There’s only one DC … and only one place to celebrate the biggest U.S. birthday yet.
2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a monumental moment being celebrated on stages across America. But nowhere is the celebration more spectacular than in the nation’s capital.
Explore the top events, exhibitions and celebrations happening throughout the year, including:
Major openings & re-openings
Can't-miss festivals & special events
Exhibits, theater & cultural experiences
Jump to: May | June | July | August | September | October | November
Once events are on the calendar, build the rest of the trip with exclusive deals and packages, plus mini-itineraries for every kind of traveler.
This Month (May)
Taste of History
National Mall
May 1
Kiosks across the National Mall and Memorial Parks now offer a reimagined food experience, including a Lincoln-inspired grilled cheese and cherry blossom ice cream.
The Source
Library of Congress
Opens May 5
Years in the making, this new gallery shows young researchers how they can utilize primary source collections at the largest library in the world.
Gary Staab
Bison: Standing Strong
National Museum of Natural History
Opens May 7
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
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
The permanent gallery features the only complete collection of presidential portraits on view outside of the White House.
1776
Ford’s Theatre
Through May 16
An insightful, vibrant and humorous take on the founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation. This robust, award-winning musical boldly brings the country’s beginnings to blazing life.
Othello
Shakespeare Theatre Company
May 19 – June 28
Wendell Pierce returns to Shakespeare Theatre Company for the first time since 1987 in this powerful production.
Smithsonian Castle to Temporarily Reopen
May 22 – Sept. 7
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 23-25
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.
Anacostia Community Museum: We Make History
May 30 – Jan. 2, 2028
The exhibition explores how history happens, is preserved and shared – a tribute to celebrating communities and making possible a better understanding of our shared past.
Passport DC
May 1-31
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
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.
Language & Liberty: Words that Shaped America (speaker series)
Planet Word Museum
Through July
Join Planet Word for a journey through the powerful and evolving language of American liberty, exploring how slogans, speeches, lyrics and more have shaped and reflected the American story.
America’s State Flowers
U.S. Botanic Garden
Through Oct. 1
The U.S. Botanic Garden displays the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as their official flower.
Ms. Americana: Historical Paintings by American Women Artists
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Through Oct. 11
NMWA presents a selection of historical works by American women artists, featuring still lifes, portraits and landscapes spanning the 18th to 20th centuries.
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.
Revolution in Their Words: Penning Independence
DAR Museum
Through Dec. 31
This exhibit focuses on the thoughts and words of people affected by the turmoil and anger between the colonies and the British leaders.
Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington
Tudor Place
Through Dec. 31
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.
Spirit of 2076
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Through Dec. 31
The exhibition asks, “As we celebrate 250 years, what will the next 50 years look like?” through immersive exhibits exploring ingenuity, perseverance and possibility.
Free and Independent
National Archives
Through July 2027
Meet the men who risked everything by signing America’s founding document.
Celebrating American Art
National Gallery of Art
The historical American galleries, which comprise a major section of the institution’s West Building, provide a compelling journey through the rich history of American art from the colonial era through the early 20th century.
Celebrating 250 Years
U.S. Capitol Visitor 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
Ongoing
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.
51 Steps to Freedom Trail
Throughout 2026, with the majority of interest points expected to launch in July
Through cutting-edge augmented reality, visitors can explore DC's hidden histories, from pivotal events to legendary figures, using “point your phone” technology to bring these figures to life.
250 Years of Beers
Dacha Beer Garden
Throughout 2026
A tour of beer through the 50 states. Each month, Dacha features beers from states in chronological order of when they entered the union.
African American Civil War Memorial Museum
U Street
Reopening 2026
The museum honors the role of 209,145 U.S. Colored Troops in ending slavery and keeping America united under one flag.
The American Story
National Archives
This all-new exhibit immerses guests in an interactive exploration of the people, ideas and events that shaped 250 years of U.S. history through nine galleries that spotlight records in the National Archives. The permanent exhibit utilizes artificial intelligence to find and match documents that align with the interests of every visitor, so no two guests have the same experience. See George Washington’s annotated draft of the Constitution, the Louisiana Purchase Treaty and patents for Thomas Edison’s lightbulb, Barbie and Yoda.
The American Story and adjacent Discovery Center for children are part of an extensive $40 million renovation, marking the first major transformation of the National Archives Museum in two decades.
