America 250 Events

The Source – Library of Congress | Opens May 5^th

• Years in the making, this new gallery shows young researchers how they can utilize primary source collections at the largest library in the world.

Bison: Standing Strong – National Museum of National History | Opens May 7^th

• The popular museum spotlights the complex tale of the American bison, the United States’ official national mammal, through exhibitions, displays and programming as part of DC’s celebrations. Larger-than-life bronze bison statues are now on view outside the museum entrance.

In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness – National Museum of American History | Opens May 14^th

• A bold exhibition explores the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Across three floors, visitors can encounter 250 significant objects, including the desk Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and gloves worn by a “Miracle on Ice” hockey player.

America’s Presidents – National Portrait Gallery | Reopens May 14^th

• The permanent gallery features the only complete collection of presidential portraits on view outside of the White House.

Othello – Shakespeare Theatre Company | May 19^th- June 28^th

• Wendell Pierce returns to Shakespeare Theatre Company for the first time since 1987 in this powerful production.

Smithsonian Castle to Reopen – May 22^nd-Sept. 7^th

• The Smithsonian Institution Building, known as the Castle, temporarily reopens to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day with a new visitor center, café, shop and a special exhibition titled American Aspirations.

Memorial Day Festivities – May 23-25th

• Salute active-duty military and veterans at the Rolling to Remember honor ride and patriotic concert as well as America’s largest Memorial Day parade, set to follow an extended route to conclude at Arlington National Cemetery. The National Mall and Memorial Parks also plan expanded programming.

Passport DC – May 1-31^st

• A month of programming highlights DC’s international cultures, featuring the Around the World Embassy Tours and European Union Open House.

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project – Rorschach Theatre | May-Sept.

• Delve into the ghosts, divinations and delusions of a country on its milestone anniversary and revive long dead Americans whose presence continues to echo through the capital city

State Fairs: Growing American Craft – Renwick Gallery | Through Sept. 7^th

• After five years of research and months of preparation, the Renwick Gallery debuts the first exhibit to survey American state fairs’ unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. Personal stories and regional traditions will be showcased across more than 240 artworks. Highlights include a life-size butter cow made on-site, size-96 boots from the State Fair of Texas and a pyramid of 700 glass jars of preserved fruits and vegetables. 

America’s State Flowers – U.S. Botanic Gardens | Through Oct. 1

• The U.S. Botanic Garden displays the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as their official flower.

Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience – National Gallery of Art | Through Sept. 20

• More than 100 works on paper show how artists have explored the American experience over the last 250 years through depictions of the country’s landscape, people and concepts of freedom.

Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington – Tudor Place | Through Dec. 31^st.

• The exhibition explores the 1802 public sale of Martha Washington’s household contents at Mount Vernon, revealing what the Washingtons’ worldly belongings and the people who desired them can tell us about the values, aspirations and divisions of early American society. America 250 at Tudor Place will feature additional, special programming throughout the year. 

Celebrating 250 Years – Capitol Visitors Center | Ongoing

• Programming includes a special exhibit entitled Spirit of '76 as well as curator talks, public programming and a specialty menu at the Capitol Restaurant.

Spying Launched a Nation – International Spy Museum | On-going

• This newly renovated exhibit contains a letter from 1777 written by George Washington authorizing America’s first official effort at espionage. The fully immersive experience is narrated by Chris Jackson, best known for his role as George Washington in the original cast of Hamilton.

*UFC Freedom 250 – South Lawn of the White House | June 14^th

• Fan Fest: A two-day event (June 13–14) at The Ellipse in Washington, D.C., featuring, meet-and-greets with fighters, and WWE Superstar appearances.
• Watch Party: A massive outdoor viewing of the fight card will take place on The Ellipse for the public.

*Please note: We cannot help secure private White House lawn viewing tickets 

*The Freedom 250 Grand Prix – National Mall | Aug. 21-23 

• Part of America’s 250^th anniversary celebration, the Inaugural NTT IndyCar series street race will be the first-ever auto race held on our National Mall

*Please note: We cannot help secure private event tickets

Great American State Fair – June 25^th – July 11^th

• A world-class exposition and modern-day World’s Fair celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth. Featuring more than 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators, and civic organizations, the Great American State Fair will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall.

Stars & Stories Fest - June 5^th | 9:30am-2pm  

• Modeled after a classic neighborhood Fourth of July gathering, Stars & Stories Fest features historical reenactors, family-friendly activities, Disney music, patriotic selfie stations and opportunities to explore family history through Ancestry activations. NBC4 Washington’s Tommy McFly will emcee the event.

Yappy House – June 6^th | 9-11am 

• Dog lovers can bring their patriotic pups to the National Archives lawn for Yappy Hour, a playful morning featuring pet-friendly activities, local and national animal organizations and family-focused entertainment. Proof of rabies vaccine required.

Salute To Service – June 6^th | 9am-2pm

• In honor of the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army and Navy and the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, Salute to Service celebrates military service and sacrifice with live performances, interactive experiences and historical displays, including a Vietnam War Army helicopter.

Taste of America – June 5^th 7-11pm

• Presented in partnership with the National Restaurant Association and Drink Company, this culinary event showcases flavors and traditions from across the country with celebrity chefs, specialty drinks and live entertainment. DC-based beverage entrepreneur LP O’Brien will emcee the specialty drinks experience.

One Nation, Many Stories Gala – June 6^th | 7-11pm

• The festival concludes with a black-tie gala featuring award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter and history teacher and influencer Lauren Cella for an evening centered on American storytelling, reflection and history.

FIFA World Cup Fan Zone | June 11^th - July 19^th

• FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Washington D.C. will be set against the backdrop of America's 250th anniversary celebration and will serve as a premier destination for fans from across the country and around the world to gather in the nation's capital. The experience will celebrate the global spirit of competition, unity, and freedom while welcoming millions of visitors to Washington, D.C. during one of the world's largest sporting events.

For more events, info, and RSVP links please visit: dc250.us/events & https://freedom250.org/celebration