As America approaches its 250th birthday, summer is the perfect season to celebrate! Destinations across the country are honoring this milestone in unique and memorable ways.
From historic walking tours and week-long festivals to fireworks-filled skies, there are countless ways to celebrate. Keep reading for your guide to America’s 250th where we highlight some of the best summer celebrations across the U.S.
Chicago Southland, Illinois
Where can you find Chicago Southland? Just 30 minutes beyond the city limits of Chicago. Expansive and welcoming, Chicago Southland is home to 40,000 acres of luscious forestry, a historic downtown shopping district, and countless dining options.
Chicago Southland communities are celebrating America’s 250th! Throughout the summer Chicago Southland will host over 30 events, commemorating this major milestone. The patriotic events include fireworks, culinary experiences celebrating local cuisine, and informative historical tours. No matter when you visit, we recommend taking a journey to the past on the Southland Heritage Trail.
Southland Heritage Trail
The brand-new Southland Heritage Trail gives visitors the opportunity to explore America’s history as well as the rich heritage of Illinois. Connect with the past and celebrate America’s 250th with stops at local historical societies, museums, and landmarks.
With more than 30 celebratory events and plenty more to see and do, Chicago Southland is the place for you! Now is the time to request your free print and downloadable Chicago Southland Visitors Guide.
Finger Lakes of New York
The Finger Lakes region in New York is known for its 11 long, narrow lakes. The expansive and beautiful area is home to more than 100 wineries, dozens of waterfalls, museums, art galleries, outdoor recreation sites, and so much more. The region will also host countless celebrations throughout the summer. Some of the top festivals include those discussed below!
Albion Strawberry Festival
The Albion Strawberry Festival is a family-friendly celebration set for June 12 and June 13. This year’s festival’s theme, “A Berry, Big 250th,” honors America’s 250th. In addition to a patriotic parade, festival-goers can enjoy vendors, food trucks, live music, games, and activities for all ages. The event also features a turtle race during which numbered rubber turtles race along the historic Erie Canal. For 2026, the race will feature 750 rubber racing turtles.
Freedom Festival
On June 13 and June 14, America’s 250th can be celebrated in the Finger Lakes at Levi Corser Park. The Freedom Festival offers a look into the past with Revolutionary War and pioneer reenactors, period crafts people, vintage games, performances, and lectures. Most of the historic activities will take place on Saturday while Sunday’s events will include the annual Bristol Fun Day. Bristol Fun Day will be a modern celebration that includes food, local vendors, a parade, car show, and live music.
There’s so much to see and do in the Finger Lakes of New York. For more travel ideas, check out all of our free print and downloadable New York Travel Guides including the following Finger Lakes guides: Cayuga County Travel Guide, Fresh Air Adventures Guide, and Watkins Glen Travel Guide.
Wytheville, Virginia
Wytheville is truly unique, in both its name and charm. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, this historic town is an iconic representation of small town America. So iconic that it recently received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award, an award recognizing excellence in preservation-based commercial district revitalization.
Fourth of July Celebration
How can you celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States? With a great American, main street celebration in Wytheville!
Wytheville’s 4th of July Celebration includes an all-day music festival, often drawing crowds of over 12,000 people. With stages set throughout downtown, it is a great place to enjoy live musical performances and celebrate.
In addition to music, visitors can also enjoy specialty drinks, a vintage car show, carnival games, and kids’ activities. Festival goers are encouraged to walk and sip thanks to relaxed open container laws, allowing guests to bring drinks with them as they enjoy the festival. The celebration ends with a huge fireworks display that promises to light up Main Street.
Ready to discover why Wytheville is a family favorite destination? Request your free print and downloadable Wytheville Visitors Guide today!
Washington’s Tri-Cities
The Tri-Cities area includes the closely linked communities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and West Richland. The cities are located at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers. It is hard not to look on the bright side while visiting the region, thanks to the more than 300 days of sunshine that the region enjoys. Due to the sunshine, the area is able to house more than 160 wineries within an hour’s drive.
Summer 2026 will be one to remember in the Tri-Cities! Throughout the summer there are countless festivals, fairs, and, of course, Fourth of July festivities. All of the following events and festivals are a great way to celebrate America’s 250th.
Iconic Country Music Festival
Are you ready for good vibes and great tunes? Then you’re ready for the Iconic Country Music Festival! Featuring some of Washington’s top country music stars, it promises to be a weekend full of boot-stompin’, line dancing, and good, old-fashioned fun.
Art in the Park Festival
On July 24 and July 25, the Art in the Park Festival will take place in Howard Amon Park. The biggest art festival in Eastern Washington features over 300 artists, a variety of food vendors, live music, and sculpture garden.
Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo
Celebrate the end of summer and America’s 250th at the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo. For 78 years, the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo has been touted as the best week of the summer. From August 25 through August 29, fair-goers are encouraged to enjoy live music, rides, tasty food, and rodeo action.
River of Fire
The River of Fire is one of the Tri-Cities’ brightest summer traditions. Held on the Fourth of July, the family-friendly event features live music, delicious food, and a spectacular fireworks display launched over the Columbia River.
What are you waiting for? Get your free print and downloadable Tri-Cities Travel Guide and plan your visit!
Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Garrett County, Maryland is stunning. This scenic vacation destination features picturesque mountains, cool rivers, and serene lakes. It is also easily accessible with direct highway access from the following cities: Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; and Morgantown, West Virginia.
America’s 250th is a chance to come together and celebrate. What better way to celebrate than at the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash!
Garrett 250 Birthday Bash
The Garrett 250 Birthday Bash is a free, all-ages celebration taking place on July 18 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. The patriotic event is a time to come together and honor the past while celebrating the present. Visitors are encouraged to take full advantage of the bash which will include live entertainment, family-friendly activities, flavorful food, and an evening drone light show. The event will also feature interactive exhibits, veteran honors, and history walking tours.
Make this summer one to remember. Grab your free print and downloadable Garrett County – Deep Creek Lake Visitors Guide today!
Let the Celebrations Begin!
America’s 250th birthday is a time to connect to the people, places, and moments that shape the country. Whether you choose a small-town festival, a historic landmark, or a major city event, each destination is an opportunity to joyfully celebrate this historic milestone. Start planning your memorable summer getaway today!
Looking for more ways to celebrate America’s 250th? Check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides!