17 Things to Do in DC and Beyond to Celebrate America’s 250th

About America's 250th

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, here’s how to enjoy—and endure—the festivities in the Washington area.

More from America's 250th

“America’s State Flowers”

Stop and smell the roses—plus the magnolias, orchids, bluebonnets, and saguaro cactus blossoms—at this outdoor display of official flowers from each US state and territory. Through October 12.

“America’s Presidents”

The newly updated exhibit offers more than 1,730 likenesses of American Presidents and the only complete portrait collection of all 45 officeholders available outside of the White House. Ongoing.

“In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness”

Featuring 250 objects that explore American ideals, the museum-wide exhibition includes the desk where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Through 2026.

“Dear America”

In a collection of more than 100 works, artists examine what it means to be American through a variety of photographs, paintings, and drawings from across the country’s history. Through September 20.

“Ties of Our Common Kindred”

The art museum in Potomac is spotlighting some of the most iconic post–World War II works by influential American artists, including Andy Warhol, Kerry James Marshall, and Jackson Pollock. Ongoing.

“America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together”

Virginia’s living-history museum will celebrate Independence Day with a two-hour live show featuring singer-songwriter Judy Collins, the US Air Force Heritage of America Band, a poetry reading by a former state Supreme Court justice, and fireworks. July 4.

“Much Here Is Beautiful”

See where we’ve been—and how far we have come—at this photo exhibit featuring portraits of people and places across the country taken in the years around the 1976 Bicentennial. September 18–April 18, 2027

“Ms. Americana”

Explore ten paintings by noteworthy American women artists, including Lilly Martin Spencer, Ellen Day Hale, and Clementine Hunter. Through October 31.

“Bison: Standing Strong” and “From These Lands”

The museum welcomes a pair of 250th-inspired exhibits: a spotlight on America’s national mammal and (above) a showcase of artifacts from all US states and territories. “Bison,” through May 2029; “From These Lands,” June 2026–June 2029.

“George Washington: A Revolutionary Life”

Featuring artifacts such as Washington’s dentures and authentic founding documents, this new interactive exhibition also allows you to step into the first President’s shoes and face “four challenging scenarios” that shaped the early US. Ongoing.

“We Make History”

This show at the newly reopened museum looks at local Americana, with items like Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial concert coat and a guitar from “Godfather of Go-Go” Chuck Brown. Through January 2028.

“Voice and Votes”

America’s oldest national museum hosts a traveling exhibit on democracy featuring photos and videos as well as campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.  Through September 7.

“The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution”

Mortal enemies or more alike than you’d think? Compare the lives of “Mad King” George III of England and Founding Father George Washington through this exhibition of their archival papers and scientific instruments. Through July 4.

“America Turns 250”

Stroll through Thomas Jefferson’s Charlottesville estate with the former President, played by reenactor Bill Barker. Also catch a limited-time tour focusing on the complex relationship between Jefferson and fellow Founding Father John Adams. This year’s annual July 4 naturalization ceremony will feature Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger. July 4–31.

“District Vibes/American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture”

From John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” to the 1980s go-go anthem “Da Butt,” this exhibit showcases DC’s creative contributions to American culture and history. Through September 27.

“250 Years of Beers”

Featuring brews from three to five states each month—in order of when they joined the Union—this celebration embodies Ben Franklin’s apocryphal quote that beer is proof that “God loves to see us happy.” (Actually, he was writing about wine.) Through 2026.

“American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project”

Subscribers to this indie theater’s America 250 programming will receive monthly boxes packed with artifacts—think letters, photos, and snacks—to bring along on prescribed walking tours of downtown DC, where they’ll engage in an immersive experience that blends fiction and local history to tell the story of forming a more perfect Union. Through September.

This article appears in the June 2026 issue of Washingtonian.