America 250 Events in Washington, D.C.
Don't miss out on the many exciting events and exhibitions happening throughout Washington DC this year.
The National Mall Goes Big This Summer
The National Mall is getting a full-blown makeover for America 250th. The Great American State Fair takes over from June 25-July 10, bringing a World's Fair-inspired carnival to DC's front yard including a 110-foot Ferris Wheel, state and territory food pavilions, live demos and entertainment.
Adding to the excitement, FIFA's official World Cup Fan Zone sets up shop on the Mall for the entire tournament (June 11-July 19), with live match screenings, cultural programming, and activities for all ages. It's going to be a lot. In the best way.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Washington DC lights up every year for Fourth of July celebrations. On the docket for 2026? Expect a fireworks display, National Independence Day Parade, a Capitol Fourth Concert and so much more.
National Archives
Road to Revolution & The American Story
Displayed through August 6, 2026, the Road to Revolution rotating exhibition showcases original documents in the Rotunda Gallery, telling stories from 1775 through the creation of the Declaration of Independence, while the ongoing exhibit, The American Story, will immerse guests in an interactive exploration of the people, ideas and events that shaped 250 years of U.S. history.
National Gallery of Art
Special Installation: Celebrating American Art
Starting March 1, 2026, the National Gallery of Art reimagines its galleries to explore how artists told the American story from the colonial era to the 20th century.
International Spy Museum
Camouflage: Designed to Deceive
This immersive special exhibition explores the fascinating world of camouflage and its four core principles: disappearing, distorting, disguising, and deceiving. Opening March 1, 2026, the exhibition invites visitors to see how camouflage shapes perception across nature, art, and design.
Ford’s Theater
1776
Running from March 13 through May 16, Ford’s Theater will premiere an insightful, vibrant and humorous take on our founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledging nation.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Historical Paintings by American Women Artists
From March 13 to October 11, 2026, the National Museum of Women in the Arts will present an installation featuring still life's, portraits, and landscapes spanning the 18th to 20th centuries. Highlighting works by ten pioneering American women artists, the exhibit celebrates their artistry and lasting contributions to American art history.
U.S. Botanic Garden
America's State Flowers
Step into a vibrant celebration of nature. From April 10 to October 1, 2026, the U.S. Botanic Garden will showcase the unique blooms each U.S. state and territory has proudly chosen as their official flower. Explore the colors, stories, and beauty that make every state blossom.
National Gallery of Art: Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience
Featuring more than 100 works, 'Dear America' invites visitors on a sweeping visual journey through 250 years of American history. From intimate portrayals of its people to expansive landscapes and evolving visions of freedom, the exhibition reveals how artists have shaped and challenged the story of America. On view from April 11 to September 20, 2026.
National Portrait Gallery
Photographic Memory: Fifty Years of Photography
From May 15, 2026, to February 28, 2027, explore over 100 iconic works that showcase the history, artistry, and vision of the gallery’s photography collection. Don’t miss this milestone exhibition highlighting some of the most influential images of the past half-century.
Planet Word Museum
Language & Liberty: Words that Shaped America
Discover the power of language in a dynamic series of monthly programs exploring how words, through slogans, speeches, song lyrics, and more, have shaped, challenged, and reflected the American story. Running throughout 2026, this series brings history to life through the voices that defined a nation.
The National Museum of American History
In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness
The National Museum of American History will present an exhibition exploring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence opening May 15, 2026. Spanning three floors and 300,000 sq. ft., visitors can encounter 250 significant objects, including the portable desk Thomas Jefferson used to draft the Declaration.
