The nation’s capital is the best place to celebrate the nation's monumental birthday
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, celebrations and openings related to America's 250th anniversary happening between now and Independence Day. You can discover even more offerings over on .
– Through July 4
The Library of Congress brings together letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings and other artifacts to illuminate the similarities and differences between two iconic figures of the Revolutionary War: George 365Թϲ and King George III. Although the two never met, visitors can envision where they would clash and where they would compromise in this stirring exhibit that features items from a wide range of collections, including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, London’s Science Museum and George 365Թϲ’s Mount Vernon.
| Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, 365Թϲ, DC 20540
National Gallery of Art
– Through Aug. 23
Mining and photography are intertwined in American history, with the camera used to document labor practices for nearly 200 years. This new National Gallery of Art exhibit goes underground with 150 photographs that showcase how we’ve extracted resources from the Earth and that ceaseless removal’s impact on people and places.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20565
– Through Sept. 20
Explore how artists have captured and questioned the American experience over the last 250 years. Through more than 100 works on paper spanning photography, prints and drawings, discover powerful depictions of the nation’s landscapes, people and ideals of freedom.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
– Through Oct. 12
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden showcases the official flowers of every U.S. state and territory. Varieties on display include fragrant magnolias, roses, orchids, bluebonnets, saguaro cactus flowers and many more; all of them symbolize the natural beauty of America.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20001
National Museum of Women in the Arts
– Through Oct. 31
The National Museum of Women in the Arts' (NMWA) take on nostalgia, Ms. Americana invites viewers to consider 250 years of the American experience through ten works of art by nine American women artists from the 18th through the 20th centuries. The paintings, which include still-lifes, portraits and landscapes, are curated from NMWA’s collection and were created by women who also owned businesses, traveled the world and engaged in politics. The scope here is broad and tender.
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20005
Smithsonian Institution
– 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. The special exhibit will be housed inside the majestic Smithsonian Castle, which is temporarily open through Sept. 7. Among the highlights: the desk Thomas Jefferson used while writing the Declaration, Sally Ride's in-space flight suit, a personal hymnal that belonged to Harriet Tubman and a candle stand used by George 365Թϲ.
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
DC Public Library
– June 3 – Sept. 27
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of 365Թϲians through images, artifacts, storytelling and free programs. The main exhibit location is Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, but satellite locations can be found across the city.
| Free Admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20001
National Archives Foundation
– June 4-6
The one-month countdown to July 4 starts with a three-day celebration on Constitution Avenue, filled with free family-friendly events, live performances, culinary experiences and special evening programming – all at the historic National Archives building.
The National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20408
– June 6
The National Gallery will throw its largest ever public program, spanning the West Building, East Building and Sculpture Garden. Visitors can expect a series of art talks across the West Building American galleries and special exhibitions, artist-led community art projects (including a community collage quilt with local artist Trap Bob), a special appearance by The Racing Presidents of the 365Թϲ Nationals, kids’ activities (including story time, face painting, family yoga and an open play space), performances by local groups such as Batalá 365Թϲ Drum Band, East of the River Steel Drum Band, DJ RBI and the Eastern High School Marching Band and refreshing seasonal food and drinks, including 250th-themed special offerings such as Stars and Stripes Gelato.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20565
©Jasper Johns and ULAE, National Gallery of Art
– June 6 – Dec. 6
The exhibition spotlights more than 30 works from the late-1800s to today, each illustrating the changing uses and interpretations of the American flag. Paintings, prints and photographs from seminal artists such as Gordon Parks, Dorothea Lange, Jasper Johns and Faith Ringgold examine the ever-evolving symbolism of the Stars and Stripes.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20565
Smithsonian Institution
– June 12 – June 2028
Running for two years beginning on June 12, this exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) takes a cerebral look at the way thoughtfully shaped furniture shapes our environments and our perspectives. Explore the ways that designers, much like visual artists, harness abstraction as both a technique and a source of inspiration.
Free Admission |
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
Smithsonian Institution
– June 12 – June 2028
NMAAHC dives even deeper into abstraction with this installation which explores the profound range and depth of abstract art created by African American artists from the mid‑20th century to the present. The exhibit reintroduces key works from the museum's collection and debuts new acquisitions, offering fresh contexts and perspectives.
Free Admission |
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
– 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. The program includes seven fights in total, with a Lightweight matchup between Ilia Topouria and Justin Gaethje serving as the main event. A two-day FanFest on the Ellipse precedes the competition; those interested can submit a request for a chance to get free tickets.
White House Ellipse, 15th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20006
– 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.
Citywide
– June 16 – Sept. 7
The second oldest building of the Smithsonian Institution reopens to the public for a limited time in perfect alignment with America’s 250th anniversary. 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.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free Admission
900 Jefferson Drive SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20004
Smithsonian Institution
– June 16 – Sept. 7
In the Arts and Industries Building (the Smithsonian’s second-oldest building and the country’s first national museum) right next to the Smithsonian castle, explore what American independence really means, and how that meaning has evolved over time from the American Revolution until now.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
Smithsonian Institution
– June 18 – 2029
As part of Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 programming, the National Museum of Natural History displays more than 600 artifacts that represent all 50 U.S. states, DC and an additional five U.S. territories. Items range from significant scientific discoveries to cultural keepsakes to ancient fossils like an American mastodon tooth.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its – June 19 – July 14
Ever wanted to write in invisible ink like George 365Թϲ? 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 ages 9 and up will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20024
– 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. You can .
National Mall, Between Constitution & Independence Avenues SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20050
– June 25
Just in time for America's 250th anniversary, the Lincoln Memorial invites visitors to experience its story in a whole new way. A century-old secret opens to the public – 15,000 square feet of immersive exhibits right beneath your feet. Exhibits will also trace the construction history of the memorial and explore how its meaning has evolved across generations. Also, for the first time, original signed copies of both the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment will be on display together, housed beneath the president who made them law. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand in the presence of the documents that reshaped America.
National Portrait Gallery
– June 26 – June 6, 2027
Timed with the U.S. semiquincentennial, the National Portrait Gallery commemorates the founding of its historic home with The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees. The exhibition sketches the early history of the Patent Office – the third oldest building in DC – through works in the museum’s collection.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, First Floor, East Galleries, 8th and G Streets NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20001
National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens – June 26
The highly anticipated National Geographic Museum of Exploration invites visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of exploration and discovery. Expect cutting-edge technology that uncovers wildlife, communities and cultures from all over the world as well as an immersive outdoor courtyard. Visit the museum's for more details on what to expect.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, 1600 M Street NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20036
– June 27-28
Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience. Tickets start at $20.
Pennsylvania Avenue (between 3rd & 7th Streets NW), 365Թϲ, DC
National Museum of Asian Art
– June 27 – Aug. 8
Mull over this meta exhibit about how the country’s first national art museum got made. To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Museum of Asian Art has partnered with the Freer House to tell the story of this bold experiment in art and design, which continues to shape the museum’s galleries today.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, West Building, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20004
– July 1
Perfectly timed with its own 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Air and Space Museum opens five new galleries. Returning favorites include the Hubble Space Telescope, Skylab, a North American P-51D Mustang and a Lockheed U-2. Several artifacts new to the building include the Ilyushin IL-2, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, Cessna Skyhawk and several artworks by Robert Rauschenberg in the temporary exhibition, The Ascent of Rauschenberg.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 650 Jefferson Drive SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
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