WASHINGTON DC:

 

• U.S Capitol Visitor Center, Exhibition Hall - Spirit of '76

  • Congress Celebrates the Nation. This exhibit features original artifacts, images and videos that illustrate how Congress and Americans have commemorated the Declaration on its milestone anniversaries. 
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• George Washington's Mount Vernon - Fourth of July Celebration (July 4) 

  • Celebrate our nation's independence at the home of the Father of Our Country. Commemorate the day with a festive display of made-for-daytime fireworks over the Potomac River at 1 p.m. on the east lawn, Play Tavern & Lawn Games of the 18th-Century, Walk Through History at Revolutionary War Encampments, See a Hot Air Balloon Demonstration, and more.
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• George Washington - A Revolutionary Life (Opens July 1)

  • Go on an immersive and engaging journey that connects Washington’s 18th-century world to the present day. Discover the problems Washington confronted and explore the character traits that defined his life – ambition, honor, perseverance, ingenuity, vision, humility and wisdom. See 18th century objects including original founding documents that helped define a nation, glass bottles discovered in the Mansion cellar that contained preserved 18th-century cherries and berries and even George Washington's dentures.
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• National Gallery of Art - Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience.

  • More than 100 works on paper show how artists have explored the American experience over the last 250 years through depictions of the country's landscape, people, and concepts of freedom. 
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• DAR Museum - Revolution in Their Words: Penning Independence

  • This exhibit focuses on the thoughts and words of people affected by the turmoil and anger between the colonies and the British leaders.
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• National Archives - The American Story

  • This all-new exhibit immerses guests in an interactive exploration of the people, ideas and events that shaped 250 years of U.S. history through nine galleries that spotlight records in the National Archives. The permanent exhibit utilizes artificial intelligence to find and match documents that align with the interests of every visitor, so no two guests have the same experience. See George Washington’s annotated draft of the Constitution, the Louisiana Purchase Treaty and patents for Thomas Edison’s lightbulb, Barbie and Yoda. 

  • The American Story and adjacent Discovery Center for children are part of an extensive $40 million renovation, marking the first major transformation of the National Archives Museum in two decades
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• International Spy Museum - 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 of ages 9+ will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
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• The National Mall - 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.
     

FIREWORKS:

 

• The National Mall - Salute to America: The Nation's 250th Birthday Fireworks Celebration on the National Mall (July 4)

  • The capstone celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring its storied past while looking boldly toward the future. With the Great American State Fair setting the tone on the Mall by day, the landmark fireworks event by night will feature spectacular flyovers, headline performances and a breathtaking fireworks finale.
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• Great Meadow (Fauquier, VA) - The Big Boom (July 4)

  • Vendor Village, Kids Fun Zone, Aerial Shows, Live Music, Kids Games, and Fireworks. Tickets required.