Let’s be honest – there’s never a bad year to hit the road. But 2026? This one’s different. We’re talking once-in-a-generation celebrations, landmark anniversaries, and bucket-list events that won’t come around again anytime soon. It’s the kind of year that makes you want to top off the tank, fill up the tires, and start plotting your route.
We’ve rounded up 26 can’t-miss experiences happening in 2026. These aren’t your everyday festivals that roll around every summer. These are the moments you’ll be telling stories about for years to come. So grab a map (or open your favorite trip-planning app) and dive in!
Celebrating America 250
Route 66 Centennial
Historic Sporting Events
Eyes on the Sky
Setting Sail and Taking Flight
National Parks and Monuments
Even More Milestones
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
One of the big stories of 2026 is America’s 250th birthday, officially called the United States Semiquincentennial. July 4, 1776, gave us the Declaration of Independence, and 250 years later, the entire country is throwing a party. Every state has something planned, but these events top our list.
1. Philadelphia Semiquincentennial
July 2-4, 2026 • Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is where it all started, so naturally, it’s where the biggest celebrations will happen. The city’s Red, White, & Blue To-Do will transform Philly’s historic district into one giant block party, including special programming at Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and all the surrounding landmarks. July 4th brings an expanded Wawa Welcome America Festival with concerts, fireworks, and free museum admission across the city.
Nearest KOAs:
Philadelphia South / Clarksboro KOA Holiday
Philadelphia / West Chester KOA Holiday
2. Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum
July 2026 • Washington, D.C.
Here’s something most people don’t know: there’s been a massive space hidden beneath the Lincoln Memorial for over a century. In July, that undercroft will finally open to the public as a 15,000-square-foot immersive museum! Be among the first to see the floor-to-ceiling glass walls showcasing dramatic 40-foot concrete columns and multimedia presentations, including historic footage of Marian Anderson’s 1939 concert and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Nearest KOAs:
Washington, DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Fredericksburg / Washington, DC South KOA Holiday
Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday
3. National Air and Space Museum 50th Anniversary Reopening
July 1, 2026 • National Mall, Washington, D.C.
After eight years of renovations across all 20 galleries, the Smithsonian’s most popular museum is back! The July 1 reopening celebrates both America 250 and the museum’s own 50th anniversary. You’ll find more than 1,600 artifacts on display, many freshly restored. The classics are returning (think Spirit of St. Louis, John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7, and the touchable moon rock) alongside new exhibits like “At Home in Space” and pieces from Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic.
Nearest KOAs:
Washington, DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Fredericksburg / Washington, DC South KOA Holiday
Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday
4. Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall
June 18 to July 12, 2026 • Washington, D.C.
The yearly Folklife Festival usually runs about two weeks. For 2026? They’re stretching it to nearly a month! This expanded celebration showcases communities, traditions, and cultural practices from all 50 states, and it’s completely free. If you’re anywhere near D.C. this summer, this one’s a no-brainer.
Nearest KOAs:
Washington, DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Fredericksburg / Washington, DC South KOA Holiday
Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday
5. Battle of Lexington and Concord Re-enactment
April 18, 2026 • Lexington and Concord, MA
Thousands of re-enactors in period uniforms will bring the first battles of the Revolutionary War to life on the actual ground where they happened. Witnessing the “Shot Heard Round the World” 251 years to the day after it occurred? That’s the kind of experience that gives you chills.
Nearest KOAs:
Boston / Cape Cod KOA Holiday
Strafford / Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA Holiday
Lebanon KOA Holiday on the Salmon Falls River
6. Sons of the American Revolution Museum Opening
July 4, 2026 • Louisville, KY
A brand-new museum dedicated entirely to the American Revolution opens its doors on Independence Day. Interactive galleries will cover the full scope of the conflict, offering perspectives you won’t find elsewhere. History buffs will want to add this one to their itinerary.
