The Fourth of July is synonymous with fireworks, family gatherings, and celebrations honoring our nation’s history. But the Fourth in 2026 is unlike any that have preceded: this year will also be America’s 250th anniversary. The occasion is sure to amp up our typical holiday activities with grand, nationwide commencements in major cities and small communities alike. Take a look at what you can expect from this countrywide birthday party and how you can claim your invitation.

What is being celebrated?

2026 marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. We typically consider this our country’s origin, even if this was more of our proclamation that we wished to be a nation rather than our official recognition as one. Nonetheless, we are celebrating the spirit of a republic ruled by the people and continue to refer to this decisive historical moment as the birth of the United States.

Looking back fondly

This isn’t the first historic milestone our country has celebrated, of course. For example, many people may remember the nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976, an occasion that featured nationwide parades, fireworks, community festivals, historical reenactments marked by colonial ships in New York Harbor, and a commencement ceremony in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, considered the birthplace of America. Believe it or not, it was reported that approximately 90 percent of the country at the time took part in some sort of celebration of the nation’s anniversary.

Where to celebrate this year

This year, a plethora of events are designed to ring in the semiquincentennial (a fancy way to say 250th anniversary). The only question that remains is how you can join in. Unsurprisingly, some of the grandest occasions will be taking place right in Washington, DC (even if this wasn’t America’s original capital). In fact, the city is partying like it’s 1776 all year long! Among the special experiences scheduled for the anniversary are outdoor block parties at the National Gallery and Archives in early summer and a monthlong Smithsonian Festival. In addition, Fourth of July celebrations on the National Mall will feature fireworks and parades, special exhibits such as “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” at the National Museum of American History are debuting, and even hotels and restaurants throughout the district are dedicating events to the semiquincentennial.

Where else to celebrate this year

But the fun won’t be limited to the capital city, as sites around the nation will be marking this milestone with major occasions. Philadelphia will observe the anniversary with, among other things, special cultural events and the citywide festival Wawa Welcome America. Meanwhile, Gettysburg will have a Battle of Gettysburg reenactment from July 3–5 and a re-creation of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in November. Meanwhile, an outstanding spectacle by sea, Sail250, will kick off on May 28 in New Orleans. It will feature a flotilla of grand ships from around the world sailing from the Gulf Coast up the Atlantic seaboard to Boston—while making stops at several notable ports on the East Coast along the way. Not to be outdone, event planners in Branson, Missouri, will distribute American flags to nearly every household in the city in hope that each one displays the Stars and Stripes (breaking a Guinness World Record in the process).

Even if you live far from these cities, you may be within a short distance of community festivals held in America’s honor. You can find festivities in your area’s local events calendar, or simply host a celebration at home by viewing televised commencements and hosting a classic cookout. Adorn your bash with themed decor, including various merchandise branded for the semiquincentennial like special anniversary flags. Gathering with loved ones will be your chance to reflect on our nation’s origins, what our home means to us, and how we can all unite to achieve even more together.

For more info, visit America250.org