Join the celebration!
Featured Events
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Now through June 2027
Open to the public
American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition
The National Museum of the United States Army and The Army Historical Foundation launched a special augmented reality exhibition as part of the nation's 250th anniversary. "American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition" invites visitors to immerse themselves in the defining moments of the Revolutionary War through innovative technology. The Augmented Exhibition is open through at least June 2027 and free with museum admission. The hours for this exhibit are Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information available is available at the NMUSA website.
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Now through June 2027
Open to the public
CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War
Celebrate America 250 at the National Museum of the U.S. Army with a special exhibition on the American Revolution, through June 2027. Experience the war through Soldiers' personal stories and an unprecedented collection of rare artifacts from around the world. This experience is included with free museum admission. For more information visit the NMUSA website, and you can watch a sneak-peek video on their YouTube channel.
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Wednesday, June 10, 1 p.m. EDT
Service members and DOW civilians only — Closed to the public
Army Birthday Cake Cutting and Reenlistment Ceremony
Army senior leaders will host the 251st Army Birthday Cake Cutting and Reenlistment Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on June 10 in the Pentagon Auditorium. During the event, Army senior leaders will reenlist Soldiers from all Army components — active, Guard and Reserve — to commemorate the Army's founding. This traditional ceremony honors the history of the force and the continued dedication of those serving across the Total Army. Imagery from the event will be available on the Army Birthday 251 DVIDS feature page.
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Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m. EDT
Livestreamed and in-person event
Army Birthday - Twilight Tattoo
The Twilight Tattoo hosted by the Army senior leaders, will start at 7 p.m. EDT at Summerall Field at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, in Arlington, Virginia. The action-packed military experience will feature Soldiers from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington's ceremonial units, the Golden Knights parachute team, an aerial flyover and the singer Vann Morris. The Twilight Tattoo will be livestreamed by MDW on DVIDS. To learn more, please visit the Military District of Washington website. For a schedule of upcoming events see the 2026 Twilight Tattoo Season Schedule.
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Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. EDT
Service members and DOW civilians only — Closed to the public
Army Birthday Run/Walk
Starting at 7 a.m. EDT, the Army Birthday Run/Walk will start from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, and continue through Arlington National Cemetery. This event is for service members and DOW civilians only and is closed to the public. Imagery from the event will be available on the Army Birthday 251 DVIDS feature page.
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Sunday, June 14, 8:15 a.m. EDT
Livestreamed and in-person event — Free and open to the public
Army Birthday Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
Army senior leaders and Maj. Gen. Antoinette "Toni" Gant, commanding general of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, will host the Army Birthday Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery on June 14, 2026. The ceremony, scheduled for 8:15 a.m., will be livestreamed from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor the Army's 251 years of service. For more information please visit the Arlington National Cemetery website.
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Monday, June 15, 6:45 p.m. EDT
Broadcast and in-person event — Tickets are available
Army Day with the Washington Nationals
Join the Washington Nationals as we celebrate Army Soldiers, civilians and families. The U.S. Army Parachute Team, the U.S. Army Drill Team, an Army chorus and an Army color guard will be among those providing live and recorded performances and shout-outs. The game, between the Nationals and the Miami Marlins, can be viewed in the National Capital Region on the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. For tickets and more information, contact MDW.
Featured Freedom 250 Events
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Now through July 22
Livestreamed and in-person event
Twilight Tattoo Military Pageant
The Twilight Tattoo is an action-packed military pageant held on select Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. EDT at Summerall Field on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. This premier event is free and open to the public, running from April 29 through July 22. While performances take place weekly throughout May and mid-June, the stadium goes dark on June 24, July 1 and July 8. All active performance dates will be livestreamed by MDW on DVIDS for those unable to attend in person. To learn more or view the full Twilight Tattoo Season Schedule, visit theofficial Twilight Tattoo website.
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Sunday, May 24
Open to the public, tickets available
NASCAR Coca-Cola 600
The NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 is Sunday, May 24, at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and is open to the public. The race will include a special Military Appreciation honoring Joint Forces and Soldiers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Venue and ticket information are available on the Charlotte Motor Speedway website.
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June 12-14
Free and open to the public, tickets required
UFC Freedom 250
The UFC Freedom 250 weekend brings a series of high-energy events to Washington, D.C., celebrating the nation's milestone and the U.S. Army’s 251st Birthday. The weekend kicks off June 12 with a free, public press conference at the Lincoln Memorial; followed by a two-day fan fest on the Ellipse from June 13–14, featuring early access registration for attendees. The celebration culminates June 14 at the White House with UFC Freedom 250, where U.S. Army combative fighters will take part in a special pre-match program to spotlight military readiness and heritage. For complete event schedules, registration and attendance details, visit the official UFC Freedom 250 events page.
