Independence Day
July 4, 2026
Incorporate America’s 250th into your existing local activities
Incorporate our official themes—We the People, Power of Place, and Sharing History—into your local activities.
Engagement Ideas
- Read the Declaration of Independence Aloud - Any community can host a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, ideally with young people involved.
- Host a Community or Neighborhood Potluck - Encourage people in your community to gather with family and friends over the holiday weekend as part of America’s Potluck, being organized by the State of Utah. We encourage everyone to drag those folding tables out of the garage and have a meal with your neighbors, or host a community potluck in a local park. You can even use our the commemorative apple pie recipe, courtesy of the Washington Apple Pie Commission
- Flag Retirement Ceremony - Work with your local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars Post to host a flag retirement ceremony. A flag retirement ceremony is a dignified disposition of worn or damaged flags.
- Plant a Tree - The Liberty Tree was a famous tree in Boston, Massachusetts as an early symbol of resistance against British rule in the years before the American Revolution. Communities can honor that tree by planting a tree in their community which will be a living legacy for America’s 250th.
- Community Photo - Mark this historic occasion with a community photo. Try and get as many people in your community together in one place for a group photo. This photo can be displayed at city hall or other locations as a memento of 2026.
- Wave a Flag - At 2:50 p.m. (PT) on July 4 we invite people to stop what they are doing, go outside, and wave an American flag. Encourage community members to capture this moment in photo or video with their mobile phones, or, make it your official community photo for 2026.
- Create a Wish Wall - Create a mural of wishes on a wall for your community. People can write their own message of “What I Wish for America” on a post-it note and add to the wall to create a mosaic of community wishes.
FAQs
My town doesn’t have a July 4 event. What do we do?
For communities that don’t usually host a July 4 event, we encourage something simple and achievable to mark this historic occasion. Ask your mayor and city council if your community can participate in some of the ideas listed above such as reading the Declaration aloud or hosting a community photo.
Can’t afford a traditional parade or fireworks? You can still participate! Consider a kids parade with bicycles, tricycles, and wagons or host a community potluck meal.
Why July 4?
Independence Day is July 4 because that’s the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress officially approved the text of Declaration of Independence. The vote on the decision to become independent was actually two days earlier, on July 2, but because July 4 is printed at the top of the Declaration document itself, it became the date Americans celebrate independence.
Become a Partner
Has your organization signed up to be an America’s 250th partner in Washington State? Local partners are key to ensuring all Washingtonians are able to participate in the 250th and any non-profit organization can participate.
