America 250 Opportunities in Washington D.C.
This July marks our nation's 250th anniversary since our founding. As we commemorate the Semiquincentennial, we have a special opportunity to reflect on the enduring principles that shaped our country and continue to guide us today. Washington, D.C. offers countless ways to engage with our shared story.
If you are planning a visit to our nation's capital during this remarkable moment in American history, then please read below for information on opportunities to make your visit meaningful, educational, and inspiring.
Tours
My staff and I can assist with reserving tours of the U.S. Capitol Building and the FBI Experience. Please be sure to give my staff ample time to work on your request, as both experiences operate under a first-come, first-served approval process, and know that additional security information is required prior to booking any FBI tours. For assistance scheduling these tours, please visit my website here.
Please also note that the White House currently is not accepting any reservations for the month of July.
Below is information on a few other experiences for constituents while they are in Washington, D.C.
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court does not currently offer guided tours or take reservations for accessing the building. However, the building is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on days when the Supreme Court is not in session. For more information, please click here.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing: Public tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing currently run from 9 am to 2 pm from Monday through Friday. Tours include a short film and a guided experience to see currency production from above the production floor. For more information and to reserve timed passes, please visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's website here.
The Smithsonian
Smithsonian Castle: Temporarily reopened from May 22nd through September 7th. There are no timed tickets to enter the castle; visitors will wait for entry on arrival. The Smithsonian recommends going early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. There will be a new exhibition running in the castle from June 2nd through July 26th called "American Aspirations."American Aspirations brings together for the first time some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate the Declaration of Independence. Free tickets are required for entry to the exhibition.
Arts and Industries Building: Open June 16th through September 7th. They have a special exhibit titled "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America," which is a traveling exhibit and is a part of their Museum on Main Street collaboration.
Solstice Programming: The Smithsonian will be providing additional solstice programming this summer with a full weekend of programming from June 19th through June 22nd. During this weekend, the Smithsonian will be open until 11pm. There will also be a castle illumination.
Carrousel on the Mall: The Carrousel will be reopened for the public on April 24th.
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage: Offering a Through the Culture of, by, and for the People Initiative. The Center will also be expanding the annual Folklife Festival across the US in various cities and states. Information on the different festivals can be found at https://festival.si.edu/, and festivals will be taking place through the end of November.
You can view more information about America 250 events at the Smithsonian here.
America's State Flowers
From April 10th through October 1st, the U.S. Botanic Garden will display the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as its official flower. From fragrant magnolia flowers and roses to native orchids, bluebonnets, and saguaro cactus flowers, enjoy the variety of floral beauty that symbolizes America. Learn more here.
Army Birthday Twilight Tattoo
Join U.S. Army Soldiers for a live action-packed military experience on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA. The U.S. Army’s Twilight Tattoo is a live, action-packed military experience featuring U.S. Army Military District of Washington ceremonial units, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." You must reserve a free ticket here to access the base and attend.
Spirit of Independence Festival
A festival at the National Archives on Constitution Ave. from June 4th through June 6th, where the original Declaration of Independence will be removed from its protective case for special public readings. The surrounding plaza becomes a festival ground with living‑history interpreters portraying figures like Abigail Adams and Crispus Attucks, while musicians perform fife‑and‑drum tunes. This festival emphasizes the human stories behind the founding documents and encourages visitors to reflect on the ideals of liberty and civic responsibility. Learn more here.
Call To Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War
The National Army Museum is commemorating America 250 through a new exhibit. Experience the sights and sounds of the American Revolution through the personal stories of the men and women who fought to win our nation’s independence. Explore an unprecedented display of rare Revolutionary War artifacts from the original colonies, England, France, and Canada. This special exhibition runs through June 2027 and is included in the museum's free admission. Learn more here.
The Great American State Fair
The Great American State Fair will take place on the National Mall from June 25th through July 10th. The National Mall will turn into the biggest and boldest state fair in the country, covering activities coast to coast. This once-in-a-generation celebration will feature live music, carnival rides, and dozens of hands-on partner activations, where visitors can taste, touch, and experience what makes each state and territory unique. You can view more information, including daily programming themes here.
July 4th at the National Archives
The National Archives will commemorate 250 years of America and the Declaration of Independence with its biggest celebration yet. Join for a morning ceremony before the National Independence Day Parade, complete with patriotic activities, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by historic interpreters, live performances, and more. For more information, please click here.
National Independence Day Parade
The parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants. The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue from 11:45am to 2pm on July 4th. Learn more here.
Salute to America Celebration and Fireworks
The capstone celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on the National Mall will unite the nation in honoring our storied past while looking boldly toward the future. Anchored by the Great American State Fair, this landmark event will feature major speeches, spectacular flyovers, headline performances, and a breathtaking fireworks finale. Learn more here.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix
Introducing the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES hits the streets of the nation's capital on Sunday, Aug. 23, celebrating America's independence and the storied tradition of the nation's motorsports industry. For more information, please click here.