Celebrations for America's 250th anniversary are about to begin in D.C. President Donald Trump has ordered a slew of events, from a UFC fight on the South Lawn and an IndyCar Grand Prix to the Great American State Fair (which is falling apart before our very eyes). But there are plenty of ways to celebrate the anniversary, far from the shadow of the White House.
We rounded up the best events, many of them hosted by local institutions, that celebrate D.C.’s contributions to American history. Whether you go for a historic bike tour or drop by one of the many chef collaborations, there is something for every type of Washingtonian.
Events begin June 3 and run through the end of July.
Art and Exhibits
Block Party at the National Gallery of Art
June 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Free
Celebrate 250 years of American art and creativity at the National Gallery’s biggest party ever. There will be interactive public art projects, local music, zine-making, sound baths, artist talks, food vendors, an outdoor chalk mural and more spread across the museum's campus.
Ice Cream Social and Art Workshop at the Anacostia Community Museum
July 4, 12 - 3 p.m., Free
Stop by this social on the way to your Fourth of July cookout. Get your fill of ice cream then join a hands-on workshop making legacy-inspired artworks that explore the roots and values that shape D.C.’s community.
USA at 250 Art Exhibit at Del Ray Artisans
June 5-28, Free
See how local artists capture their view of “USA at 250” at this exhibit in Alexandria. Artwork highlights the local landscapes, people, history, creativity, and resilience that shaped America. You can meet the curators and artists at an opening reception on June 5.
Food and Drink
Silent Spring cocktail from Doyle Bar’s Swing Set menu. (Courtesy of Doyle Bar)
Colonial Coffeehouse Experience at Tudor Place
July 2, 6:30 p.m., $10
This after-hours gathering at Tudor Place is inspired by the colonial coffeehouses where gossip and revolutionary ideas brewed. Explore Tudor Place’s exhibits and learn how these institutions shaped and changed communities across the United States before heading to Dower House for coffee and a slice of pizza.
Swing Set Cocktail Menu at Doyle Bar
June-July, menu pricing
Doyle Bar is marking America’s birthday with a new cocktail menu that it’s calling a “liquid narrative of D.C.” Each cocktail is inspired by local cultural figures like Lady Bird Johnson, Duke Ellington, and Josephine Baker. Try the GoGo Swing, a bourbon and prosecco cocktail inspired by Chuck Brown.
EAT 250: America at the Table
June 14-28, Free
D.C.’s restaurant association is kicking off their own culinary celebration this month called EAT250 with more than 100 restaurants participating. Expect chef collab dinners, public talks, special menus, and interactive events that explore the traditions and cultural exchanges that define American cooking.
Local Music
Music celebration at the Library of Congress. (Shawn Miller/Library of Congress)
America 250 Music Performance Series in Eastern Market
July 3-31, Free
Pack the picnic blankets! Every Friday in July there will be a free local music concert in Eastern Market Metro Park. Check out Moonscape on July 10, a local ensemble that plays video game and anime soundtracks or the DMV Music Academy steel pan ensemble on July 3.
Fashion and Jazz Celebration at the Library of Congress
June 4-25, Free
Throughout June, the Library of Congress is hosting several events that pay tribute to 250 years of American fashion and jazz. Dance at a fashion-themed costume ball on June 11, listen to legendary jazz bassist Stanley Clarke on June 18, or slip on your favorite trainers for the sneaker party on June 25. Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed in clothes from their favorite era — think powdered wigs, hoop skirts, and streetwear.
History
Guests board the ARA Libertad coming to Sail 250 Virginia in Alexandria. (Courtesy of Sail 250 Virginia)
District Vibes / American Pride Exhibit at MLK Library
June 3-Sept. 27, Free
Next time you’re at MLK Library, head to the main hall for this exhibit on how D.C. changed American culture from the football huddle to Marvin Gaye songs. Along with the main exhibit, neighborhood libraries will host their own exhibits, talks, readings, and films that all celebrate Washingtonian contributions to U.S. history.
Sail 250 Virginia in Alexandria Harbor
June 12-14, Free
A fleet of historic tall ships is stopping by Alexandria on their statewide tour. Expect two days of music, family activities, exhibits, tours, public art, educational programs, and more.
American Aspirations Exhibit at the Smithsonian Castle
June 2-July 26
This exhibit brings together 30 pieces that explore how different generations have interpreted the Declaration of Independence. It celebrates the American experience while acknowledging we're still striving to live up to the ideals set forth during the country's founding 250 years ago.
Outdoor Activities
Bikers on the Mount Vernon Trail. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
America 250 Bike Ride on the Mount Vernon Trail
June 20, Free
Join a National Park Service ranger on this 11-mile bike ride along the Mount Vernon Trail. You’ll stop and visit five historical points along the Mount Vernon Trail including the Navy and Marine Memorial, Gravelly Point, and Daingerfield Island before looping back to the Columbia Island Marina. Pro tip: Grab an orange crush at Island Time, a marina-side dive bar, after your ride.
July Fourth Women's History Walk in Alexandria
July 4, Free
Put on your walking shoes for this tour highlighting Alexandria’s heroines of the past. The tour will begin at the Alexandria Visitor Center, swing by a variety of historic sites in Old Town and end at the city’s historic Waterfront.
