Year-Long Commemoration of Nation’s 250th Underway in Washington, DC

DC is centre stage with highly anticipated openings and fun events across the city.

With only-in-DC experiences, free attractions and a citywide collaboration of more than 85 partners, Washington, DC is kicking off its year-long commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. No place tells America’s story as vividly as DC, the only place to see the Declaration of Independence and the best place to discover its impact. Destination DC, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announced an updated calendar of fun, free events and special exhibitions, interspersed with headline openings and reopenings, throughout the year. Begin planning your trip at a special website for the occasion: DC250.us.

250th VIDEO HERE

“No matter when you visit Washington, DC in 2026, you’ll feel a part of the year-round commemoration for the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “Explore the city’s vibrant local neighbourhoods, discover its unique role as the nation’s capital and home to 700,000 residents and better understand all facets of our nation’s history in the city where stories come alive.”

Blockbuster openings and renovations add to the momentum in 2026, including an innovative museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial, the high-tech National Geographic Museum of Exploration, expansion of the National Air and Space Museum (all in July), African American Civil War Memorial Museum, the largest renovation in the 50-year history of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, overhaul of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and a new concourse at Dulles International Airport. The Milken Centre for Advancing the American Dream and National Archives Museum renovation also recently debuted. Three hotels are expected to open their doors in 2026: CitizenM Georgetown, Tempo by Hilton Downtown and the Hoya Hotel.

Major milestones include the 75th year of Arena Stage and 50th anniversaries of go-go music, the National Air and Space Museum and Art Museum of the Americas. The National Museum of African American History and Culture will mark its 10-year anniversary with an outdoor block party in September. The St. Regis celebrates 100 years and the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill celebrates 50.

Savor delicious deals during Restaurant Week, which takes place in the winter (Jan. 19-25) and summer. Taste the melting pot that is America; DC’s globally acclaimed chefs meld local and authentic international flavours. DC hotels offer thematic packages throughout 2026, underscoring the city’s value; DC’s theatre community plans thematic programming; and long holiday weekends present even more reasons to stay and explore.

Hotel Deals

Year-long Offers:

• Capital 250 Package – Capital Hilton
  Starting at $203/night, the package includes a collectable pin, history booklet that explores the property’s legacy in D.C.’s cultural landscape and a Truman Mule – a signature cocktail that honours the president’s connection to the property. Rotating guest experiences will bring stories to life in the lobby.
• Celebrate America All Year Long – Conrad Washington, DC
  Stay in the Capital Suite for views of the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol. This package offers Sakura Club access and a private American whiskey tasting.
• Celebrate America’s 250th – Days Inn by Wyndham Connecticut Avenue
  Enjoy 10% off your stay and a home base close to historic landmarks, events and anniversary festivities throughout the city.

July 4 Experiences:

• $250,000 Presidential Legacy Experience – The Watergate Hotel
  A once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience for Independence Day: a four-night stay for 12 guests in the hotel’s iconic Presidential Wing paired with an exclusive voyage on the Potomac River aboard a 100 ft. luxury yacht.
• 1776 to 2026: A Capital Celebration – Conrad Washington, DC
  Three-night stay in a specially decorated room, two tickets to the hotel’s July 4 rooftop party, American whiskey tasting and daily Americana programming on site with music, face painting and more. From $2,960; Sakura Club access for $3,725.
• $250,000 Stars & Suites: A 250th Celebration – JW Marriott Washington, DC
  Two-night stay (July 3-5) with views of the fireworks from a private 12th-floor terrace, three luxury suites, six balcony rooms and 20 guestrooms. Enjoy a $100,000 culinary credit for a reception and $20,000 allowance for décor and entertainment.

Seasonal Calendar
Note: Dates subject to change

Spring: DC in Bloom
Spring in DC blends history with global culture, from 250 new cherry blossoms to open embassies to cultural stories rooted right here in the District.

• Capital One Arena: 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament: East Regional
  March 27-29
  March Madness returns to downtown DC.
• DAR Museum: Revolution in Their Words: Penning Independence
  March 27-Dec. 31
  This exhibit will focus on the thoughts and words of people affected by the turmoil and anger between the colonies and the British leaders.
• U.S. Botanic Garden: America’s State Flowers
  April 10–Oct. 1
  The U.S. Botanic Garden will display the official flowers of each U.S. state and territory. Enjoy the variety of floral beauty that symbolizes America.
• National Gallery of Art: Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience 
  April 11–Sept. 20
  More than 100 works show how artists have depicted the country’s landscape, people and concepts of freedom.
• Citywide: Passport DC
  May 1-31
  A month of programming highlights DC’s international cultures, featuring the Around the World Embassy Tours and European Union Open House.

