Once the fireworks end on July 4th, another celebration begins.
The United States will start a yearlong celebration of its 250th birthday.
Here’s what you need to know about the patriotic celebrations, which started with the Grand Military Parade & Celebration on June 14th.
When is America250?
America will celebrate its semiquincentennial throughout 2026, culminating on Independence Day – Saturday, July 4, 2026.
How old is the United States?
The U.S. Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence 249 years ago, on July 4, 1776.
What will America250 be like?
Anyone old enough to recall the bicentennial celebrations in 1976 will remember a year’s worth of commemorations, special offers and celebrations leading up to a massive nationwide party that summer.
President Donald Trump said Americans can expect much of the same through 2026, predicting that celebrations will reach “extraordinary” levels.
The kickoff for America250 began at 6 p.m. on July 3 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Trump delivered remarks about the initiative from the fairgrounds.
What America250 events are scheduled?
In January, Trump signed an executive order that created Task Force 250.
As outlined by the order and headed by Trump, Task Force 250 is responsible for planning and executing “an extraordinary celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence” on July 4, 2026. The task force is also responsible for creating the National Garden of American Heroes, a sculpture garden first proposed by the president in 2020, which is scheduled to open in July 2026.
To see a nationwide calendar of events, go to the America250 website.
What coming next year: Trump has big plans for Fourth of July 2026. What we know about America’s 250th.
What America250 events are in Delaware?
Delaware will host the Festival of Freedoms from May 23, 2026, to July 4, 2026.
While the festival will happen throughout Delaware in 2026, the key events will be:
Memorial Day (May 25, 2026): The event will honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom.
Separation Day (June 6, 2026): The event will be held in New Castle and will feature colonial reenactments, music, heritage tours, and fireworks.
Juneteenth (June 19, 2026): The event will commemorate the end of slavery and the continued fight for freedom for all.
Independence Day (July 4, 2026): The event will celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.
For a calendar of events nationwide, visit the America250 calendar.
Is there America250 merchandise to celebrate?
What’s a celebration without some merchandise to help celebrate the event?
Men’s and women’s short and long-sleeve shirts are available at the America250 store.
Who is behind America250?
The United States Semiquincentennial, also known as America250, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the 250th anniversary across the country. The America250 site lists more than a dozen corporate partners, including Amazon, Coke and Walmart.
Contributing: USA TODAY staff
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: America250: What to know about the celebration, events in Delaware