About America's 250th
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, here’s how to enjoy—and endure—the festivities in the Washington area.
Totally Embarrassing and Eminently Skippable
Freedom Trucks
Spring–Summer 2026
This fleet of six “mobile museums” offers exhibits on the American Revolution—including a talking, AI-powered portrait of George Washington—created via a partnership between the conservative education nonprofit PragerU and Hillsdale College, a Christian school that was an adviser on Project 2025. What could go wrong?
Totally Embarrassing and Oddly Compelling
UFC Freedom 250
June 14
Live from a custom-built octagon and arena outside the White House and coinciding with President Trump’s birthday, this evening of MMA fights and fan events is expected to cost promoters as much as $60 million, including $700,000 to repair the South Lawn. Good thing Crypto.com is a sponsor!
Totally Embarrassing and Oddly Compelling
Patriot Games
Fall 2026
Details are currently sparse for this four-day competition featuring one male and one female high-school athlete from each state and territory, which may include celebrity coaches—and also RFK Jr. Any resemblance to the Hunger Games is, uh, purely coincidental.
Oddly Compelling and Mostly Harmless
Great American State Fair
June 25–July 10
Stretching from the Capitol to the Washington Monument, this 16-day National Mall jamboree will have food, music (from Vanilla Ice, at least!), a 110-foot-high Ferris wheel, and daily themes including a “MAHA Monday” of “Longevity, Innovation & the Future of Health.” Nothing like raw milk to wash down a corn dog . . . fried in beef tallow.
Oddly Compelling and Mostly Harmless
Salute to America
July 4
According to the White House, this year’s edition of Washington’s annual fireworks extravaganza will be “the largest pyrotechnics display in the history of the world.” That’s a high bar to hit—but just trying should make for a good show.
Mostly Harmless and Eminently Skippable
Freedom 250 Grand Prix
August 22–23
Washington’s first auto race in 24 years will see IndyCar drivers going up to 185 mph along a street course that passes the National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, and National Archives. Dear Maryland and Virginia drivers: Please don’t get any ideas.
Totally Embarrassing and Eminently Skippable
Freedom Trucks
Spring–Summer 2026
This fleet of six “mobile museums” offers exhibits on the American Revolution—including a talking, AI-powered portrait of George Washington—created via a partnership between the conservative education nonprofit PragerU and Hillsdale College, a Christian school that was an adviser on Project 2025. What could go wrong?
Totally Embarrassing and Oddly Compelling
UFC Freedom 250
June 14
Live from a custom-built octagon and arena outside the White House and coinciding with President Trump’s birthday, this evening of MMA fights and fan events is expected to cost promoters as much as $60 million, including $700,000 to repair the South Lawn. Good thing Crypto.com is a sponsor!
Totally Embarrassing and Oddly Compelling
Patriot Games
Fall 2026
Details are currently sparse for this four-day competition featuring one male and one female high-school athlete from each state and territory, which may include celebrity coaches—and also RFK Jr. Any resemblance to the Hunger Games is, uh, purely coincidental.
Oddly Compelling and Mostly Harmless
Great American State Fair
June 25–July 10
Stretching from the Capitol to the Washington Monument, this 16-day National Mall jamboree will have food, music (from Vanilla Ice, at least!), a 110-foot-high Ferris wheel, and daily themes including a “MAHA Monday” of “Longevity, Innovation & the Future of Health.” Nothing like raw milk to wash down a corn dog . . . fried in beef tallow.
Oddly Compelling and Mostly Harmless
Salute to America
July 4
According to the White House, this year’s edition of Washington’s annual fireworks extravaganza will be “the largest pyrotechnics display in the history of the world.” That’s a high bar to hit—but just trying should make for a good show.
Mostly Harmless and Eminently Skippable
Freedom 250 Grand Prix
August 22–23
Washington’s first auto race in 24 years will see IndyCar drivers going up to 185 mph along a street course that passes the National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, and National Archives. Dear Maryland and Virginia drivers: Please don’t get any ideas.
