Many states and cities have bragging rights to being the “first” and “oldest” in the nation for different milestones throughout America’s history. And with the big blowout birthday coming up in 2026, they’re getting ready to show off, including at historic inns where George Washington really did spend the night.
In some places, festivities have already been planned. But stay tuned, there’s a lot more red, white, and blue to be announced; check America250 and the state links included below for ongoing updates.
Virginia
Virginia is for history lovers, and they’re starting the celebrations early. The 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech in 1775 will be marked this year by filmmaker Ken Burns, a Patrick Henry descendant, in a reenactment ceremony on March 23 in Richmond. “It marks the 250th anniversary — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the speech in the same church, on the same day, and same time it was delivered, or as close as historians can determine,” says Mike Frontiero, chief communications officer, VA250 Commission.
“Virginia’s Semiquincentennial is not simply about our past,” says Frontiero. “How we commemorate our founding also impacts our present and our future. This is why we have chosen ‘To Form a More Perfect Union’ as our theme. Our founders knew there was more work required 250 years ago, and work remains to be done.”
And the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown) is known as the birthplace of America. In summer 2026, the largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg, will have a grand display of live reenactments and a Lights of Freedom concert with fireworks.
Massachusetts
The party’s also starting early in Concord and Lexington. That’s because 2025 marks the beginning of the American Revolution when the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired and the battles began. To commemorate, on April 19, Patriot’s Day, activities will include reenactments at Concord’s Minute Man National Historical Park and Lexington’s Battle Green. The Inn at Hastings Park has several tie-in packages.
And Boston, home to iconic sites that flank the Freedom Trail, will be celebrating
big — and boldly. “This is not your father’s Freedom Trail,” says Nikki Stewart, executive director of Old North Illuminated. “For decades, the 2.5-mile path — a vital landmark attracting four million visitors annually — has predominantly focused on the contributions of ‘elite white men,’” she says. “But with the 250th anniversary approaching, Boston is taking bold steps to reshape the narrative. The story of America’s fight for independence is being reimagined to include the pivotal roles of women, people of color, and other often-overlooked figures, ensuring that their contributions are recognized in the historical fabric of the Revolution.” Expect an unprecedented celebration with an inclusive perspective on the Revolution’s legacy, says Stewart.
There are also many citywide celebrations planned that will include the iconic Hatch Shell’s Fourth of July concert and fireworks.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia will be the liberty belle of the ball. And Philly has also scored a major feat — the FIFA World Cup match on July 4, 2026. Philly is also hosting America’s favorite pastime — the MLB All-Star Game next summer.
“Our most historic inns and all our hotels in Philadelphia are ready to welcome visitors in 2026,” says Jennifer Nagle, vice president, special projects, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Gettysburg also witnessed pivotal moments in American history, from the bloodiest battle of the Civil War to President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. “We’re looking forward to a year-long America 250 celebration in Gettysburg,” says Mary Grace Kauffman, media relations manager, Destination Gettysburg. The 2026 re-enactment in Gettysburg is set for July 3 through 5 at the Daniel Lady Farm. “As for historic taverns, one of the most popular places to dine in Gettysburg, Dobbin House Tavern, is as old as this country and will also be celebrating its 250th in 2026.”
New York
New York City played a significant role in the nation’s birth and Alexander Hamilton was a leading man. Hamilton is the hip-hop Broadway musical about America’s founding story and plans are in the works for something special next summer.
The New York Historical on Central Park West will debut its Democracy Wing in 2026. And in spring 2026, The New York Public Library, a steward of important founding documents, will host a system-wide initiative.
Other New York destinations with pivotal roles in the American Revolution, including Saratoga and Fort Ticonderoga, will also be in a party mood.
Branson, Missouri
Branson has flagged the country’s birthday with a hopeful designation as having the most American flags in one destination. Branson plans to purchase enough American flags for every household in the destination to hang, should they choose to do so, and have the Guinness Book of World Records available to make it an official record, says Heather Hermen, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Explore Branson.
“We consider ourselves unique with our honoring and celebrating veterans year-round every year, but 2026 will be extra special,” says Hermen. “We have a position on our team, Veterans Initiatives Manager, working with Veterans groups, organizations, and individuals to invite them to Branson to be honored, celebrated, and recognized.”
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is the icing on the birthday cake. The National Mall will be center stage for celebrations, a year-long event hosted by the National Park Service, Smithsonian, and the National Archives. Expect fireworks, a parade, a two-day celebration on Pennsylvania Avenue, and an entire month-long festival on the National Mall. The National Archives in D.C. is the only place to see the Declaration of Independence.
There are several historic hotels, including The Hay-Adams, which will be coveted spots to stay.
(Related: America declared independence on July 2—so why is the 4th a holiday?)
New Mexico
Route 66 is considered America’s Mother Road. The 2,400-mile road was born in 1926, connecting roads from Chicago through New Mexico to Los Angeles.
Next year, visitors can be among the first to celebrate 100 years of cruising America’s Mother Road in the state that boasts the most iconic stretch of the historic highway dotted with neon signs. With more than 450 miles, the Land of Enchantment hosts more of the historic route than any other state.
Historic Hotels of America
“Many towns and cities that played a role in the Revolutionary-era have fantastic historic hotels and inns,” says Katherin Orr, director, marketing strategy and communications, Historic Hotels of America/Historic Hotels Worldwide. “These are places where history is not a fad or hook, but what hospitality professionals do for guests all the time.”
Some of the oldest: The John Rutledge House Inn in Charleston, South Carolina (1763); Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn in Rhinebeck, New York (1766, George Washington really did sleep here); and Boston’s Omni Parker House (1855).
“Now is the time to start planning where you want to go and what you want to experience during the 250th anniversary celebrations,” says Orr.
Two if by sea
Sail250 will be celebrated with a fleet of tall ships and military vessels in ports around the country next summer. New York will celebrate at the Port of New York and New Jersey on July 4. New Orleans Sail250 will take place at the Port of New Orleans and Norfolk will serve as the host city in Virginia.
Laurie Bain Wilson’s work has been published in Real Simple, OpenTable, Travel Channel, CNNTravel, Travel Market Report, Eat This, Next Avenue/PBS, Chowhound, Parents, Salon, Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, New York Times and longtime correspondent at The Boston Globe.
