On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But you don’t have to wait to celebrate America’s 250th! This milestone is already being honored in every community across the country with celebrations and other notable events.
Are you ready to embrace this once-in-a-lifetime milestone? Then check out the best U.S. celebrations leading into America’s 250th anniversary, discussed below!
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul is a capital city where history is celebrated with food, festivals, sports, and more. It is a city that cares about its people and welcomes visitors.
History Forum 250: Revisiting the Revolution
In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Minnesota Historical Society’s History Forum is focused on the history and legacy of the American Revolution. On select Saturdays, celebrated authors and award-winning historians will explore American history. Upcoming lectures include the following:
- Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic with Lindsay Chervinsky
- A Promised Land: Jewish Patriots, the American Revolution, and the Birth of Religious Freedom with Adam Jortner
- Freedom Round the Globe: A New History of the American Revolution with Sarah Pearsall
Water Lantern Festival
On June 14, visitors can enjoy a magical evening at the Water Lantern Festival. Visitors are invited to decorate and launch water lanterns onto the water. The memorable display of floating lights unites communities and promises to be an evening of celebration and wonder. The family-friendly celebration will include live music, food vendors, and activities.
St. Paul Saints Home Games
Baseball is a reflection of America’s past and a celebration of the country’s legacy. Celebrate America’s pastime by catching a home baseball game at CHS Field in Lowertown. The St. Paul Saints are the city’s celebrated minor league baseball team. Home games start now and run through September.
Are you ready for a charming urban getaway? Request your free print and downloadable Saint Paul Insider’s Guide today!
Chicago Southland, Illinois
Just 30 minutes beyond the city limits of Chicago rests Chicago Southland. Chicago Southland is a place to celebrate the past and embrace the future.
History Hike at Swallow Cliff Woods
Swallow Cliff Woods is an expansive nature preserve best known for its 100-foot-high bluff and demanding stair climb. Visitors go to enjoy the woodlands, marshes, and meadows filled with bird songs. On May 8, visitors can also retrace the footsteps of history with a guided history hike celebrating the area’s past.
Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra: America Turns 250
On May 16, join Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in its celebration of America’s 250th. This celebration is led by Stilian Kirov as conductor and features music by Joan Tower, Jessie Montgomery, John Philip Sousa, and Aaron Copland.
Are you ready to celebrate? Request your free print and downloadable Chicago Southland Visitors Guide today!
Saratoga County, New York
Saratoga County is centrally located at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. The area is synonymous with horse racing and history. A celebration of America wouldn’t be complete without a celebration of horses.
Racing at the Dawn of the United States
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is celebrating America’s 250th with an exhibit on the history of thoroughbred horse racing in America. The exhibition features key figures, races, and horses of the time and is enhanced with loans from other exhibits.
For a true celebration of horse racing, attend the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course. Belmont Stakes is one of the oldest stakes races in North America and the oldest of the Triple Crown events.
Can you hear the bugle call? That means it’s time to request your free print and downloadable Saratoga County Visitor Guide!
New Jersey
New Jersey is home to beautiful beaches, natural wonders, dazzling entertainment, tasty food, and so much more. With unique historical sites and one-of-a-kind attractions, the Garden State is the perfect place to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Living History USA Weekend
Visit the Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton April 11 and 12 for an informative and interactive experience. During the tour, the museum’s first floor will be transformed, featuring historical figures who will help visitors solve a centuries-old mystery.
Voices Chorale Spring Concert
Voices Chorale NJ is a Princeton-area chorus that performs sacred and secular music from across the globe. On May 2, visitors are invited to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Voices Chorale Spring Concert. In celebration, the concert will feature music by American composers.
Battle of Monmouth Reenactment
The longest and hottest battle of the Revolution was fought on June 28, 1778 on the Monmouth Battlefield. Every year, a battle reenactment educates and engages visitors. The 2026 Battle of Monmouth reenactment will take place from June 19 through June 21 at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The event features a large-scale battle reenactment, historical village, and demonstrations.
Visitors are in for a treat the following weekend when Monmouth County hosts America’s Big Birthday Parade & Festival: Red, White & You on June 28. Continue the celebrations after the parade at the family fun festival with food trucks, live entertainment, activities, and more.
Are you ready to explore New Jersey? Plan ahead with your free print and downloadable New Jersey Travel Guide!
Cayuga County and the Finger Lakes, New York
Cayuga County in the Finger Lakes Region is a place to make memories. The area features endless outdoor adventures, ample water access, and rich history– making it a great place to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
Remarkable Women of the Finger Lakes
Cayuga County is rich in history, including indigenous matriarchs and modern day social activists. These trailblazers include Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Iroquois matriarchs. A great way to celebrate America and these women is by learning their stories. Take a journey to the past with a visit to these sites in Cayuga County:
- Seward House Museum
- Opendore and Howland Stone Store Museum
- Harriet Tubman Home
- Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
- Equal Rights Heritage Center
250 Years of Nature
Join Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum in its celebration of the history and importance of environmental conservation in America. These free events feature important elements of the country’s environmental past and include the following:
- Environmental Literature – Megan Walters at the Big Flats Library on May 21
- Environmental Laws and Landmark Acts – Megan Walters at the Steele Memorial Library on August 20
- The Origin of the National Park Service – Ryan Donnelly at the Southeast Steuben County Library on November 5
Freedom Festival
June 13 and June 14 visitors are invited to Bristol’s Levi Corser Park in Bristol Center for a Freedom Festival. The family-friendly festival includes Revolutionary Era activities on Saturday and Bristol Fun Day activities on Sunday. The festival features reenactors, period craftspeople, vintage games, performances, and more. On Bristol Fun Day, visitors can enjoy food and craft vendors, a parade, a car show, live music, and more.
Cayuga County has so much to offer! Plan your getaway today with your free print and downloadable Cayuga County Travel Guide.
How Will You Celebrate?
Celebrations are more than just fireworks and festivities. Celebrations are a chance to journey to the past and embrace the shared spirit that defines the country. Every event is an opportunity to reflect and embrace this important milestone. Celebrations bring communities together and help form lasting memories for generations to come. Now is the time to make memories. Now is the time to celebrate America!
Looking for more celebratory destinations? Check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides!