The United States will mark its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, in the celebration known as America250.
The date commemorates the Second Continental Congress’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The anniversary is formally called the United States Semiquincentennial, a term referring to half of five centuries.
America250 is being coordinated by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, a nonpartisan organization created by Congress in 2016. Events are planned across the country, with programs involving history, culture, service, and community celebrations.
The anniversary is sometimes confused with the date the parchment Declaration was signed. Most delegates signed primarily on August 2, 1776, but the document was adopted on July 4, which is the date commemorated by Independence Day and the 250th anniversary.