us (Kennedy Center)
January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027
A year-long initiative highlighting American choreographers and composers with new works in dance and music.
https://www.kennedy-center.org/our-story/blog?p=the-promise-ofus
FEBRUARY
Presidents’ Day Celebrations (Citywide)
February 16, 2026
Special events across the city to honor U.S. presidents, including parades, performances, and historical reenactments
.https://www.dccool.org/event/presidents-day
March
19th Amendment & Emancipation Proclamation Display (National Archives)
March 1, 2026- April 10, 2027
A special exhibit unveiling two pivotal documents of American history.
https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2024/nr24-40
In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness (American History)
March 1, 2026- April 10, 2027
A noteworthy artifact on display is the only surviving ship of the early U.S. Navy, the gunboat Philadelphia.
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_1340346
April
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National Cherry Blossom Festival (National Mall)
March 20-April 12, 2026
Ongoing festivities showcasing the beauty of spring with art, music, and cultural events. https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/
May
Photographic Memory (National Portrait Gallery)
May 15, 2026-February 28, 2027
A curated collection of historic photographs exploring 250 years of American life.
https://npg.si.edu/home/national-portrait-gallery
National Scrollathon (Kennedy Center)
May 26-Sepetmber 27, 2026
A massive collaborative art project connecting Americans to share the nation's story through textiles. https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/exhibits/2025-2026/national-scrollathon/
JUNE
Spirit of Independence Festival (National Archives)
June 5-7, 2026
A multi-day festival featuring live music, interactive exhibits, and historical presentations.
https://dc250.us/event/spirit-independence-festival
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Smithsonian 250th Summer Festival (Various Locations)
June 18-July 12, 2026
City-wide festivities marking America’s 250th anniversary with music, performances, and special exhibits. https://dc250.us/event/smithsonian-250th-summer-festival
JULY
Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Opening
July 1, 2026
Explore the hidden history beneath the Lincoln Memorial. https://dc250.us/experiences/lincoln-memorial-undercroft
Pennsylvania Ave Festival
July 3-5, 2026
Art, lights, and family fun downtown. https://dc250.us/event/july-4th-spectacular-pennsylvania-avenue-nw
Fourth of July on the Mall
July 4, 2026
Fireworks, concerts, and patriotic festivities. https://dc250.us/event/fourth-july-celebration-national-mall
AUGUST
Road to Revolution (National Archives)
August 6 , 2026
View rare founding documents at the Archives. https://dc250.us/event/road-revolution
NGA Summer Exhibits (National Mall)
August 2026- January 2027
15 installations on freedom and identity through art.
https://dc250.us/event/beyond-granite
SEPTEMBER
International Day of Peace Open House (U.S. Institute of Peace)
September 21, 2026
A day of reflection, featuring exhibits and discussions on peacebuilding and conflict resolution. https://washington.org/event/international-day-peace-open-house
National Museum of African American History & Culture 10th Anniversary (National Museum of African American History & Culture)
September 24, 2026
A special anniversary celebration marking a decade of impactful exhibitions and programs. https://washington.org/event/nmaahc-10th-anniversary-celebration
OCTOBER
Past and Future Cities Exhibition (National Building Museum) October 1, 2026- January 25, 2027
A thought-provoking exhibit examining the evolution of American cities and their future sustainability. https://dc250.us/event/past-and-future-cities
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden Revitalization (Hirshhorn Museum)
October 1, 2026-April 10, 2027
The grand reopening of the iconic sculpture garden with new installations and interactive public art. https://washington.org/event/anticipated-opening-hirshhorn-sculpture-garden-revitalization
NOVEMBER
Veterans Day Celebrations (Citywide)
November 11, 2026
A day dedicated to honoring the military, with parades, ceremonies, and special memorial events throughout the city. https://dc250.us/event/veterans-day
