Rosie Rios, the chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, doesn’t yet know what she’ll be doing on July 4.
“But here’s the beauty of it,” she said. “I have options.”
Indeed, 50 years after the Bicentennial celebration in 1976, America is throwing itself a yearlong birthday party, with festivities planned from sea to shining sea.
There are tentpole events affiliated with the Semiquincentennial Commission, an organization known as America 250 that was established by Congress to orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
President Trump is overseeing a separate calendar of happenings under the banner of his Freedom 250 organization. You may have heard about the planned UFC fight on the White House lawn. In addition, states, cities, small towns and civic organizations across the country will hold their own events meant to promote national pride.
“We have to have something for every American,” Ms. Rios said. “We’re setting the table. We’re providing a menu of options.”
Below is a guide to events large and small, from the arrival of tall sailing ships in New York Harbor to a Girl Scout singalong in Austin, Texas.
Check back — this list will updated throughout the year.
January
“The Declaration’s Journey”
What: This exhibition explores the history of the Declaration of Independence through rare documents, works of art and artifacts.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, Pa.
When: Through Jan. 3, 2027
Why Go: Ken Burns’s PBS documentary “The American Revolution” left you wanting to know more about the nation’s founding document.
February
“Occupied! Newport and the Fight for Independence”
What: The Newport Historical Society kicks off an exhibition focused on the British occupation of Newport during the Revolutionary War.
Where: The Richard I. Burnham Resource Center, Newport, R.I.
When: Feb. 19-Dec. 31
Why Go: You’d like a reminder that independence didn’t come easily.
March
“The Sound of Charleston: America250 Edition”
What: A series of concerts at a historic church will feature classical music from the 18th century, gospels originally sung by enslaved Africans and hymns from the Revolutionary era.
Where: The Circular Congregational Church, Charleston, S.C.
When: March 4-May 20
Why Go: You believe a nation best expresses itself through music.
“Revolution in Their Words: Penning Independence”
What: This exhibition, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, will focus on the experiences of ordinary people in the years when the 13 colonies broke away from British rule. Diary entries, newspaper accounts and personal letters will highlight “people who have been left out of traditional narratives of the War for Independence,” according to the organizers.
Where: DAR Museum, Washington, D.C.
When: March 27-Dec. 31
Why Go: You like your history from the bottom up.
May
Texas Girl Scout Songfest
What: All seven Texas Girl Scout Councils will gather on the steps of the state capitol to lead a singalong of American folk songs.
Where: Austin, Texas
When: May 9
Why Go: You enjoy a wholesome celebration.
One Nation Under God: National Prayer Gathering
What: Organized by Freedom 250, this event aims to turn the National Mall into “the nation’s grand sanctuary.”
Where: Washington
When: May 17
Why Go: You love America and draw strength from prayer.
The Great Flag Unfurling
What: More than 600 people will join to unfurl what is said to be the largest American flag, at 250 feet tall and 550 feet wide. After it is hoisted up a giant flagpole, there will be a performance by the Irish tenor Ronan Tynan and a drone show.
Where: Memorial Park, Omaha, Neb.
When: May 22, 6-9 p.m.
Why Go: To see the biggest Stars and Stripes ever.
June
Soarin’ Across America
What: To celebrate the Semiquincentennial, Disney has updated its popular flight simulator attraction to feature a flyover of America.
Trump Administration: Live Updates
Updated
- Germany’s chancellor urges Europe to cut red tape and spend big on defense.
- Jack Smith will testify before Congress on Trump investigations.
- Most voters say Trump is focusing on the wrong issues in his second term, a poll finds.
Where: Disneyland (Anaheim, Calif.) and Disney World (Orlando, Fla.)
When: Summer 2026
Why Go: You want to see the Grand Canyon from above.
America Waves
What: This initiative, sponsored by America 250, asks every American to pick up a flag and wave it patriotically.
Where: Nationwide
When: Throughout the summer
Why Go: You’re a big fan of the red, white and blue.
The 75th Annual Appleton Flag Day Parade
What: The nation’s oldest Flag Day parade expects to draw more than 50,000 spectators (though not on Flag Day itself).
Where: Appleton, Wis.
When: June 13
Why Go: You believe nothing beats a small-town parade.
White House UFC Fight
What: This Freedom 250 event promises a mixed martial arts bout to commemorate Flag Day, which is also President Trump’s 80th birthday.
Where: The White House South Lawn, Washington
When: June 14
Why Go: You take your patriotism with a dash of testosterone.
Wawa Welcome America
What: The Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain hosts a summer festival to celebrate the nation’s 250th with art exhibitions, concerts and Wawa Hoagie Day.
Where: Philadelphia
When: June 19-July 4
Why Go: You like the idea of a hoagie in one hand and a sparkler in the other.
Presidential 1776 Award
What: High school students take a big test on American history. Three winners will receive college scholarships totaling $250,000.
Where: Washington
When: The third and final round is scheduled for June 26.
Why Go: You’re an overachiever (or the parent of one).
July
America250 Time Capsule
What: America250 plans to bury a time capsule designed by the architect Norman Foster under the Washington Monument Plaza. It is not to be unearthed until the nation’s Quincentenary on July 4, 2276.
Where: Washington
When: July 2
Why Go: You’re a sucker for a time capsule.
Times Square Ball Drop
What: For the first time, the ball will drop on a day other than New Year’s Eve, to jump start America’s birthday celebration.
Where: Times Square, New York City
When: July 3
Why Go: You’d like to watch the ball drop without braving the cold.
Fireworks Celebration at Mount Rushmore
What: A fireworks display set against the backdrop of the carved-stone faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln
Where: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, S.D.
When: July 3
Why Go: You want to capture the ultimate patriotic Instagram shot.
Sail4th 250
What: Promising the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world, this event harks back to a memorable scene from the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations. The ships are scheduled to approach the Port of New York and New Jersey after a journey starting along the Gulf Coast.
Where: New York Harbor
When: July 3-8
Why Go: You like your pageantry on the nautical side.
America’s Ultimate Block Party
What: The goal of this nationwide party, sponsored by America 250, is to move the celebration from Washington to Main Street, U.S.A. It will feature outdoor grills, games and giveaways.
Where: Nationwide
When: July 4
Why Go: You want to party, patriotically, with your neighbors.
Salute to America Fireworks
What: As the capstone to the official Washington birthday festivities, President Trump has promised speeches, flyovers and the world’s largest fireworks event.
Where: Washington
When: July 4
Why Go: You want to see how bigly fireworks can firework.
America’s Day of Reflection
What: After the last sparkler has sparkled, Americans are encouraged to reflect on their country’s past and future.
Where: Nationwide
When: July 5
Why Go: You believe America’s birthday isn’t only about the party.
August
The Great American Farmers Market
What: Farmers and ranchers will gather to sell their wares in celebration of America’s bread basket. With scheduled appearances by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the country duo Big & Rich.
Where: Department of Agriculture Headquarters, Washington
When: Aug. 3-8
Why Go: You like the idea of a supersize version of this staple American event.
Steven Kurutz covers cultural trends, social media and the world of design for The Times.
The post America Turns 250: A Guide to the Coming Festivities appeared first on New York Times.
