Happy Anniversary America 🇺🇸

 

We are officially in the year of America’s 250th birthday, a monumental milestone known as the Semiquincentennial.

While the big celebration for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is set for July 4, 2026, the year-long festivities have already begun across the country. Ways to Celebrate the 250th

National Flagship Events

• The Great American State Fair: A year-long traveling celebration beginning in Iowa and moving through state and county fairs across the country, culminating in a massive festival on the National Mall in July 2026.

• Sail4th 250 (Tall Ships): The world’s largest armada of tall ships and naval vessels will sail into New York Harbor from July 4–8, 2026, accompanied by a Blue Angels flyover.

• America Gives: A nationwide initiative to make 2026 the largest year of volunteer service in U.S. history. Participants can track hours for a chance to direct $1 million in charitable donations.

• National Garden of American Heroes : A new national landmark park featuring 250 statues of American heroes is planned to honor the founding.  Spotlight: Philadelphia (The Birthplace)  As the city where the Declaration was signed, Philadelphia is hosting "52 Weeks of Firsts" throughout 2026, celebrating a different historic achievement each week.  Date EventLocationJune 19 – July 4, 2026Wawa Welcome America festival (two weeks of concerts/fireworks)Benjamin Franklin ParkwayJuly 2, 2026Red, White, & Blue To-Do (parades and museum specials)Historic DistrictJuly 3, 2026Salute to Independence Parade (250 elements, 50 bands)Independence Hall to City HallJuly 4, 2026Celebration of Freedom Ceremony & Time Capsule BurialIndependence Hall

Major Sports & Culture

The 250th anniversary coincides with several premier global and national sporting events:  • FIFA World Cup 26: Philadelphia will host six matches, including a high-profile Round of 16 match on July 4, 2026. • MLB All-Star Game: Scheduled for July 14, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. • UFC Championship: A historic event is planned for the White House Lawn on June 14, 2026. • Patriot Games: A first-of-its-kind, nationally televised youth athletics competition for high schoolers from all 50 states. 

National Parks & Landmarks

The National Park Service (NPS) is revitalizing over 400 special sites associated with American history:  • Washington Monument : An hourly light show narrating American history will run nightly through January 5, 2027. • Mount Rushmore : A signature fireworks display and musical celebration on July 3, 2026. • Boston (Evacuation Day): A 250th-anniversary re-dedication of the Dorchester Heights Monument on March 17, 2026.]