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Washington, DC Prepares For 250th Anniversary Celebration In 2026

Washington, DC, has announced 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026
Washington, DC, has announced celebrations for 250th anniversary in 2026 [Image by Anthony Quintano on Wikimedia Commons]
Washington, DC has announced plans to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026. This marks 250 years since signing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776. Moreover, Washington, DC will serve as center stage for America’s grand celebration, with its international symbols of independence, rich history and local culture.

Washington, DC gears up to celebrate 250th anniversary in 2026

Destination DC and a growing list of more than 70 participating organizations have announced plans for a year-round celebration in 2026. The celebrations will be held on the National Mall and in cultural and historic institutions, museums, local attractions, hotels and restaurants.

US Capitol, Washington, DC
US Capitol, Washington, DC [Image by Jacqui from Pixabay]
Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC said of the celebrations:

As an economic development organization, our job is to grow visitation to Washington, DC to benefit residents and local businesses.

The collective strength of the partners working together will draw visitors all year. No other city offers so many cultural experiences, many of them free. Visitors and residents alike can discover American history and appreciate DC’s local cultural identity at museums, theaters, public art institutions, restaurants, hotels, exciting sports and special events and more.

Washington, DC
Washington, DC [Image by Pixabay]
Meanwhile, Murial Bowser, Mayor of Washington, DC said:

Washington, DC is America’s front door, and we look forward to hosting the biggest and best semi-quincentennial celebration in the country. We know that there is no place in the world that tells the story of America better than Washington, DC.

So, our message to fellow Americans is this: Start planning your trips to DC now – we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Celebrations, fireworks and a grand parade

Fireworks over Washington, DC, USA
Fireworks over Washington, DC, USA [Image by GPA Photo Archive US Department of State on Flickr]
On July 4, 2026, Washington, DC, will celebrate with a grand parade and fireworks, as well as a two-day celebration on Pennsylvania Avenue. Moreover, a month-long festival is planned on the National Mall.

Among the many events on the 2026 calendar, the following are other seasonal activities and festivals:

  • America’s Presidents – National Portrait Gallery
  • Road to Revolution – National Archives
  • Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence – DAR Museum
  • 14 Special Exhibitions and Installations – National Gallery of Art
  • Coming Together – National Building Museum
  • Amy Sherald: American Sublime – National Portrait Gallery
  • The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today
  • 51 Steps to Freedom Trail
  • The Promise of Us – Kennedy Center to include:
  • A Song for Us
  • National Scrollathon Exhibition
  • Sounds of US at the REACH
  • Our Nation on the Millennium Stage
  • Kennedy Center Arts Hackathon
  • Portraits of US
  • National Mall 250: Our Monumental Moment
  • Community Engagement Space – National Gallery of Art
  • Language & Liberty: Words that Shaped America – Planet Word Museum
  • President’s Day – Citywide
  • American Apparitions: A Psychogeography Project – Rorschach Theatre
  • 19th Amendment, Emancipation Proclamation – National Archives
  • In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness – National Museum of American History
  • Revolution in their Words: How the Cause Became the Revolution – DAR Museum
  • Wendy Red Star: Whispering Spirit – National Portrait Gallery
  • National Cherry Blossom Festival – Citywide
  • National Mall 250 Signature Series
  • Photographic Memory: Fifty Years of Photography – National Portrait Gallery
  • Memorial Day Festivities – Citywide
  • National Museum of Exploration opening
  • Spirit of Independence Festival – National Archives
  • National Gallery Block Party – National Gallery of Art
  • The Smithsonian 250th Festival – National Mall
  • National Air and Space Museum 50th Anniversary
  • July 4th Spectacular on Penn Avenue – Pennsylvania Avenue
  • Fourth of July Celebration – National Mall
  • DC JazzFest – Citywide
  • Beyond Granite – National Mall
  • Hirschorn Sculpture Garden Revitalization
  • Past and Future Cities – National Museum Building
  • International Day of Peace – Citywide
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture 10th Anniversary
  • Veterans Day – Citywide

When planning a visit to Washington, DC, in 2026, check the Visit DC page on Washington, DC’s official website.

 

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