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Looking for America250 events? How to find celebrations near you
Anthony Thompson, USA TODAY
Fri, July 3, 2026 at 3:00 AM MST
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The nation will celebrate a milestone birthday this Fourth of July.
July 4, 2026, marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone known as the semiquincentennial. Across the country, communities are hosting festivals, block parties, volunteer projects, exhibits and commemorative events as part of America250, the nationwide effort to mark the anniversary.
The celebration comes 250 years after delegates in Philadelphia approved the Declaration, setting in motion what would become the world’s oldest continuing experiment in self-government. Since then, the United States has expanded from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond.
As Americans gather this weekend for another year of Independence Day celebrations, organizers say this year’s anniversary is intended to be both a celebration and a reflection on the nation’s past, present and future.
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How to find America250 events near you
Anyone looking for July 3-4 celebrations can search the official America250 event calendar at America250.org/calendar. The calendar includes America’s Block Party events, festivals, historical programs, exhibits and community gatherings scheduled across the country.
One of the largest America250 events is scheduled for July 4 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins will headline an America250 concert as part of America’s Block Party. Organizers say 5,000 free tickets are being donated to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders through the Veteran Tickets Foundation’s Vet Tix program.
According to the commission, America’s Block Party is designed to bring communities together through local celebrations during the holiday weekend. Events listed on the calendar range from neighborhood gatherings and historical commemorations to concerts, family activities and civic engagement programs.
Many states are also marking the anniversary through their own initiatives. According to previous USA TODAY reporting, Arizona took a replica Liberty Bell through all 15 counties, New Jersey is hosting history-themed 5K races, Kentucky plans to plant a tulip-poplar tree in each of its 120 counties, and Colorado communities are preparing drone shows in nearly 150 locations.
What is America250?
America250 is the congressionally established commission charged with coordinating the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration. The effort includes partnerships with states, local governments, nonprofits, museums and community organizations.
In January, President Donald Trump also established Task Force 250 to help coordinate federal celebrations surrounding the anniversary.
The commission has launched several initiatives leading up to the anniversary, including America’s Field Trip, a nationwide essay and artwork contest for students, and volunteer service campaigns encouraging Americans to log community service hours.
America250 Chair Rosie Rios previously told USA TODAY that organizers wanted the anniversary to be as community-driven as possible, giving states and local communities flexibility to tell their own stories.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where to find America250 celebrations and events near you