Ohio invites everyone to America's 250th birthday bash
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America turns 250 years old a year from Friday, and the folks planning Ohio's once-in-a-generation celebration say everything is on track.
Why it matters: The birthday party will last all year and all 88 counties are on the guest list after passing resolutions to participate.
- The semiquincentennial is meant to be a unifying moment as we celebrate our state and its place in U.S. history.
Case in point: This time next year, the Ohio History Center will be one of several sites hosting a community picnic to bring people together.
Catch up quick: Planning kicked off back in 2022. The festivities will include signature statewide events, as well as one-off celebrations in participating communities.
- The Ohio legislature is funding much of the programming and some has already begun.
- "We're thrilled at how Ohioans are really embracing this," America 250-Ohio executive director Todd Klesmit tells Axios.
The latest: Expect to see 250-Ohio marchers in Thursday's Red, White & Boom parade, stepping off at 5:30pm, and find activities at the Ohio State Fair later this month, inside the Lausche Building.
Some of what's planned for 2026:
🗓️ Monthly celebration themes, including "Ohio firsts," farms, fairs, arts and sports.
🧑🚀 Trails and Tales: Road trip to sites across six statewide "trails."
- Two have been announced — Air & Space and Creativity — and one exploring waterways, the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail, is currently accepting submissions.
🌳 Heritage Trees: A white oak tree will be planted in "meaningful locations" in each county.
🪦 Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project: An estimated 7,000 Revolutionary War veterans are buried in Ohio. This effort will honor them by mapping their final resting places with the public's help.
🚂 250 Buckeye Train: Take a train ride on the historic Pennsylvania Railroad to the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum in Eastern Ohio.
- There are two round trips, departing from Columbus (April 25, $150) or Newark (April 26, $135). Tickets.
🎬 Ohio Goes to the Movies: Theaters and venues in all 88 counties will showcase movies with Ohio ties from February-October. There's no schedule yet, but there is an 80-page film database.
- Watch a promo video featuring actress and Columbus native Beverly D'Angelo.