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Sunday, June 14
Free and open to the public
U.S. Army Historical Marker Unveiling
The Association of the U.S. Army and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission invite the community to the public unveiling of a new historical marker permanently commemorating the Army’s origins. This free event will take place on Sunday, June 14, at 3:15 p.m. outside Philadelphia’s Public Ledger Building near Independence Hall. All are welcome to attend. For additional event details, please visit the National Park Service website.
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June 25 - July 10
Free and open to the public, tickets required
The Great American State Fair
The Great American State Fair will transform the National Mall into a classic American fairground from June 25 to July 10, welcoming the public to the space between 4th and 14th Streets. Designed as a cornerstone of the nationwide Freedom 250 celebration, this free event highlights American culture, history and innovation. Visitors can enjoy a Ferris wheel, blue-ribbon agricultural contests, cutting-edge innovation showcases and a dedicated Department of War Pavilion. The fairground will also feature daily entertainment, including A-list musical performances and appearances by premier military musical groups. For complete gate hours, entertainment lineups, and visitor information, visit the official Great American State Fair website.
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Saturday, July 4
Free and open to the public, tickets required
Salute to America 250 Celebration and Fireworks
The National Mall will transform into a traditional state fairgrounds on July 4 for the "Salute to America" Freedom 250 celebration. Spanning between 4th and 14th Streets, this large-scale public event celebrates American culture and innovation with a full day of family-friendly activities. Visitors can experience a classic Ferris wheel, blue-ribbon contests, cutting-edge innovation demonstrations, and a dedicated Department of War Pavilion. The celebration will also feature a lineup of premier military musical groups and A-list musical performances leading up to the evening's fireworks display. For full event scheduling, security checkpoints, and visitor details, visit the official Freedom 250 Salute to America website.
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August 22-23
Free and open to the public, tickets required
Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix brings the high-octane excitement of IndyCar racing directly to the streets of Washington, D.C., from August 22–23. This premier event is open to the public as a free, ticketed experience, allowing fans to witness top-tier drivers navigate a thrilling 1.7-mile street course spanning 3rd to 9th Streets. To secure your free admission passes, view the full race-weekend schedule, or find detailed spectator map information, visit the event website.
Open to the public
American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition
The National Museum of the United States Army and The Army Historical Foundation launched a special augmented reality exhibition as part of the nation's 250th anniversary. "American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition" invites visitors to immerse themselves in the defining moments of the Revolutionary War through innovative technology. The Augmented Exhibition is open through at least June 2027 and free with museum admission. The hours for this exhibit are Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information available is available at the NMUSA website.
Open to the public
CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War
Celebrate America 250 at the National Museum of the U.S. Army with a special exhibition on the American Revolution, through June 2027. Experience the war through Soldiers' personal stories and an unprecedented collection of rare artifacts from around the world. This experience is included with free museum admission. For more information visit the NMUSA website, and you can watch a sneak-peek video on their YouTube channel.
Service members and DOW civilians only — Closed to the public
Army Birthday Cake Cutting and Reenlistment Ceremony
Army senior leaders will host the 251st Army Birthday Cake Cutting and Reenlistment Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on June 10 in the Pentagon Auditorium. During the event, Army senior leaders will reenlist Soldiers from all Army components — active, Guard and Reserve — to commemorate the Army's founding. This traditional ceremony honors the history of the force and the continued dedication of those serving across the Total Army. Imagery from the event will be available on the Army Birthday 251 DVIDS feature page.
Livestreamed and in-person event
Army Birthday - Twilight Tattoo
The Twilight Tattoo hosted by the Army senior leaders, will start at 7 p.m. EDT at Summerall Field at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, in Arlington, Virginia. The action-packed military experience will feature Soldiers from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington's ceremonial units, the Golden Knights parachute team, an aerial flyover and the singer Vann Morris. The Twilight Tattoo will be livestreamed by MDW on DVIDS. To learn more, please visit the Military District of Washington website. For a schedule of upcoming events see the 2026 Twilight Tattoo Season Schedule.
Service members and DOW civilians only — Closed to the public
Army Birthday Run/Walk
Starting at 7 a.m. EDT, the Army Birthday Run/Walk will start from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, and continue through Arlington National Cemetery. This event is for service members and DOW civilians only and is closed to the public. Imagery from the event will be available on the Army Birthday 251 DVIDS feature page.