Nearest KOAs:
Louisville South KOA Holiday
Scottsburg / Raintree Lake KOA Holiday
Brown County / Nashville KOA Holiday
Route 66 Centennial
November 11, 1926, marked the official birth of Route 66, the “Mother Road” that carried generations of Americans from Chicago to Los Angeles. The highway turns 100 in 2026, and all eight states along the original route are celebrating!
7. Route 66 Centennial National Kickoff
April 30, 2026 • Springfield, MO
Springfield is where Route 66 got its name back in 1926, making it the natural home for the official centennial kickoff. This event launches a full year of celebrations spanning the highway’s 2,400 miles.
Nearest KOAs:
Springfield / Route 66 KOA Holiday
Lebanon / Bennett Spring KOA Holiday
8. Route 66 Capital Cruise & Birthday Bash
May 30, 2026 • Tulsa, OK
Tulsa calls itself the “Capital of Route 66®,” and they’re backing that up with the largest classic car parade the Mother Road has ever seen. The goal? Breaking the world record for most classic cars through a single intersection. Live music and vendors will also line the street, with the celebration capped by a concert at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom.
Nearest KOAs:
Tulsa NE / Will Rogers Downs KOA Journey
9. Route 66 Centennial Events Along Eight States
Year-long, peaking in November 2026 • Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California
If there was ever a year to finally drive Route 66, this is it. States along the route are pouring resources into restorations, fresh signage, and major festivals. The Mother Road is getting the birthday party it deserves, with mural projects, drive-in movie nights, classic car meetups, and historical exhibitions. Every state has multiple events, so you can celebrate all year long!
Nearest KOAs:
Illinois
Missouri
Kansas
Oklahoma
Texas
New Mexico
Arizona
California
Historic Sporting Events
Major international sporting events are landing on North American soil in 2026, which means great opportunities to mix your love of sports with life on the road.
10. The Summer of Soccer
June 11 – July 19, 2026 • 16 cities across North America
The world’s biggest sporting event returns to North America for the first time in over 30 years! The expanded 48-team tournament is the largest matchup ever, with the U.S. hosting every match from the quarterfinals through the final at MetLife Stadium. Cities will feature enormous fan zones, concerts, and street festivals that turn entire neighborhoods into international celebrations.
With 13 of the 16 cities hosting matches being in the U.S. or Canada, there’s so many places to plan your adventure.
Nearest KOAs:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Forsyth KOA Journey
Lake Oconee / Greensboro KOA Holiday
Gillette Stadium
Boston / Cape Cod KOA Holiday
AT&T Stadium
Dallas / Arlington KOA Holiday
Weatherford / Fort Worth West KOA Journey
McKinney North / Celina KOA Holiday
NRG Stadium
Houston / Med Center KOA Holiday
Lake Conroe / Houston North KOA Holiday
Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City East / Oak Grove KOA Holiday
Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA Holiday
SoFi Stadium
Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday
Hard Rock Stadium
Hollywood KOA
Davie / Ft. Lauderdale KOA Holiday
MetLife Stadium
New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia / West Chester KOA Holiday
Lancaster / New Holland KOA Journey
Philadelphia South / Clarksboro KOA Holiday
Levi’s Stadium
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
Moss Landing KOA Express
Lumen Field
Ellensburg KOA Journey
Leavenworth / Pine Village KOA Holiday
BMO Field
Barrie KOA Holiday
Niagara Falls KOA Holiday
Brighton / 401 KOA Holiday
BC Place
Lynden / Bellingham KOA Journey (US)
11. UCI Road World Championships
September 20-27, 2026 • Montreal, QC
Canada hosts the world’s top professional cyclists for the first time since 2003. The race for the rainbow jersey winds through Montreal’s historic districts and surrounding hills, and the best part? Roadside viewing is free!
