Get ready to party like it’s 1776! America is turning 250 in 2026, and the whole country is throwing a party – or two! From historic battlefields to towering monuments, from sea to shining sea, celebrations are planned that’ll make you proud to be American.
Here are 20 of the best America250 events happening nationwide – all perfectly positioned near KOA campgrounds so you can roll up in your RV and join the celebration in style. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for an excuse to see fireworks and eat hot dogs, we’ve got you covered!
1. Philadelphia 2026 Celebration | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
All Year
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is gearing up for a year-long celebration of its rich history. The city is celebrating its “52 Weeks of Firsts,” highlighting all the historic firsts that happened here. You can explore citywide mural projects and community parades that honor the individuals who helped shape American democracy. Take a stroll down the same streets where America’s Founders made history, visit Independence Hall, and experience the real deal where it all actually happened!
Nearby KOAs:
Philadelphia South / Clarksboro KOA Holiday
Philadelphia / West Chester KOA Holiday
2. Boston’s Revolutionary Celebration | Boston, Massachusetts
All Year
The birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is stepping up its Patriots’ Day celebrations, Freedom Trail activities, and Freedom Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade. From the Old North Church to the USS Constitution, Boston’s revolutionary landmarks are receiving the recognition they deserve, with reenactments, colonial craft demonstrations, and historical talks breathing new life into 1770s Boston.
Nearby KOAs:
Boston / Cape Cod KOA Holiday
Strafford / Lake Winnepesaukee South KOA Holiday
3. Charleston Revolutionary War Heritage | Charleston, South Carolina
All Year
Charleston is one of four “leading cities” in the US picked by Congress to celebrate America’s 250th birthday for its historical significance! The city played a huge role in America’s fight for freedom. You can relive the Revolutionary War throughout the year at historic spots like Fort Moultrie and The Powder Magazine. On December 14th, join the city in a reenactment of the British Army’s surrender of Charleston at Marion Square!
Nearby KOAs:
Mount Pleasant / Charleston KOA Holiday
Charleston KOA Holiday
Point South / I-95 / Yemassee KOA Holiday
4. Colorado 150/America 250 Dual Celebration | Colorado
All Year
Colorado uniquely celebrates both America’s 250th anniversary on July 4 and its own 150th year of statehood on August 1, making it the only state observing twin landmark anniversaries in 2026. From Denver to Durango, the Centennial State will be showcasing its unique place in American history. Planned activities include light-up drone shows, a group 14er mountain climb, statewide harvest dinners, a documentary series, and commemorative events across all 64 counties.
Nearby KOAs:
Colorado KOAs
5. Show-Me America250 | Missouri
All Year
Missouri’s Show-Me America250 celebration got underway at the 2025 Missouri State Fair in August, launching a year-long tribute to the state’s pivotal role in American history. The state has several programs in store, including events where veterans can share their stories, community service challenges, and patriotic celebrations across the state, from St. Louis to Kansas City. Keep an eye out for special exhibits highlighting Missouri’s contributions to American history, as well as Gateway Arch light shows that will tell the story of America’s journey.
Nearby KOAs:
Missouri KOAs
6. Arizona Liberty Bell Tour | Arizona
All Year
Arizona’s Liberty Bell replica is hitting the road in 2026, traveling to all 15 counties with a mix of historical exhibits and interactive experiences. It’s a great way to dive into Revolutionary history in the American Southwest. You’ll get to see how Arizona grew and its connection to the U.S. as it moved west!
Nearby KOAs:
Arizona KOAs
7. Pacific Northwest Indigenous Heritage Celebration | Seattle, Washington
Now through September 2026
To honor America’s 250th anniversary and the Indigenous peoples of the region, Washington will feature special month-long celebrations in 2026 at the Burke Museum, Seattle Center, and tribal cultural centers across Washington.
