Ways to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary in Washington, DC

National Gallery of Art

Beneath the Surface: Mining and American Photography – Through Aug. 23
Mining and photography are intertwined in American history, with the camera used to document labor practices for nearly 200 years. This new National Gallery of Art exhibit goes underground with 150 photographs that showcase how we’ve extracted resources from the Earth and that ceaseless removal’s impact on people and places.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

Smithsonian Institution

American Aspirations – June 2 – July 26
Co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, American Aspirations brings together some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and consider how founding ideals have been interpreted across generations. The special exhibit will be housed inside the majestic Smithsonian Castle, which is temporarily open through Sept. 7. Among the highlights: the desk Thomas Jefferson used while writing the Declaration, Sally Ride's in-space flight suit, a personal hymnal that belonged to Harriet Tubman and a candle stand used by George Washington.
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

DC Public Library

District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture – June 3 – Sept. 27
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of Washingtonians through images, artifacts, storytelling and free programs. The main exhibit location is Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, but satellite locations can be found across the city.
More Information |  Free Admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

National Archives Foundation

Spirit of Independence Festival for the 250th – June 4-6 
The one-month countdown to July 4 starts with a three-day celebration on Constitution Avenue, filled with free family-friendly events, live performances, culinary experiences and special evening programming – all at the historic National Archives building. 
The National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20408

 

National Gallery of Art Block Party – June 6
The National Gallery will throw its largest ever public program, spanning the West Building, East Building and Sculpture Garden. Visitors can expect a series of art talks across the West Building American galleries and special exhibitions, artist-led community art projects (including a community collage quilt with local artist Trap Bob), a special appearance by The Racing Presidents of the Washington Nationals, kids’ activities (including story time, face painting, family yoga and an open play space), performances by local groups such as Batalá Washington Drum Band, East of the River Steel Drum Band, DJ RBI and the Eastern High School Marching Band and refreshing seasonal food and drinks, including 250th-themed special offerings such as Stars and Stripes Gelato.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

©Jasper Johns and ULAE, National Gallery of Art

American Icon: The US Flag in Art – June 6 – Dec. 6
The exhibition spotlights more than 30 works from the late-1800s to today, each illustrating the changing uses and interpretations of the American flag. Paintings, prints and photographs from seminal artists such as Gordon Parks, Dorothea Lange, Jasper Johns and Faith Ringgold examine the ever-evolving symbolism of the Stars and Stripes.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

UFC Freedom 250 – June 14
A major sporting event on the White House Ellipse commemorates the 250th birthday of the United States with a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit. The program includes seven fights in total, with a Lightweight matchup between Ilia Topouria and Justin Gaethje serving as the main event. A two-day FanFest on the Ellipse precedes the competition; those interested can submit a request for a chance to get free tickets.
More Information
White House Ellipse, 15th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
 

EAT250: America at the Table – June 14-28
Celebrate 250 years of American history through every flavor the DC region has to offer, with collaboration dinners, public talks, tastings, immersive experiences and prix-fixe menus at restaurants across the city.
Citywide
 

Keith Lowry

Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building Reopens – June 16 – Sept. 7
The second oldest building of the Smithsonian Institution reopens to the public for a limited time in perfect alignment with America’s 250th anniversary. Visitors can explore two exhibitions: a special version of the traveling exhibition, Voices & Votes: Democracy in America, and another showcasing objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals. The building will also host For the Common Good: The Smithsonian on Our Shared Future 250, a series of conversations with Smithsonian staff, community partners and thought leaders, as well as the Folklife Marketplace, featuring handcrafted items from artisans.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Smithsonian Institution

From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage – June 18 – 2029
As part of Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 programming, the National Museum of Natural History displays more than 600 artifacts that represent all 50 U.S. states, DC and an additional five U.S. territories. Items range from significant scientific discoveries to cultural keepsakes to ancient fossils like an American mastodon tooth.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its – June 19 – July 14
Ever wanted to write in invisible ink like George Washington? Slip a secret note to someone like Virginia Hall? If so, drop by the International Spy Museum to try your hand at real spy skills inspired by American history. Quick, hands-on activities for agents ages 9 and up will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
More Information
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Great American State Fair – June 25 – July 10
The National Mall transforms into a huge state fair for the entire country. From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all fifty states, territories and federal agencies showcase their food, culture and pride in an unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration. You can register for tickets online in advance.
Register
National Mall, Between Constitution & Independence Avenues SW, Washington, DC 20050
 

Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Opens – June 25
Just in time for America's 250th anniversary, the Lincoln Memorial invites visitors to experience its story in a whole new way. A century-old secret opens to the public – 15,000 square feet of immersive exhibits right beneath your feet. Exhibits will also trace the construction history of the memorial and explore how its meaning has evolved across generations. Also, for the first time, original signed copies of both the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment will be on display together, housed beneath the president who made them law. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand in the presence of the documents that reshaped America.
More Information
 

Five Renovated Galleries Open at the National Air and Space Museum – July 1
Perfectly timed with its own 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Air and Space Museum opens five new galleries. Returning favorites include the Hubble Space Telescope, Skylab, a North American P-51D Mustang and a Lockheed U-2. Several artifacts new to the building include the Ilyushin IL-2, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, Cessna Skyhawk and several artworks by Robert Rauschenberg in the temporary exhibition, The Ascent of Rauschenberg.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560