Nearest KOAs:
Montreal South KOA Journey
12. Calgary Stampede 2026
July 3-12, 2026 • Calgary, Alberta
Called “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” this ten-day extravaganza features the world’s largest outdoor rodeo (think bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and breakaway roping) plus heart-pounding chuckwagon races, Indigenous cultural showcases, nightly fireworks, live concerts across multiple stages, and legendary free pancake breakfasts that pop up throughout the city. But 2026 offers a unique opportunity: the Stampede coincides with Canada’s first-ever hosting of FIFA World Cup matches. What a road trip for sports enthusiasts!
Nearest KOAs:
Drumheller / Dinosaur Trail KOA Holiday
Eyes on the Sky
2026 delivers some spectacular stargazing opportunities – exactly the kind of thing that makes RV camping under dark skies so rewarding.
13. Total Lunar Eclipse
March 2-3, 2026 • Western North America
This is the last total lunar eclipse visible from North America until 2028–2029, so don’t miss it. The moon passes completely through Earth’s shadow, creating a “Blood Moon” that lasts 58 minutes.
Western North America will offer the clearest viewing, with dark-sky camping sites having the best seats. In the U.S., consider heading to Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Glacier, Great Basin, Crater Lake, or one of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks. In Canada, the Jasper, Waterton Lakes, Wood Buffalo, and Grasslands National Parks are all good bets!
Nearest KOAs:
California
Montana
Nevada
Utah
Oregon
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Setting Sail and Taking Flight
From tall ships filling New York Harbor to astronauts heading back toward the moon, 2026 celebrates human achievement on the water and in space.
14. Robert Goddard Rocket Launch Centennial
March 13-16, 2026 • Auburn, MA
The space age didn’t actually begin with Sputnik or Apollo. It started in a Massachusetts cabbage patch, where Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket 100 years ago. Clark University’s archives are hosting special exhibits to mark the anniversary of this world-changing moment.
Nearest KOAs:
Northampton / Springfield KOA Holiday
Boston / Cape Cod KOA Holiday
Mystic KOA Holiday
15. Sail4th 250 Tall Ships Parade
July 3-8, 2026 • New York Harbor
Over 50 tall ships from more than 30 nations will gather in New York Harbor for one of the most spectacular maritime events in American history! The parade lines up perfectly with July 4th festivities, creating a scene you won’t forget: majestic ships against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Nearest KOAs:
New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday
16. NASA Artemis II Moon Mission
April 2026 • Kennedy Space Center, FL
Humanity is heading back to the moon’s neighborhood for the first time in over 50 years! Artemis II will send four astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen – on a 10-day journey around the moon. They’ll travel farther from Earth than any humans since the Apollo era. Florida’s Space Coast will be the place to watch the launch.
Nearest KOAs:
Orlando / Kissimmee KOA Holiday
Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday
Orlando NW / Orange Blossom KOA Journey
National Parks and Monuments
Two beloved national parks celebrate the 100th anniversary of their congressional authorization in 2026, and America’s first national monument turns 120!
17. Shenandoah & Great Smoky Mountains National Parks Centennial
May 2026 and throughout the year • VA, TN, NC
Congress authorized both Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks in May 1926. The Centennial brings special ranger programs, history hikes, and rededication ceremonies throughout the year. In particular, the Smokies (America’s most-visited national park) are going all out with heritage festivals, Appalachian music events, and storytelling sessions celebrating the region’s culture and biodiversity.
Nearest KOAs:
Tennessee KOAs
North Carolina KOAs
Virginia KOAs
18. Devils Tower 120th Anniversary
September 2026 • Devil’s Tower, WY
Theodore Roosevelt made Devils Tower the nation’s first National Monument back in 1906. September brings special programming, ranger-led historical tours, and cultural events developed in partnership with local Indigenous communities.
Nearest KOAs:
Devils Tower / Black Hills KOA Journey
More Milestones
A wave of major museum openings and cultural events in 2026 will give travelers plenty of new destinations to explore.
19. America’s Party 2026: New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas
December 31, 2026 • Las Vegas, NV
Start your epic 2026 adventures in the city that knows how to throw a party as big as the year deserves! America’s Party celebrates its 25th anniversary with synchronized fireworks launching from ten Strip resorts simultaneously, a special drone show, and the famous Fremont Street “Countdown Under the Canopy” with live performances.
