Upcoming Events

Events on the National Mall

Washington Monument Illumination
July 1 - July 5, 9 PM - 12:20 AM, Daily
As we gather to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Washington Monument will shine as a symbol of the nation’s history, achievements, and enduring spirit. Each evening, visitors will experience an 18-minute  projection-mapping presentation showcasing the people, places, moments, and ideals that have shaped the American story across nearly two and a half centuries. Learn more here.

A Capitol Fourth
Friday, July 3, 8 PM
America’s National Independence Day celebration honors our country’s birthday with an all-star salute. Fireworks show to follow on July 4th. Watch live or on PBS: learn more.

Fourth of July at the National Archives
Saturday, July 4, 10 AM
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the National Archives will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding—steps away from the original Declaration of Independence—on Constitution Avenue. For more than 50 years, the National Archives has held its annual Fourth of July program, and this year the tradition continues with historical reenactors and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more.

National Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 4, 10:30 AM
America’s National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4th at 10:30 am in Washington, D.C. before a street audience of thousands of spectators. The parade starts at 3rd St. NW and Constitution Ave., runs south along 3rd St. SW to Independence Ave., heads west at Independence Ave., and ends at 12th St. SW. Find more info.

Salute to America: The Nation’s 250th Birthday Fireworks Celebration
Saturday, July 4
The capstone of America’s 250th anniversary brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Washington Monument grounds and surrounding areas for a full day of performances, flyovers, first time aerobatic demonstrations over DC, and a live broadcast evening program—culminating with the largest fireworks display in history. Learn more here.

The Great American State Fair
June 25 - July 10
Sunday - Wednesday, 10 AM - 9 PM
Thursday - Saturday, 10 AM - 11 PM
July 4th, 10 AM - 12 AM
Great American State Fair is a 16-day national exposition running from June 25 through July 10, 2026, spanning from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument. The celebration will unite and showcase all 56 U.S. states and territories in a single World’s Fair-scale event. This is an opportunity for visitors from across America to experience an unforgettable celebration of the people and traditions that define our nation. Learn more here.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone on the National Mall
Open June 11 - July 16 (All USA Matches Shown)
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Washington D.C. will be set against the backdrop of America's 250th anniversary celebration and will serve as a premier destination for fans from across the country and around the world to gather in the nation's capital. Find more details.

American Aspirations at the Smithsonian Castle
June 2 - July 26, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Daily
The iconic Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall has reopened in time for the 250th this summer. Visit their newest exhibit opening June 2. The exhibition invites visitors to consider how the founding ideals of 1776 have been interpreted and how each generation has reached towards new understandings of freedom, opportunity, and a shared future. Learn more.

Concerts on the Avenue at the US Navy Memorial
Tuesdays in June, July and August, 7:00-8:15 PM
Spend a summer evening on the Plaza with the full U.S. Navy Band as part of the Concerts on the Avenue series. Join on select Tuesdays at 7:00 PM for live music in a setting that blends tradition, community, and the spirit of the Sea Services. More info here.

Films at the Stone
Friday, July 17 and Friday, August 21, 8 PM
An inspiring summer film series located at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Films at the Stone screens stories of individuals who, against all odds, fought for what was right and whose lives inspire viewers to live the values of democracy, justice, hope and love. See the full summer film schedule here.

Refik Adanol's "Smithsonian Dreams" 
Friday, July 17 & Saturday, July 18, 9 PM
The Smithsonian will debut “Smithsonian Dreams,” a large-scale, multisensory public art experience by Refik Anadol, internationally acclaimed media artist and director of Refik Anadol Studio, on the National Mall. On Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, beginning at 9 p.m., the historic Smithsonian Castle will be transformed into a dynamic landmark, inviting visitors to experience an immersive night of light, sound and visuals. Visitors encouraged to arrive at 8 PM to get a spot on the National Mall. Learn more here. 

Summer Concert Series at the National World War I Memorial 
July 23, 5 PM
The National World War I Memorial’s popular summer programming continues on July 23, 2026 at 5 p.m. Experience the show-stopping tunes of Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, and others in a high-energy tribute to the legends of the stage. Taps begins at 5 p.m. with the concert beginning at 5:10 p.m. RSVP here.

Spirit of '76 Congressional Exhibit
Ongoing through 2026
Take a tour of the historic Capitol with one of the engaging Visitor Guides when you visit the special Congressional exhibit, the Spirit of ’76. Visitor Center Curators and Education Specialists will host an array of onsite public programs – including Family Programs for young learners – highlighting the special exhibit.

Freedom 250 Grand Prix
Saturday, August 22 - Sunday, August 23
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., will take place Aug. 22-23, 2026, marking the first‑ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the National Mall. The free, two-day motorsports event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with world‑class racing set against the backdrop of some of America’s most historic landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Request free tickets.

Past Events