Coming Together
National Building Museum
Through Fall 2026
Enjoy programs, activations and an exhibition all about the past, present and future of American cities. See how places all over the U.S. have reimagined and reshaped their downtown districts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
June
New Exhibits at the Jefferson Memorial
Early Summer
A dramatically improved visitor experience will bring more perspectives to Jefferson’s multi-faceted story through refreshed exhibits on the lower level.
Smithsonian Castle: American Aspirations
June 2 – July 26
Co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, American Aspirations brings together some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and consider how founding ideals have been interpreted across generations.
District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, DC Public Library
June 3
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of Washingtonians through images, artifacts, storytelling and free programs across the city.
National Archives Foundation
Spirit of Independence Festival for the 250th
National Archives
June 4-6
The one-month countdown to July 4 starts with a three-day festival on Constitution Avenue, featuring free daytime events and benefit experiences in the evening.
National Gallery Block Party
National Gallery of Art
June 6
The National Gallery will throw its largest ever public program, spanning the West Building, East Building and Sculpture Garden with indoor and outdoor artmaking, food, music, film screenings and more.
©Jasper Johns and ULAE, National Gallery of Art
American Icon: The US Flag in Art
National Gallery of Art
June 6 – Dec. 6
The exhibition spotlights more than 30 works from the late 1800s to today that illustrate changing uses and interpretations of the American flag.
UFC Freedom 250
White House Ellipse
June 14
A major sporting event on the White House Ellipse commemorates the 250th birthday of the United States with a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit.
America at the Table / EAT250
Citywide
June 14-28
Celebrate 250 years of American history through every flavor the DC region has to offer, with collaboration dinners, public talks, tastings, immersive experiences and prix-fixe menus at restaurants across the city.
Solstice Celebration
Smithsonian Museums
June 18-21
Smithsonian museums will stay open late with special programs, activities and performances.
Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its
International Spy Museum
June 19 – July 14
Ever wanted to write in invisible ink like George Washington? Slip a secret note to someone like Virginia Hall? If so, drop by the International Spy Museum to try your hand at real spy skills inspired by American history. Quick, hands-on activities for agents of ages 9+ will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
Great American State Fair
National Mall
June 25 – July 10
The National Mall transforms into a huge state fair for the entire country. From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all fifty states, territories and federal agencies showcase their food, culture and pride in an unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration.
Grand Opening: National Geographic Museum of Exploration
June 26
The groundbreaking attraction invites visitors to step into the world of National Geographic, sharing the excitement of exploration and discovery. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling, the museum illuminates the wildlife, landscapes, communities and cultures that make up our incredible planet. Guests are invited to engage with richly detailed exhibits that bring the extraordinary diversity of our planet into the heart of DC.
The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees
National Portrait Gallery
June 26 – June 6, 2027
On July 4, 1836, President Andrew Jackson signed into law an act of Congress to overhaul the nation’s patent system and fund the construction of a Patent Office building in Washington, DC. The building has since served as the home of the National Portrait Gallery for more than 50 years. This exhibition will sketch the early history of the Patent Office through works in the museum’s collection, ranging from a painted portrait miniature of President Jackson to an 1869 print depicting patent examiners at work.
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Pennsylvania Avenue
June 27-28
Pennsylvania Avenue transforms into a stretch of grills, tasting tents and stages for this annual celebration of barbecue.
Clipper Around the World
June 2026
Following the success of its debut visit to the nation’s capital in 2024, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will return to Washington, DC with a home boat sailing back to its namesake port.
Various Programming
Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building
June 16 – Sept. 7
The Arts and Industries Building will open to the public for a limited time, offering spaces for creative exchange. Visitors can explore two exhibitions: a special version of the traveling exhibition, Voices & Votes: Democracy in America, and another showcasing objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals.
The building will also host For the Common Good: The Smithsonian on Our Shared Future 250, a series of conversations with Smithsonian staff, community partners and thought leaders, as well as the Folklife Marketplace, featuring handcrafted items from artisans.
July
Expansion of the National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
July 1
A massive renovation project that began in 2018 concludes this year. Five new galleries will open on the museum’s 50th anniversary, including galleries focused on World War II aircraft and space technologies.
George Washington: A Revolutionary Life
Mount Vernon
Opens July 1
Go on an immersive and engaging journey that connects Washington’s 18th-century world to the present day. Discover the problems Washington confronted and explore the character traits that defined his life – ambition, honor, perseverance, ingenuity, vision, humility and wisdom. See 18th century objects including original founding documents that helped define a nation, glass bottles discovered in the Mansion cellar that contained preserved 18th-century cherries and berries and even George Washington's dentures.
