In 2026, the United States will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with celebrations taking place across the country.
However, nowhere will the festivities be more spectacular than in Washington, DC. As the nation’s capital, rich in history and culture, and home to iconic symbols of American independence, DC will serve as the centre stage for the grand national celebration.
Destination DC, in collaboration with over 70 local tourism and hospitality organisations, has unveiled plans for a year-long celebration throughout the city. Events will take place on the National Mall and at cultural institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. A launch event was held at the Rotunda Galleries of the National Archives Museum—the only place to view the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents. Additionally, a new website, DC250.us, has been created to serve as a central hub of information for visitors.
“As an economic development organisation, our goal is to increase visitation to Washington, DC for the benefit of residents and local businesses,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “The collective efforts of our partners will attract visitors throughout the year. No other city offers such a wealth of cultural experiences, many of them free. Both visitors and locals can explore American history and experience DC’s cultural identity through museums, theatres, public art, restaurants, hotels, sports events and more.”
The celebration will extend beyond the National Mall, reaching into the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods and communities.
“Washington, DC is America’s front door, and we are excited to host the biggest and best semiquincentennial celebration in the country,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Nowhere in the world tells the story of America better than DC. So, our message is clear: start planning your trip now—we can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
The Fourth of July in 2026 will be highlighted by fireworks, a grand parade, a two-day celebration on Pennsylvania Avenue and a month-long festival on the National Mall. Throughout the year, exhibitions and major openings will provide further opportunities to mark the occasion. A comprehensive list of exclusive experiences and expanded events will ensure there are reasons to visit DC throughout 2026.
The National Archives will present special programming, including the Road to Revolution exhibit and a Spirit of Independence Festival in early June 2026 on Constitution Avenue. Additionally, new encasements will be added to the Rotunda to permanently display the 19th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation.
“Both locals and visitors are welcome to explore our nation’s founding documents,” said Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan. “As the home of the Declaration of Independence, we invite everyone to celebrate the spirit of equality and liberty that it represents. Our programming will bring people together to reflect on 250 years of progress toward a more perfect union. To learn more about our nation’s first records, visit www.archives.gov.”
Washington, DC will also offer opportunities to explore the impact of the Declaration of Independence on Americans of all backgrounds. The National Museum of American History will host special exhibitions on democracy and civics, displaying historic artefacts. The National Museum of African American History and Culture will honour the vital contributions of African Americans through exhibitions, engaging programmes and new publications. Meanwhile, the National Museum of the American Indian will examine the nation’s formation from the perspective of Native peoples. These diverse narratives help distinguish DC’s commemoration from others.
“Few places tell America’s story as vividly as Washington, DC,” said Lisa Sasaki, Deputy Under Secretary for Special Projects at the Smithsonian. “The semiquincentennial allows the Smithsonian to honour 250 years of history in the heart of the nation. With over 155 million objects in our collections, we look forward to sharing the artefacts, stories and milestones that will shape America’s next 250 years.”
Updates to the National Mall in 2026 will include new exhibits at the Jefferson Memorial, an innovative museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial, and improvements to the Tidal Basin, featuring more resilient infrastructure, wider walkways and newly planted cherry trees.
The year’s calendar will be packed with events celebrating America’s story. The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival will embrace the nation’s spirit, while the summer’s Smithsonian 250th Festival will showcase the country’s cultural diversity. In the autumn, Trust for the National Mall’s “Beyond Granite” exhibition will return, exploring the ideals of the Declaration through art. A new “National Mall Gateway” will enhance the visitor experience, helping people connect with history.
DC’s theatre community will also contribute with themed programming. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will host “The Promise of Us,” a series of free performances that elevate American voices through three themes: Sounds of US, Stories of US and Future of US.
Other highly anticipated openings in 2026 include the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, the expansion of the National Air and Space Museum, the most extensive renovation in the 50-year history of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and a new concourse at Dulles International Airport.
DC’s tourism industry continues to grow, with a record-breaking 25.95 million visitors in 2023—surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. This influx generated a record USD$10.2 billion in visitor spending, USD$2.065 billion in tax revenue and supported 102,366 local jobs. The data underscores the importance of tourism to the city’s economy, with figures for 2024 expected to be released in May 2025.
As Washington, DC prepares to host the nation’s most significant semiquincentennial celebration, visitors can look forward to a year of historic events, cultural experiences and unforgettable moments honouring America’s 250-year journey.