Located on the University of Washington campus, the Burke Museum will feature exhibitions on the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest and its Indigenous populations. The Seattle Center will also hold special events for America 250 that highlight Indigenous cultures, including the Seafair Indian Days Pow-Wow on July 17-18, 2026.
Several tribal cultural centers across Washington State will offer programs and events focused on Indigenous culture and history during the America 250 celebration. These include the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, Sno-Isle Libraries, and the Kalispel Tribe Culture Department.
Nearby KOAs:
Burlington / Anacortes KOA Holiday
Concrete / Grandy Creek KOA Holiday
8. “Give Me Liberty” Exhibition | Richmond, Virginia
March 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
This exhibit is currently on display at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond through January 2026 before heading to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in July. On display is a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, along with a reproduction of Thomas Jefferson’s writing desk and various artifacts that showcase Virginia’s significant contributions to America’s founding. On March 23rd, check out the costumed actors bringing Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech to life at St. John’s Church!
Nearby KOAs:
Richmond North / Kings Dominion KOA Holiday
Fredericksburg / Washington DC South KOA Holiday
9. Sail250 Tour | New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston
May – July 2026
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the largest international flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels in decades will visit five major port cities along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico! For Sail250, more than 30 Class A tall ships from dozens of nations, along with over 10,000 uniformed sailors, will bring maritime magic to New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York City, and culminate in Boston.
This is your chance to board historic vessels, meet sailors from around the world, and witness naval tradition in action across multiple cities—the spectacle of these majestic vessels under sail is something you’ll never forget.
Nearby KOAs:
Louisiana KOAs
Virginia KOAs
Maryland KOAs
New York KOAs
Massachusetts KOAs
10. Spirit of Independence Festival | National Archives, Washington D.C.
June 5-7, 2026
The National Archives is launching its America 250 celebration with a three-day festival, complete with live music, receptions, and family-friendly activities on Constitution Avenue. Get up close and personal with the Declaration of Independence itself, then join the party outside with live music and festivities. It’s like throwing a birthday party in America’s attic!
Nearby KOAs:
Washington, DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Fredericksburg / Washington DC South KOA Holiday
11. America 250: A Musical Journey | Chicago, Illinois
June 1-30, 2026
This month-long celebration featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra showcases American musical heritage through performances spanning the nation’s diverse musical traditions. From country to jazz, gospel to rock, this powerful concert series unites audiences through the rhythm, diversity, and soul of American music, celebrating 250 years of musical innovation and cultural expression.
Nearby KOAs:
Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Kankakee South KOA Holiday
12. 75th Annual National Square Dance Convention | Waco, Texas
June 24-27, 2026
The 75th Annual National Square Dance Convention coincides perfectly with America’s 250th celebration, bringing together square dancers from across the country for this beloved American folk tradition. This milestone convention features workshops, exhibitions, and dancing celebrating an art form deeply rooted in American culture and community.
Nearby KOAs:
Bryan / North College Station KOA Holiday
Leander / NW Austin KOA Holiday
13. SAR Education Center & Museum Opening | Louisville, Kentucky
Opening Prior to July 4, 2026
The Sons of the American Revolution‘s national headquarters in Louisville will be opening a new education center and museum before the Revolutionary War’s 250th anniversary, featuring galleries and exhibits that share the stories of patriot ancestors. If you’re looking to delve into your own Revolutionary roots, this museum is the place to go!
Nearby KOAs:
Louisville South KOA Holiday
Scottsburg / Raintree Lake KOA Holiday
14. National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opening | Washington, D.C.
Summer 2026
The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is another new museum set to open in summer 2026, and it’s going to be a game-changer! The museum takes visitors on exciting adventures through immersive exhibits and the latest tech, showcasing wildlife, landscapes, communities, and cultures. It’s a brand-new spot that celebrates the American spirit of exploration and discovery!
