The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, marking a pivotal moment for reflection and reimagining what the future holds. For destinations and tourism partners across the country, the Semiquincentennial represents more than a historical milestone; it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tell broader, more inclusive stories, attract new visitors, and create lasting pride. How are destinations telling their stories? Here, we’re exploring ways in which destinations from all sizes across the United States are celebrating and how teams may leverage these in their own way. 

1. Signature Commemorative Events and Reenactments

Historic reenactments, parades, and immersive experiences are front and center in many destinations' America 250 plans. Boston, the “birthplace of the American Revolution,” is amping up its Harborfest and Freedom Trail programming with new multi-day reenactments and festivals. In Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the city has launched "52 Weeks of Firsts," a year-long campaign featuring a new commemorative event every week in 2026 – everything from celebrating Philly’s most pioneering creations such as the ice cream soda (1874), to cultural milestones including the first African Methodist Episcopal church (1794), and the signing of the United States Constitution (1787).

2. Partner/Branding Programs

States including Alabama and Arizona are both leveraging strong branding and partnerships opportunities that engage local businesses, residents, and visitors. Alabama’s Made in Alabama Brand Partner incorporates the America250 logo with their own state and invites companies to co-brand their products with the official America250AL logo. Partners that sign up gain exclusive access to brand elements, endorsements, cooperative marketing, and the chance to connect their audiences with statewide semiquincentennial events. Likewise, Arizona’s Passport250 initiative is designed to boost visitation by encouraging Arizonians and visitors to explore the state through a self-paced mobile passport through over two dozen curated experiences including Discovery Park, Lowell Observatory, The Phoenix Symphony, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, and more.

3. Traveling and Pop-Up Exhibits

Bridging 1776 to the present, Montana is telling their story through a traveling interpretive exhibit The Montana Tapestry: People and Places from 1776 to Today. The exhibit comprises six sets of pop-up banners and explores the people, places, resources, and structures of Montana’s history. And what better way to celebrate America250 than by pairing it with America’s favorite pastime – baseball! Alaska’s long history with the sport started around 150 years ago with the Knock Down and Skin Up baseball club on St. Paul Island. Alaska is now inviting organizations to host a temporary or permanent exhibit titled Alaska’s Field of Dreams: America’s Pastime in the 49th State, which features nine freestanding, retractable banners that showcase the state’s rich baseball history.

4. Amplifying the Voices of Indigenous Communities 

For many Native nations, America 250 is a time to assert cultural resilience and tell stories long overlooked in the national narrative. Oklahoma, home to 39 federally recognized tribes, is planning a series of powwows, educational forums, and exhibits co-created with tribal partners. Additionally, some destinations are using technology to bring these stories to life. Augmented reality (AR) initiatives, such as those developed by the Ohlone community in California, allow users to experience Indigenous landscapes through Native perspectives. 

5. Special Historic Artifact Displays

Uncovering history through archaeology allows us to uncover and share  stories that may have been forgotten so they live on for generations. At the Lord Stirling Manor archaeological site in New Jersey, excavations have revealed an elaborate drainage system beneath the home of William Alexander, an American general during the Revolutionary War. Magnetic surveys have also identified what may be the remains of a grand estate gateway, along with traces of a courtyard, stable block, and other discoveries. Preservation is also not limited to what’s beneath our feet. Preserving iconic symbols and treasured artifacts safeguards their representation for the future. The Oregon Historical Society hosted a special display of what is believed to be the first flag raised in Portland after Oregon became the 33rd state. The flag is preserved at Oregon Historical Society’s museum collection and will be sent to a textile conservator following the display.

6. Linking America’s 250th, Route 66 Centennial, and the FIFA World Cup™

In addition to celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, many states will also be celebrating the iconic Route 66 centennial. The Capital of Route 66®, Tulsa, is planning to pull out all the stops for the Centennial of Route 66 and America 250. With more events added to the calendar region-wide every day, the centerpiece of the celebration will be Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise: World-Record Classic Car Centennial Parade on May 30, 2026. Aiming to set a world record verified by an internationally acclaimed record-keeping association, the Capital Cruise intends to include more than 3,000 entrants, traveling down a stretch of Route 66 through the heart of Tulsa with as many as 200,000 spectators lining the route.

New York and New Jersey are also combining two once-in-a-generation happenings: America250 and the FIFA World Cup™. The biggest-ever edition of this global game will host the official FIFA Fan Festival at Liberty State Park in Jersey City where travelers may take in the views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. The fan festival will take place over 39 days and will include live music, food, activities, and big screens to watch all the games. As the gateway and former transportation hub for millions of immigrants, Liberty State Park was a natural fit for the occasion.

2026 is a monumental year for the United States. It’s important to remember that these milestones are not just about fun; they’re about the people whose courage, ideas, and voices shaped the nation we know today. America250 offers a chance to honor those stories both well-known and long overlooked that continue to inspire our journey toward a more perfect union. While we cheer for the World Cup, cruise down Route 66, or enjoy the latest exhibits, let’s also pause to reflect on the accomplishments and sacrifices of those who came before us. Cheers to the past – and next 250 years!