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America 250 on "America's Startup"
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A calendar of events celebrating America’s 250th is culminating this summer over Independence Day weekend.
The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, giving most families a perfect opportunity to take part in the festivities.
For those curious about joining America 250 celebrations in various cities, it’s not too late. But be prepared that hotels may come at a premium that weekend, if not already booked.
America 250 main events
FILE - A general view shows the event area during an America250 rally in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, on July 3, 2025. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/ Anadolu via Getty Images)
Big picture view:
Some of the organizations coordinating main events for the Fourth of July weekend include a special America 250 planning committee and the National Park Service.
Key events are happening all over the country – and not just on the July 4th weekend, but the cities at the center of the most happenings are Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
RELATED: America 250: Celebrate with these free and unique events
Dig deeper:
Philadelphia: The following events are scheduled in Philadelphia over the holiday weekend:
- July 2: Red, White, & Blue To-Do: Pomp & Parade 2026 (Independence National Historical Park)
- July 3: Opening ceremony to light the 250 commemorative flame (Valley Forge National Historical Park)
- July 4: Time capsule ceremony and installation (Independence National Historical Park)
- July 4: Reenactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence (Independence National Historical Park)
- July 4: Wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution (Independence National Historical Park)
- July 4: Let Freedom Ring Bell Tapping Ceremony (Independence National Historical Park)
- July 4: Special USPS stamping ceremony and commemorative postmark (Independence National Historical Park)
- July 5: Extinguishing of the 250 flame and closing ceremony (Valley Forge National Historical Park)
Washington, D.C.
- July 4: Programming, live performances, and D.C.’s "largest fireworks show ever" (National Mall)
- July 4: Flags Across America ceremony (Main Interior Building)
- July 4: America’s Birthday Cake unveiling with Grace "Grey" Pak and Netflix’s "Is It Cake?"
- July 4: Washington Nationals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (Nationals Park)
Other notable and sanctioned events:
- America 250 Times Square Ball Drop (New York City, July 3)
- International Naval Review and Sail (New York Harbor, July 4)
- Fort Campbell Festival for military families and public (Fort Campbell, Kentucky; July 4)
- Independence Day Celebration in Waterfront Park (Charleston, July 4)
- America 250 Summerfest block party (Milwaukee, July 4)
- Concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, July 4)
America 250 road trip
Big picture view:
Another way to see and celebrate the country is to drive across it.
Dozens of spots in the West, Southwest, Midwest, Southeast and Northeast are highlighted in a travel itinerary put together by the Department of Transportation and the nonprofit, The Great American Road Trip.
From museums and galleries, to national parks and farms, to the unexpected roadside oddities, there’s something in everyone’s neck of the woods.
Dig deeper:
Or, if you’re not up for driving yourself, Greyhound is hitting the road with themed itineraries for history lovers and small-town travelers.
Local America 250 events
Local perspective:
Or, if traveling isn’t in your calendar or financial budget this summer, many cities are celebrating and hosting a variety of events.
Check nearby city government calendars, or your favorite museum or summer sports team for ideas.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from America 250 and National Park Service calendars and press releases. Background information was taken from previous and local FOX Television Station reporting. This story was reported from Detroit.