America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden will bloom with the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as their official flower. Explore the display throughout the Garden that will showcase the state and territory flowers with living plants, artistic displays, botanical illustrations, and herbarium specimens. From fragrant magnolia flowers and roses to native orchids, bluebonnets, and saguaro cactus flowers, enjoy the variety of floral beauty that symbolizes America.  April 10 - October 12

Jazz in the Garden

Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. An eclectic mix of DC-area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Due to high demand, the museum has instituted a lottery system. Fridays through July

The Great American State Fair

Featuring more than 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators, and civic organizations, the Great American State Fair will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall. June 25th - July 10th

Live! At The Library

The Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building is open for extended hours every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour snacks and drinks available for purchase in the Great Hall while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs. July 2 5:00-8:00 pm

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

Celebrate Independence Day on July 4 with a visit to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. This full day of family-friendly programming includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a military drill and review of the troops, live musical performances, a hot air balloon demonstration, and even an 18th-century magic show. Tickets remain available for purchase. July 4 9:00am - 5:00 pm

July Family Day: The Declaration of Independence

Celebrate America’s birthday with activities highlighting the Declaration of Independence and its legacy. Visitors can view collections displays featuring the Library’s holdings related to the document and its history. Explore the Constitution with Library staff and write thank you letters to veterans with the National Veterans Memorial Museum. July 4, 2026 10:30am - 3:30 pm

National Independence Day Parade

Watch as bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, drill and equestrian teams celebrate America’s birthday. The parade is free and tickets are not required. July 4, 2026 10:30 am

Operation Independence Scavenger Hunt

Calling all junior spies! Report to the National Park Service information tent in front of the Sylvan Theater (near the intersection of 15th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW) and use the password Operation Independence! to embark on a scavenger hunt and learn about spying techniques during the American Revolution. This family activity is geared towards ages 10 and up and involves approximately a half mile of walking around the Washington Monument grounds. July 4 1:00pm