The United States of America celebrates our 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, with celebrations slated here in Washington, DC, and across the country. As historical researchers living in the nation’s capital, we are excited to celebrate this momentous occasion, including at local events throughout the summer. Whether you live in The District or are planning a visit, here are five ways to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial:
1. See the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
A new visitor experience at the Lincoln Memorial brings to life a hidden space once unbeknownst to many of its millions of annual visitors. The Undercroft, located beneath the memorial’s steps, takes visitors below the famous monument to share the story of its conceptualization, construction, and lasting legacy. One TRG team member got to preview the new exhibit, which officially opened June 25, and found it “tactile and engaging” with a fascinating focus on the workers who built one of the nation’s most famous monuments. Make sure to visit the restrooms, where you can find reproductions of graffiti the original builders left on the support pillars!
For a limited time, visitors can also see the original signed copy of the 13th Amendment, which is on loan to the National Park Service through 2027.
2. Visit the District Vibes/American Pride exhibit at MLK Library
As residents know, DC offers much more than monuments and famous government buildings. It’s a bright and dynamic city whose culture has contributed to the national character. It’s the hometown of artists like Marvin Gaye, Duke Ellington, and John Philip Sousa. It’s where football players at Gallaudet University invented “the huddle.” And throughout our history it’s been the nexus of the nation’s struggle to secure civil rights.
The exhibit District Vibes/American Pride: How D.C. Changed American Cultureis on display at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library from June 3 to September 27, 2026. While you’re there, check out the library’s permanent exhibits on the fourth floor, covering MLK’s impact on DC, the history of DC’s vibrant punk rock and go-go music scenes, and the complex legacy of civil rights leader and former mayor Marion Barry.
3. Enjoy free live music on Capitol Hill
Summers in DC are known for outdoor concerts, and this year is no exception. Eastern Market Metro Park in Capitol Hill is celebrating America’s 250th with free outdoor concerts every Friday evening in July from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. The Library of Congress Live! At the Library concert series continues through July with performances including the Naptown Brass Band and Matthew Van Hoose, organist for the Washington Nationals. The Architect of the Capitol will be hosting military band performances on weekday evenings from July 13 through August 28.
4. Explore DC with 51 Steps to Freedom
Using augmented reality (AR) technology and billing itself as “the largest outdoor museum in the world,” 51 Steps to Freedom features locations all over DC from Anacostia to the National Mall to Georgetown and many places in between. Using your smart phone, the self-guided, self-paced tour provides historical context through an AR interpreter at select historic sites, allowing you to spend time with a virtual George Washington, hear local icon Virginia Ali share the story of Ben’s Chili Bowl, get a history lesson on the nearly 116-year-old Howard Theater from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame president Greg Harris, or dance (virtually) with former local TV celebrity Kermit the Frog. To explore, visit the 51 Steps to Freedom website and reserve your free tickets, then download the Hoverlay app and scan the QR code associated with your ticket.
5. Hike or bike the Civil War Defenses of DC
During the Civil War, the Union Army constructed a series of forts to defend the capital from Confederate advances. By war’s end, 68 forts guarded the city, and today the National Park Service oversees the preservation and maintenance of the 19 that remain. There are various short trails between forts, but the 7-mile Fort Circle Hiker-Biker Trail is one of the most popular. Beginning at the remnants of Battery Ricketts, adjacent to Fort Stanton Park, the woodland trail takes visitors past Fort Davis, Fort DuPont, and Fort Chaplin before terminating at Fort Mahan. Dogs are welcome, as long as they remain leashed.
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