The road to revolution: Where to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary

July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — and the entire nation is getting ready to celebrate. Call it a birthday party, call it a semiquincentennial, this year is an invitation to explore the places where American revolutionary history was made.

Pack your bags for a revolutionary road trip, hitting historical hubs that will serve as the epicenters for this nationwide celebration.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

It's hard to imagine a better place to spend America's 250^th anniversary than Philadelphia, the city where the United States made its independence from England official. Philly is leading the country in celebrations with city-wide festivals and art and cultural events. Here's how to get in on the fun:

• Join the party at Wawa Welcome America: Philadelphia's signature event is a two-week, city-wide festival that's jam-packed with events between Juneteenth and the Fourth of July. This year, the festival is going all out to celebrate the semiquincentennial and will feature concerts from major headliners, an Independence Day parade, and of course a spectacular fireworks display — all free and open to the public.
• Tour special museum exhibits: Philadelphia's expansive lineup of museums and historical sites is opening special collections for the 250^th. Book tickets in advance to guarantee entry to popular events such as Flag Fest at the Betsy Ross House and new gallery openings at the National Constitution Center, which will feature one of 14 original copies of the U.S. Constitution.
• Watch major sporting events: For sports fans, the summer of 2026 is an unmissable doubleheader. In addition to patriotic programming, Philadelphia will also host six FIFA World Cup matches and the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Expect the city to be at capacity in June and July and book your travel arrangements early.

Where to stay:

• The Rittenhouse: Luxury hotel near museums, shops, and theaters

Boston, Massachusetts

Walk through downtown Boston and you'll find modern office buildings towering over 300-year-old pubs and asphalt streets that suddenly turn to colonial cobblestone. This city was the breeding grounds for the Revolutionary War, where much of it was plotted and some of the first big battles were fought. A trip to Boston for the 250th is a chance to walk in the footsteps of the provocateurs and patriots who dared to stand against the English crown. Here's what to do while you're there:

• Walk the Freedom Trail®: Boston's 2.5-mile Freedom Trail® takes you to some of the city's oldest neighborhoods and landmarks. Follow the red brick path as it winds through the heart of Boston to learn more about how America's fight for independence unfolded in the city streets. The National Park Service offers a free audio guide to narrate your tour.
• Climb to the top of Bunker Hill: The Bunker Hill Monument and Museum commemorate the first battle between New England soldiers and the British army in 1775. After touring the museum, walk up the 294 steps to the top of the tower for one of the best views of Boston. The monument is located in the Charlestown neighborhood near other historic attractions like the USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship.
• Eat like a revolutionary: Boston is one of the few places in the country where you can dine at the same establishments as the Sons of Liberty, including Paul Revere, Samuel Adams and John Adams. Grab a pint at the 370-year-old Green Dragon Tavern or other historic spots like Warren Tavern and Union Oyster House to get a taste of revolutionary life in Boston.
• Join city-wide celebrations: A250 is slated to be Boston's biggest city-wide rager since the Tea Party. Museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions are banding together to offer a wide range of programming throughout 2026 leading up to the Fourth of July. Look out for details about events like historical reenactments, outdoor concerts, and educational programming.

Where to stay:

• Fairmont Copley Plaza: 4-star hotel in Boston's historic Back Bay
• Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport: Upscale hotel with a year-round rooftop pool
• Omni Parker House: Elegant lodgings in downtown Boston

Washington, D.C.

Our capital city is hosting the nation's flagship 250^th celebration, and the whole country is invited. While D.C. was nothing more than rolling farmland in 1776, the capital has become a symbol of independence and democracy — and its museums are the epicenter of American art and history. Here's your plan to celebrate at the country's biggest birthday bash:

• Tour new museum exhibits: Dozens of D.C. museums are putting on special exhibits throughout 2026, including the National Museum of American History, National Gallery of Art, and International Spy Museum. If you only have time to visit one museum, make it the National Archives, which will feature expanded displays of original documents leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
• See what's beneath the Lincoln Memorial: Major renovations to the Lincoln Memorial are slated to open in July 2026, adding 15,000 square feet of underground exhibit space. The new area, known as the undercroft, lets you see the grid of concrete columns that support the memorial and will feature all-new multi-media exhibits.
• Ring in the 4^th at the National Mall: America's front yard will become the nation's stage for most of July. Arrive for the Fourth of July to see the grand parade and a spectacular fireworks display, then stay for action-packed programming including live performances and cultural events.

Where to stay:

• Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square Hotel: Stay in luxury just steps away from the White House
• The Watergate Hotel: Towering hotel with views of the Potomac

More celebration destinations:

• Upstate New York: Head to key Revolutionary War sites like Fort Ticonderoga and Saratoga for historical reenactments and to learn more about the battles that won the war.
• Charlottesville, Virginia: Visit Thomas Jefferson's estate, Monticello, to learn more about the main author of the Declaration of Independence. The estate will host special programs including the 'Founding Friends, Founding Foes' tour, which explores his complicated relationship with John Adams.
• Denver, Colorado: The Mile High City celebrates a dual anniversary, marking Colorado's 150^th year of statehood alongside the nation's 250^th birthday. Drone shows and historical talks are already being planned, along with other cultural performances.
• Louisville, Kentucky: Explore the brand-new Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Education Center & Museum, which will provide a modern, interactive look at the history of the fight for independence.
• Chicago, Illinois: Ring in the 250^th in Chicago with jazz concerts, special exhibits and live performances open to the public.

Ready to pack your bags?

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This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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