After the fireworks: America's 250 celebration continues around D.C.
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The National Gallery of Art's "Dear America" exhibitionruns through Sept. 20. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
The July 4 crowds have cleared, but America's 250th birthday celebration is still going strong.
Why it matters: From museum exhibitions to family festivals and outdoor events, there are plenty of ways to mark America's milestone throughout the summer and beyond.
Ongoing exhibitions
Library of Congress: "The Declaration's Promise: A Revolutionary Idea"
- Through July 3, 2027 | Free (timed-entry tickets required)
This new America 250 exhibition explores how the Declaration of Independence shaped the nation's history through more than 120 treasures, including Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration. Visitors can also see rare manuscripts, books and artifacts spanning 250 years of American history.
National Gallery of Art: "Dear America"
- Through Sept. 20 | Free
This new exhibition explores American identity through paintings, photographs and sculpture spanning 250 years.
Glenstone: "Ties of Our Common Kindred"
- Ongoing | Free (timed entry required)
Works by American icons including Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol anchor this exhibition exploring shared history and identity. It's another reason to spend an afternoon at the Potomac museum's sprawling campus.
U.S. Botanic Garden: "America's State Flowers"
- Through Oct. 12 | Free
Celebrate the nation's botanical heritage by spotting all 50 state flowers and plants throughout the garden. It's an easy add-on to a stroll along the National Mall.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History: "In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness"
- Ongoing | Free
The museum has scattered 250 objects throughout its galleries — including rarely displayed artifacts — to encourage visitors to discover stories that define the American experience, one exhibition at a time.
Smithsonian Museum of African American History & Culture: "Shaping America"
- Ongoing | Free (timed entry passes required)
The museum highlights the contributions of African Americans to the country, from the foundation and evolution of the United States, through monthly themes. Save the date for the museum's 10th anniversary celebrations (Sept. 24-27).
Upcoming events
Smithsonian Dreams: Castle Illuminations
- July 17-18 | Free
The Smithsonian Castle — temporarily reopened for 250 through September 7 — will become the backdrop for a stunning immersive nighttime projection (9-11pm) created by globally acclaimed Turkish-American artist Refik Anadol.
- Using AI and millions of digitized objects from the Smithsonian's vast collections, the public installation reflects the institution's mission for "the increase and diffusion of knowledge."
- The 20-minute show will happen twice each evening; visitors are encouraged to arrive by 8pm to secure seats.
- Before, visit the castle and the limited-time "American Aspirations" exhibition curated by Smithsonian director Lonnie Bunch. The neighboring Arts and Industries Building will remain open from 6–11pm both evenings, offering visitors drinks, snacks and DJ tunes.
Plus, the National Museum of Asian Art will host a special public conversation on July 18 with Anadol and museum director Chase F. Robinson, exploring how data and machine intelligence shape Anadol's creative practice.
- It's free, but an RSVP is required.
Lotus & Water Lily Festival
- July 18-19 | Free
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens' annual floral festival gets a 250 makeover this year, featuring special red, white and blue blooms alongside cultural performances, yoga, ranger programs, art activities and food vendors.
Smithsonian Family Day
- July 25 | Free
The Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building — temporarily reopened for 250 — will host a family-friendly celebration of the semiquincentennial, with hands-on activities, live music and dance performances, historical reenactors and educational exhibitions. The event is designed to connect kids and families with the nation's past while looking toward its future.
Library of Congress National Book Festival
- Aug. 22 | Free (entry ticket required)
This year's National Book Festival is themed around "America 250: It's Your Story" and features more than 80 authors, including Cynthia Erivo, Martin Scorsese, Ann Patchett and Annette Gordon-Reed. Beyond author talks, the festival will include programming focused on American history, film, music, veterans, folklore and the Library of Congress' collections.