Summer: Only-in-DC Celebrations & Can’t-Miss Moments
Summer in DC is an all-access pass to the country’s biggest cultural moments, from blockbuster museum openings to free festivals and unforgettable celebrations on the National Mall and beyond.

• National Mall: Smithsonian Castle to Temporarily Reopen
  May 22-Sept. 7
  The Smithsonian Castle will pause renovation to temporarily reopen to the public. The space will feature a visitor’s centre, café, shop and a special exhibition titled American Aspirations, co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch.
• Citywide: Memorial Day Weekend in DC
  May 23-25
  Salute active-duty military and veterans at the Rolling to Remember honour ride and concert, as well as America’s largest Memorial Day parade. The National Mall and Memorial Parks also plan expanded programming.
• National Archives: Spirit of Independence Festival for the 250th
  June 4-6
  The one-month countdown to July 4 starts with a three-day family festival on Constitution Avenue, at the front door of the historic National Archives building.
• National Gallery of Art: Block Party
  June 6
  The National Gallery will throw its largest-ever public program: a block party spanning the campus with artmaking, food, music, film screenings and more.
• National Gallery of Art: American Icon: The US Flag in Art
  June 6–Dec. 6
  The exhibition will spotlight over 30 works from the late 1800s to today that illustrate changing uses and interpretations of the American flag.
• Citywide: Juneteenth in DC
  June 19
  In DC, where Juneteenth has been recognized as an official holiday since 2004, you will find plenty of ways to celebrate Black history, freedom and expression. Special programming is planned at the Anacostia Community Museum, among other sites.
• International Spy Museum: Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its
  June 19-July 14
  Ever wanted to write in invisible ink like George Washington? Slip a secret note to someone like Virginia Hall? If so, drop by the International Spy Museum to try your hand at real spy skills inspired by American history. Quick, hands-on activities for agents of ages 9+ will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
• Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building: Various Programming
  June 16-Sept. 7
  The Arts and Industries Building will open to the public for a limited time, where visitors can explore two exhibitions: Voices & Votes: Democracy in America, and another showcasing objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals. The building will also host a series of conversations titled For the Common Good: The Smithsonian on Our Shared Future 250, and the Folklife Marketplace, featuring handcrafted items from artisans.
• National Mall: Great American State Fair
  June 25–July 10
  From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s hula stage, Texas steaks to Alaska’s ice carvings, all 50 states and territories will showcase their food, culture and pride.
• National Portrait Gallery: The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees
  June 26– June 6, 2027
  This exhibition will sketch the early history of the patent and the history of the Gallery’s building as the first patent office.
• Three Headline Openings Anticipated: National Mall and Downtown
  July
  The National Geographic Museum of Exploration, an innovative museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial and the expansion of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (celebrating 50 years) all anticipate opening to the public.
• National Mall and Beyond: Fourth of July Celebration
  July 4
  Kick off the milestone day by joining the National Archives for a historic reenactment of the Declaration of Independence. The event includes performers and remarks from special guests. Stay for the National Park Services’ renowned National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue. The three-hour event will feature marching units representing all 50 states and themed floats celebrating the spirit of America. In the evening, celebrate the semiquincentennial with “A Capitol Fourth,” the star-studded concert on the National Mall. Then, the National Park Service plans a spectacular fireworks show befitting the occasion.
• Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery: State Fairs: Growing American Craft
  Through Sept. 7, 2026
  The first exhibition dedicated to artists’ contributions to the great U.S. tradition of state fairs, with more than 240 artworks on view.

Fall: Culture, Creativity and Looking Ahead
End the anniversary year in a city that’s always shaping what comes next, through art, music, new openings and stories that look to the future.

• Citywide, including The Wharf: DC JazzFest
  Sept. 2-6  
  “The Future of Jazz: America’s Next 250 Years” will celebrate jazz as both a reflection of American history and forward-looking art form that continues to evolve.
• Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture: 10th Anniversary Celebration
  Sept. 24
  The museum will host a block party to commemorate its 10th anniversary and the nation’s 250th. Additionally, “Welcome Home: Our Legacy Continues” will encompass new exhibitions and expanded educational programming over the course of a yearlong celebration.
• Citywide: Theatre Week
  Late September-early October
  Celebrating the launch of the theatre season with dozens of shows at low prices.
• Anticipated Opening: Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden
  October
  Following the largest renovation project in the 50-year history of the Hirshhorn, the museum’s Sculpture Garden and Plaza revitalization will open to the public.
• Anticipated Citywide Launch: 51 Steps to Freedom Trail
  Throughout 2026
  An opportunity to engage with the nation’s ongoing journey toward freedom and equality. From Frederick Douglass to Duke Ellington and Mrs. Rosa Parks, as you stand where history happened, the trail uses “point your phone” technology to bring these figures and many others to life.

About Destination DC
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, nonprofit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism, and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural, and historic communities.