Livestreamed and in-person event — Free and open to the public
Army Birthday Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
Army senior leaders and Maj. Gen. Antoinette "Toni" Gant, commanding general of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, will host the Army Birthday Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery on June 14, 2026. The ceremony, scheduled for 8:15 a.m., will be livestreamed from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor the Army's 251 years of service. For more information please visit the Arlington National Cemetery website.
Broadcast and in-person event — Tickets are available
Army Day with the Washington Nationals
Join the Washington Nationals as we celebrate Army Soldiers, civilians and families. The U.S. Army Parachute Team, the U.S. Army Drill Team, an Army chorus and an Army color guard will be among those providing live and recorded performances and shout-outs. The game, between the Nationals and the Miami Marlins, can be viewed in the National Capital Region on the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. For tickets and more information, contact MDW.
Livestreamed and in-person event
Twilight Tattoo Military Pageant
The Twilight Tattoo is an action-packed military pageant held on select Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. EDT at Summerall Field on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. This premier event is free and open to the public, running from April 29 through July 22. While performances take place weekly throughout May and mid-June, the stadium goes dark on June 24, July 1 and July 8. All active performance dates will be livestreamed by MDW on DVIDS for those unable to attend in person. To learn more or view the full Twilight Tattoo Season Schedule, visit theofficial Twilight Tattoo website.
Open to the public, tickets available
NASCAR Coca-Cola 600
The NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 is Sunday, May 24, at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and is open to the public. The race will include a special Military Appreciation honoring Joint Forces and Soldiers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Venue and ticket information are available on the Charlotte Motor Speedway website.
Free and open to the public, tickets required
UFC Freedom 250
The UFC Freedom 250 weekend brings a series of high-energy events to Washington, D.C., celebrating the nation's milestone and the U.S. Army’s 251st Birthday. The weekend kicks off June 12 with a free, public press conference at the Lincoln Memorial; followed by a two-day fan fest on the Ellipse from June 13–14, featuring early access registration for attendees. The celebration culminates June 14 at the White House with UFC Freedom 250, where U.S. Army combative fighters will take part in a special pre-match program to spotlight military readiness and heritage. For complete event schedules, registration and attendance details, visit the official UFC Freedom 250 events page.
Free and open to the public
U.S. Army Historical Marker Unveiling
The Association of the U.S. Army and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission invite the community to the public unveiling of a new historical marker permanently commemorating the Army’s origins. This free event will take place on Sunday, June 14, at 3:15 p.m. outside Philadelphia’s Public Ledger Building near Independence Hall. All are welcome to attend. For additional event details, please visit the National Park Service website.
Free and open to the public, tickets required
The Great American State Fair
The Great American State Fair will transform the National Mall into a classic American fairground from June 25 to July 10, welcoming the public to the space between 4th and 14th Streets. Designed as a cornerstone of the nationwide Freedom 250 celebration, this free event highlights American culture, history and innovation. Visitors can enjoy a Ferris wheel, blue-ribbon agricultural contests, cutting-edge innovation showcases and a dedicated Department of War Pavilion. The fairground will also feature daily entertainment, including A-list musical performances and appearances by premier military musical groups. For complete gate hours, entertainment lineups, and visitor information, visit the official Great American State Fair website.
Free and open to the public, tickets required
Salute to America 250 Celebration and Fireworks
The National Mall will transform into a traditional state fairgrounds on July 4 for the "Salute to America" Freedom 250 celebration. Spanning between 4th and 14th Streets, this large-scale public event celebrates American culture and innovation with a full day of family-friendly activities. Visitors can experience a classic Ferris wheel, blue-ribbon contests, cutting-edge innovation demonstrations, and a dedicated Department of War Pavilion. The celebration will also feature a lineup of premier military musical groups and A-list musical performances leading up to the evening's fireworks display. For full event scheduling, security checkpoints, and visitor details, visit the official Freedom 250 Salute to America website.
Free and open to the public, tickets required
Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix brings the high-octane excitement of IndyCar racing directly to the streets of Washington, D.C., from August 22–23. This premier event is open to the public as a free, ticketed experience, allowing fans to witness top-tier drivers navigate a thrilling 1.7-mile street course spanning 3rd to 9th Streets. To secure your free admission passes, view the full race-weekend schedule, or find detailed spectator map information, visit the event website.
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