The long Fourth of July weekend is over.
As we wait for the next three-day weekend — not coming until Labor Day in September — you might want to start planning or thinking about something special to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year.
America250 and its newly created Florida counterpart, America250FL, have websites up and running, showing events already planned before the nation’s 250th birthday arrives July 4, 2026.
Here’s what to know about what’s coming over the next year.
Ready for a mouthful? There’s a name for a nation’s 250th anniversary
The United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026.
It marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
You may also see the holiday called the bisesquicentennial, the sestercentennial, America250 or the Quarter Millennium.
How old is the United States?
The U.S. Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
So the U.S. celebrated its 249th anniversary on July 4, 2025, and will celebrate the big 2-5-0 — 250 years! — on July 4, 2026.
Be prepared for lots of planning and plenty of events associated with the country’s birthday.
What is America250?
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, according to its website.
“We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation.”
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
America250 is a nonprofit supporting organization and the official website of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
What America250 events are scheduled?
There are a few events already scheduled on America250’s website.
They range from a Pioneer Heritage Festival in North Carolina to a Daughters of the American Revolution Grave Marker Dedication in Louisiana.
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 responsible for the creation of the National Garden of American Heroes, a sculpture garden first proposed by the president in 2020 that is scheduled to open in July 2026.
➤ See calendar of events across the U.S.
Florida launches America250FL campaign
On July 2, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the launch of America250FL, Florida’s “official hub for the yearlong commemoration.” The site offers Floridians opportunities to:
➤ See calendar of events in Florida
Florida unveiling statues to honor America’s founding fathers
On July 2, DeSantis unveiled a new statue of Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County on July 2. Jefferson County is located east of Tallahassee,
“While others are tearing statues of our founding fathers down, Florida is putting them up,” DeSantis said.
“Thomas Jefferson was a critical figure in the formation of our country, especially in drafting the Declaration of Independence. In Florida, we celebrate the Founding Fathers.”
“It was great to be in Jefferson County today (July 2) to honor our nation’s 3rd president and the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson,” DeSantis posted on Facebook.
“Jefferson’s words in the Declaration gave voice to a revolution that has echoed through the ages. Thomas Jefferson also wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, served as Secretary of State under President George Washington, clashed with Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton over the proper scope of the federal government, doubled the size of the country when he was President, and designed and founded the University of Virginia.
“The free state of Florida is proud to celebrate the ideals and accomplishments of the Sage of Monticello.”
“As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, Florida is commemorating the Founding Fathers by, among other ways, acquiring statues for the counties named in their honor,” including:
Who is behind America250?
The United States Semiquincentennial, also known as America250, is a nonprofit dedicated to the celebration of the 250th anniversary across the country.
The America250 site lists more than a dozen corporate partners, including Amazon, Coke and Walmart, and has information on events scheduled so far at states throughout the country.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: It’s time to plan for Fourth of July 2026. How Florida will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