Nearby KOAs:
Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Fredericksburg / Washington DC South KOA Holiday
15. Gettysburg Reenactment | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
July 3-5, 2026
Gettysburg’s 2026 re-enactment is happening July 3-5 at Daniel Lady Farm. It’s where the bloodiest Civil War battle went down, and where Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. This event isn’t just about the Civil War, though – it’s a celebration of America’s history from the Revolution to the Reconstruction era. If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, check out the Dobbin House Tavern, which is also turning 250 years old. They serve up period-style food that’s as real as it gets.
Nearby KOAs:
Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday
Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA Holiday
Elizabethtown / Hershey KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Jonestown / Hershey NE KOA Journey
16. Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Opening | Medora, North Dakota
July 4, 2026
North Dakota marks America’s 250th birthday with the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, set in the iconic Badlands near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This stunning 93,000-square-foot facility perched on a bluff overlooking the Little Missouri River honors the 26th president’s transformative years as a rancher in North Dakota. The library will feature interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, and an AI-powered digital platform unifying Roosevelt’s archives from 33 institutions. Visitors will experience Roosevelt’s legacy of conservation, leadership, and citizenship in the rugged landscape that shaped his character and vision for America.
Nearby KOAs:
Bismarck KOA Journey
Miles City KOA Journey
17. Mount Rushmore Fireworks Spectacular | Keystone, South Dakota
July 4, 2026
Mount Rushmore is bringing back its epic fireworks display for America’s 250th birthday – only the second time in 17 years pyrotechnics will light up the faces of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Teddy Roosevelt. Imagine watching the rockets’ red glare illuminate the nation’s most iconic presidential monument – this is bucket-list material, folks! The celebration promises to be the biggest birthday party South Dakota has ever thrown, with crowds expected to number in the tens of thousands.
Nearby KOAs:
Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch
Hill City / Needles Highway KOA Holiday
Custer / Crazy Horse / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Hot Springs SD / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Deadwood / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Spearfish / Black Hills KOA Holiday
18. Fourth of July on the National Mall | Washington, D.C.
July 4, 2026
The National Park Service is planning a spectacular fireworks show and parade befitting America’s 250th birthday on the National Mall. Our nation’s capital is going all out with expanded programming, concerts, and what promises to be the most patriotic day in recent memory. Walk among the monuments, tour the Smithsonian museums (many with special 250th exhibitions), and cap it off with fireworks that’ll make your heart swell three sizes. This is the place to be if you want to feel the full weight of American history.
Nearby KOAs:
Washington, DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Fredericksburg / Washington DC South KOA Holiday
19. Colonial Williamsburg 250th & 100th Celebrations | Williamsburg, Virginia
July – November 2026
Colonial Williamsburg celebrates America’s 250th birthday on July 4th weekend, followed by its own 100th anniversary of the city’s restoration in November. Take in their authentic 18th-century town, where costumed interpreters bring colonial life to vibrant reality. Other seasonal events include the Drummer’s Call, a yearly showcase 18th-century military music, and reenactment weekends that recreate the military encampments utilized during the American Revolution.
Nearby KOAs:
Virginia Beach KOA Holiday
Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort
20. Iowa America 250 Kick-Off & State Fair | Des Moines, Iowa
August 13-23, 2026
Iowa launched their year-long 250th celebration on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. This marks the start of the Great American State Fair initiative, which will travel to state and county fairs nationwide.
The 2026 Iowa State Fair, from August 13 to 23, will feature extensive America 250 programming reminiscent of “The Spirit of Iowa ’76” from the 1976 Bicentennial. Expect attractions that focus on agriculture, industry, and the American Dream!
Nearby KOAs:
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey
Planning Your America 250 Adventure
America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. These celebrations honor not just where we’ve been, but who we are and where we’re going as a nation. Whether you’re watching fireworks over Mount Rushmore, boarding tall ships in New York Harbor, or walking colonial streets in Williamsburg, you’re participating in living history.
Start making plans now. Grab a campsite, figure out your route, and get ready to celebrate 250 years of American independence. This is history unfolding right before your eyes – and you’re front and center. Here’s to 250 years, America!
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind that her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
