The local's guide to America 250 around D.C.
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If you thought D.C.'s New Year fireworks went big, just wait for 250th birthday fireworks! Photo: Austin DeSisto/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The 100-day countdown to America's 250th is on — but you don't have to wait until July 4. There's already plenty worth putting on your calendar this spring and early summer.
Why it matters: Yes, 50 million visitors are expected — but this moment isn't just for tourists. With a wave of new and revamped museums, exhibits and attractions, it's a rare chance to play tourist in your own city.
Between the lines: And with what's expected to be the largest July 4 fireworks display on record, even the most crowd-averse locals might be tempted to hit the Mall.
The big picture: Beyond events, DC's getting lasting upgrades timed around 250: A new National Geographic Museum (opening June 26), Mount Vernon's completed $40 million overhaul, an expanded Air and Space Museum and Lincoln Undercroft in July, and even a new Dulles concourse to accommodate more travelers (eta: early fall).
Get tickets — many of them free — and mark your calendars:
🎨 Art + culture
Glenstone: "Ties of Our Common Kindred" (Ongoing)
- Big-name American artists like Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol set in Potomac's serene, indoor/outdoor museum for adults and kids 12+ — worth a full afternoon escape.
National Gallery: "Dear America" (April 11–Sept. 20)
- A thoughtful, visually rich look at American identity across 250 years that speaks to its diversity, with free artist and gallery talks for Saturday's opening (registration required).
Milken Center: "The Spirit of 2076" (ongoing)
- Plenty of America 250th events look back — this is a forward-looking exhibition asking what the next 50 years of the American dream could look like.
🏛️ For history buffs
Ford's Theatre: "1776" (through May 16)
- The classic Declaration musical explored through America today — an engaging history and entertainment combo.
DAR Museum and Constitution Hall (now–2027; April 18 events)
- A free exhibit, "Revolution in Their Words," uses diaries and letters from real people of the era — women, enslaved people, Native Americans — for perspectives beyond the Founding Fathers.
- On April 18: A family-friendly birthday celebration and concert headlined by Patti LaBelle, celebrating female vets.
Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend (May 2–3)
- Military history buffs, this one's for you —live drills, cannon fire, and reenactors bring the Revolution to life at George Washington's estate.
New Lincoln Memorial museum (July)
A major new underground exhibition space exploring the Mall as a civic stage. One of the most meaningful long-term additions — go early before word spreads.
🌿 Get outside!
U.S. Botanic Garden: "America's State Flowers" (April 10–Oct. 12)
- Perfect for spring, the exhibit spreads across the gardens — find your home state's flower and wander.
Sail 250 Virginia comes to Alexandria (June 12–14)
- Historic "tall ships" sail into Alexandria as part of their statewide tour, with music, family activities and more.
☀️Smithsonian goes all in
National Building Museum: Smithsonian Craft Show (April 22-26)
- The annual spring show and fundraiser for the Smithsonian brings together the finest in American craft — from jewelry to ceramics and furniture — that's admirable and shoppable.
Natural History: "Bison: Standing Strong" (opens May 7)
- Fun fact: Bison once lived on the National Mall. You can now get an in-depth look at America's national mammal at the new exhibit (plus cool new bison statues outside).
American History: "In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness" (opens May 14)
- 250 objects scattered across the museum — including some never-before-seen pieces — encourage exploration, and celebrate American moments big and small.
Smithsonian Castle reopening + "American Aspirations" (May 22–Sept 7)
- A rare chance to step inside the Castle during its renovation pause, paired with a high-level exhibit curated by Smithsonian director Lonnie Bunch that brings together some of the Smithsonian's prized objects from across its museums.
Arts & Industries Building (June–September)
- The Smithsonian's second-oldest building temporarily reopens with pop-up attractions — including a Folklife Marketplace (June 16–July 12) featuring handcrafted goods from American artisans, and a traveling exhibition.
🎉 Fun + parties
National Gallery Block Party (June 6)
- Art, music, food and film bring a festival atmosphere across the campus.
UFC Freedom 250 (June 14)
- The President's cage match on the White House South Lawn is mostly invite-only, but a spectacle nonetheless (expect big screens for viewing).
Great American State Fair (June 25-July 10)
- The National Mall transforms into a mega-state fair with food, culture and entertainment from all 50 states, territories and beyond.
Red Bull Spin Off at The Wharf (June 27)
- Teams race custom bikes across a floating obstacle course — and applications to compete are open through May 3.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix (Aug. 22–23)
- IndyCar brings a high-profile race to the National Mall — with first-come access, no tickets required.