Anticipated Opening: Immersive Museum Beneath the Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
By July
Beneath one of the iconic locations in the nation, 15,000 square feet of exhibit space will tell a more complete story of the Lincoln Memorial and provide an in-depth look at the structure's foundations in a cavernous area known as the undercroft. New museum exhibits and multimedia presentations showcase the construction history of the memorial. Visitors will be fascinated as they learn how the Lincoln Memorial has become the nation's foremost backdrop for civil rights demonstrations.
The Declaration’s Promise
Library of Congress
Opens July 3
Featured treasures will include Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Snarkitecture
National Building Museum
July 3 – Aug. 30
The studio behind The BEACH and Fun House brings a bold new immersive experience to the Great Hall.
Fourth of July Celebration
Citywide
July 4
Kick off the milestone day with the National Archives’ ceremonial reenactment of the Declaration of Independence, followed by the National Independence Day Parade, baseball at Nationals Park, rooftop celebrations and a National Park Service fireworks show befitting the occasion.
Salute to America: The Nation’s 250th Birthday Fireworks Celebration
National Mall
July 4
The capstone celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring its storied past while looking boldly toward the future. With the Great American State Fair setting the tone on the Mall by day, the landmark fireworks event by night will feature spectacular flyovers, headline performances and a breathtaking fireworks finale.
Beetlejuice
National Theatre
July 7-19
Broadway at the National continues its summer lineup with the hit musical comedy.
Mubadala Citi DC Open
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center
July 25 – Aug. 2
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns with top-tier talent.
Shakespeare and the American Story
Folger Shakespeare Library
Through Aug. 2
Gain unique insights into American history with a Shakespearean focus.
Road to Revolution
National Archives
Through Aug. 6
The rotating exhibition series showcases original documents in the Rotunda Gallery, telling stories from 1775 through the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Collectively, it reveals that the journey from colonial resistance to American independence is not composed of a single narrative but many intersecting (and diverging) paths.
August
Great American Farmers Market
National Mall
Aug. 3-8
Held during National Farmers Market Week, the Great American Farmers Market brings a weeklong celebration of food, family and farming to the National Mall in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
The Notebook
National Theatre
Aug. 18-30
Broadway at the National continues its summer lineup with the musical adaptation of the beloved story.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC
National Mall
Aug. 21-23
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC will mark America’s 250th anniversary with the first-ever INDYCAR race held in the nation’s capital. Set on a street circuit weaving through the National Mall and around iconic national monuments, the historic weekend celebration will play up American motorsports through speed, innovation and other events. The event will be free to the public, televised nationally and supported by partners including INDYCAR and Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
Summer Restaurant Week
Citywide
Late August
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s annual celebration of DC’s dining scene offers prix-fixe menus for lunch, brunch and dinner.
September
DC JazzFest
Citywide, including The Wharf
Sept. 2-6
The 2026 DC JazzFest will celebrate America's 250th with "The Future of Jazz: America’s Next 250 Years," celebrating jazz as both a reflection of American history and a forward-looking art form that continues to evolve. This theme offers a powerful way to tie jazz’s rich history to its limitless future, reinforcing that jazz – like America – is constantly growing, innovating and redefining itself.
10th Anniversary Celebration
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
Sept. 24-27
The museum will commemorate its 10th anniversary and America’s 250th with public programs and a block party. “Welcome Home: Our Legacy Continues” will encompass new exhibitions and expanded educational programming over the course of a yearlong celebration.
October
Anticipated Opening of the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden Revitalization
Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Oct. 2026
The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden will reopen with fanfare after the largest renovation in its 50-year history. The 1.4-acre art park will reopen as the easiest-to-access American space for the presentation of outdoor sculpture, time-based artwork and performances, large-scale commissions, public education, dining and reflection.
Desert Shield Desert Storm Memorial
Constitution Avenue at 23rd Street NW
Oct. 24
Located one block north of the Lincoln Memorial, the new memorial will honor the service and sacrifice of those who served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
November
Veterans Day
National Mall
Nov. 11, 2026
The National Mall and Memorial Parks will host expanded programming. Plans will be announced as details are finalized.
Dulles Airport Expansion
Washington Dulles International Airport
Fall 2026
Following record-setting passenger growth, the modern new 14-gate Concourse E will add capacity to DC’s international gateway.