In 2026, the United States will mark its 250th
birthday since signing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776.
Washington,
DC will serve as center stage for America’s grand celebration with its
international symbols of independence, rich history and local culture.
Along with a growing list of more than 70 participating
organizations, Destination DC has announced
plans for a year-round 2026 celebration on the National Mall and throughout cultural
institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels.
“As an economic development organization, our job is to grow
visitation to Washington, DC to benefit residents and local businesses,”
said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC.
He added, “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.”
Muriel Bowser, Washington, DC mayor 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.”
July 4, 2026 will offer fireworks, a grand parade, a two-day
celebration on Pennsylvania Avenue and a month-long festival on the National
Mall.
The year’s calendar is brimming with other seasonal activities and
festivals which include:
- 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 Hackaton
- 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 Psychogeographies
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 Furture Cities- National Museum
Building
- International Day of Peace- Citywide
- National Museum of African American History and
Culture 10th Anniversary
- Veterans Day- Citywide
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