Nearest KOAs:
Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam’s Town
20. Final Sundance Film Festival in Utah
January 22 to February 1, 2026 • Park City, UT
After decades in Utah, Sundance will be heading to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027, making this year your last chance to catch the world’s premier indie film festival in its longtime home. Expect 100 films across 13 categories, celebrity sightings, and some of the best skiing in the country!
Nearest KOAs:
Salt Lake City KOA Holiday
21. Obama Presidential Center
June 2026 • Chicago, IL
More than a decade in the works, the Obama Presidential Center opens in Chicago’s Jackson Park this June. The $800 million complex will feature the nation’s first fully digital presidential library, exhibits on the 2008 and 2012 elections, an NBA-size basketball court, and programming focused on civic engagement. The 19-acre campus reimagines what a presidential library can be – less of an archive, more of a community hub.
Nearest KOAs:
Chicago NW KOA Holiday
Kankakee South KOA Holiday
22. Kingston Tri-Centennial Celebration
June 2026 and throughout the year • Kingston, ON
One of Canada’s most historic cities turns 300 in 2026! Kingston is Ontario’s first capital and home to Fort Henry, the Royal Military College, and stunning limestone architecture along the St. Lawrence River. The city is planning a year full of celebrations, from heritage festivals and waterfront events to historical walking tours and special programming at the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rideau Canal.
Nearest KOAs:
1000 Islands / Kingston KOA Holiday
1000 Islands / Ivy Lea KOA Holiday
1000 Islands / Mallorytown KOA Holiday
23. National Geographic Museum of Exploration
Summer 2026 • Washington, D.C.
National Geographic is opening a new 100,000-square-foot museum that promises to be unlike anything else in the nation’s capital! The Museum of Exploration will feature immersive exhibits that let visitors step into the role of real-life explorers, plus a 400-seat state-of-the-art theater showcasing NatGeo films and D.C.’s first nighttime outdoor experience with projection mapping and audioscapes in the courtyard. Located in downtown D.C., away from the National Mall crowds, this destination promises to ignite the explorer in visitors of all ages!
Nearest KOAs:
Washington, DC / Capitol KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Fredericksburg / Washington, DC South KOA Holiday
Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA Holiday
24. World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon)
August 27-31, 2026 • Anaheim, CA
Worldcon returns to the Los Angeles area for the first time in decades! The 84th World Science Fiction Convention, also known as LAcon V, will feature programming on Hollywood’s sci-fi legacy, including the opening of the Lucas Museum in September.
Nearest KOAs:
Temecula KOA at Vail Lake
Banning / Stagecoach KOA Journey
25. Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
September 22, 2026 • Los Angeles, CA
George Lucas’s 300,000-square-foot museum finally opens in Exposition Park, dedicated to visual storytelling from cave paintings to digital media. The collection includes 40,000 pieces from Lucas’s personal holdings (works by Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Jack Kirby, and more) plus the complete Historic Lucasfilm Archives. Star Wars fans, clear your calendars!
Nearest KOA:
Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday
26. The 100th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 26, 2026 • New York City
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade turns 100 years old in 2026, and organizers are pulling out all the stops! Expect the biggest lineup of giant balloons, legacy floats, and celebrity performances in the parade’s history, along with centennial throwbacks and archival displays. Crowds will be massive, so plan accordingly!
Nearest KOA:
New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday
Your Roadmap to the Best Year Yet
Here’s the thing about 2026: it’s not just another year on the calendar. It’s a convergence of once-in-a-lifetime moments – America turning 250, Route 66 hitting the century mark, humanity heading back toward the moon, and museums opening that will reshape how we experience art, science, and history. These events won’t wait, and neither should you!
Our advice? Start mapping your route now. Pick the events that speak to you, connect them with scenic byways and hidden gems along the way, and build a road trip that’s as unique as the year itself. Safe travels and happy camping!
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.
