America’s 250th anniversary is coming. Big events to know about.
Greta CrossAs 2025 comes to a close, federal, state and local government entities are preparing for a year of pomp and circumstance to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary.
July 4, 2026 is the 250th anniversary of American's adoption of the Declaration of Independence. In January, President Donald Trump created Task Force 250, responsible for planning and executing "an extraordinary celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence" on July 4, 2026. The initiative is called America250. In addition to the federal task force, states have their own 250th anniversary commissions to plan events statewide.
Some America250 events have already started, like the "American Presidents" exhibition at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and The Great American Road Trip initiative hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Though the bulk of festivities will occur throughout 2026, culminating on July 4, 2026.
USA TODAY rounded up several America250 events on the books for next year. The list of events below is not exhaustive. The full calendar of America250 events is available at america250.org/calendar/.
Stories in the Sky and Mile High Holidays Drone Spectacular
When: Various dates throughout 2026
Where: Various cities
The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, Colorado Tourism Office and Visit Denver are hosting two drone event series throughout 2026. The first, Stories in the Sky, will bring drone shows that tell historical stories throughout Colorado. The tour kicked off in September and will continue through 2026.
The second, Mile High Holidays Nightly Drone Spectacular, is an annual Colorado event hosted by Visit Denver. The 40-night event will be held during the 2026 winter holiday season.
A full list of dates and locations is available on the History Colorado website at historycolorado.org/colorado-150/initiative-stories-in-the-sky.
Battle of Princeton Reenactment
When: Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Princeton Battlefield State Park in Princeton, New Jersey
Each January, the Princeton Battlefield Society hosts a Battle of Princeton reenactment, with hundreds of reenactors, narrated battle action and opportunities to speak with living historians, according to the America250 website. The event is free.
The Battle of Princeton occurred on Jan. 3, 1777. It was the culmination of a multi-day campaign led by George Washington, according to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Under Washington, the Continental Army won against the British.
250th Anniversary of Fifth Virginia Convention
When: May 15, 2026
Where: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Virginia
To celebrate Virginia's declaration of independence, VA250 and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation are hosting a full day of historical events that will be broadcast on television, according to the America250 website. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a historical museum dedicated to preserving the history of Williamsburg's 18th century charm.
America Turns 250: A Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America in Music
When: May 16, 2026
Where: Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is concluding its 2025-2026 season by hosting a show celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The celebration features music by Joan Tower, Jessie Montgomery, John Philip Sousa and concludes with Aaron Copland’s "Lincoln Portrait," according to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra website.
Tickets for the 70-minute performance are available on the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra website at ipomusic.org/2025-26-season/. Tickets range from $20-86.
Sail250
When: May 28-July 16, 2026
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana; Norfolk, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; New York City, New York; and Boston, Massachusetts
Sail250 is a multi-city celebration of maritime history. More than 60 ships from 20 countries, including tall ships, military vessels and character ships, will travel along the Gulf of America and East Coast between May and July 2026. Each state is hosting its own collection of events related to the tour.
Here's a look at the Sail250 schedule:
- New Orleans: May 28-June 1, 2026
- Norfolk: June 19-24
- Baltimore: June 25-July 1
- New York City: July 4-8
- Boston: July 11-16
A Celebration of Our Role in the World
When: June 11, 2026
Where: George Washington's Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, Virginia
Global ambassadors at George Washington's Mount Vernon will meet to discuss the "challenges and opportunities faced by democracies today and celebrate our shared role in the world," per the America250 website. Details about what ambassadors will attend the event had yet to be shared, as of Nov. 24.
Battle of Monmouth Reenactment
When: June 19-21
Where: Monmouth Battlefield Visitor Center in Manalapan Township, New Jersey
The annual reenactment of Battle of Monmouth will be held over an entire weekend in June 2026. Hundreds of troops will camp at the park for the weekend, recreating scenarios of the battle. Lectures and workshops will also be available to the public. The event is free but a $10 donation is suggested. More details about the weekend will be shared in 2026.
The Battle of Monmouth, which occurred on June 28, 1778, marked the end of the end of the Philadelphia Campaign and the longest single day of combat in the American Revolutionary War, according to George Washington's Mount Vernon. George Washington led the Continental Army against the British during this historical battle.
Mount Rushmore Fireworks
When: July 3, 2026
Where: Mount Rushmore National Monument in Keystone, South Dakota
South Dakota, in collaboration with the National Park Service, is hosting a firework show over Mount Rushmore. More details about the show will be shared in early 2026.
America's Potluck
When: July 5, 2026
Where: Various cities
Several states are participating in a nationwide potluck on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
"The tradition of Sunday dinner invites us to slow down, serve others, and connect with one another. Through dialogue and a shared meal, we can promote our common bonds and honor the freedoms we enjoy as Americans," the America250 Utah website states.
The America250 Utah website outlines each of the states participating in the potluck, and folks interested in hosting one can sign up online.
Alexander Hamilton presentation
When: July 9, 2025
Where: Bismarck State College in Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck State College is hosting acclaimed historical interpreter William G. Chrystal to present as Alexander Hamilton, offering insight into the political figure's life. The performance is free and will be available to livestream.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].