Nation Plans Yearlong Semiquincentennial Celebrations Across U.S.

The United States will mark its 250th anniversary with a yearlong slate of events across the country, organized in part by the congressionally established America 250 Semiquincentennial Commission. Rosie Rios, the commission’s chair, said she does not yet know what she’ll be doing on July 4, adding, “But here’s the beauty of it.

I have options.” Planned activities range from museum exhibitions and concerts to parades, tall ships and a Times Square ball drop moved to July 3. The article lists tentpole America 250 events such as the Sail4th 250 tall-ship flotilla in New York Harbor (July 3–8), a time capsule to be buried under the Washington Monument Plaza on July 2 that is not to be unearthed until July 4, 2276, and America’s Ultimate Block Party on July 4.

President Trump is overseeing a separate Freedom 250 calendar that includes a planned UFC fight on the White House South Lawn billed to commemorate Flag Day, which the piece says is also President Trump’s 80th birthday. The guide also highlights regional and themed offerings: museum shows like “The Declaration’s Journey” in Philadelphia (through Jan.

3, 2027), the Texas Girl Scout Songfest in Austin on May 9, Disney’s Soarin’ Across America set for summer 2026 and a fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on July 3. Organizers and local groups are staging events from coast to coast, with programs intended to appeal to different communities.

Key Topics

Culture, Rosie Rios, Mount Rushmore, Times Square, Washington Monument