Celebrate America's 250th Birthday in Arlington, Virginia

In the heart of the nation’s capital, Arlington’s your ideal home base for celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Whether you’re craving cultural experiences, historic discoveries or unexpected adventures, it’s all in Arlington!​

Arlington combines the best of city life and urban outdoor fun. From monumental views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C., to vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, we’re your perfect launchpad for exploring American history at treasured sights and special events in Arlington, the “DMV” (D.C., Maryland and Virginia), and beyond.​

Start planning your 2026 visit today!

Settle in at your Arlington hotel and get ready to venture to an incredible array of local and regional attractions. Here are just a few ideas to consider.​

Arlington: Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Air Force Memorial, National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Military Women’s Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Arlington Historical Museum, Ball-Sellers House, Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, Arlington House and more .​

Washington, D.C.: U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Smithsonian Museums and more​.

Northern Virginia: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria, National Museum of the U.S. Army, Revolutionary War History Trail, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Historic Leesburg, and more​.

Central & Coastal Virginia: Colonial Williamsburg, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and more.

Trip Planning Resources

May 9

Arlington HistoryFest 250

The Arlington VA250 Committee has announced plans for Arlington HistoryFest 250, a free, one-day outdoor festival commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. It will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School.

Programming will feature live reenactments, musical performances, and historical storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, children’s activities and crafts, and local food vendors. Thousands of attendees from across the Washington, D.C., area are expected, along with dozens of historical reenactors and over 40 exhibitors.

Details

From Our Partners

The Arlington Historical Society conducts research to preserve and disseminate knowledge relating to the history, archaeology, material culture, geography, and socio-economic development of Arlington County, Virginia. Arlington's VA 250 commemorations are organized by this group in partnership with 60+ other local non-profits and community organizations. Contact the Arlington Historical Society here.

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