The 135th Continental Congress coincides with America’s 250th anniversary, and what better place to spend it than Washington, D.C.? From Smithsonian Museums to Mount Vernon, there are so many places and events to explore. We’ve curated this list of exciting activities happening in Washington, D.C. during the week of Continental Congress for your enjoyment.
Washington Nationals Baseball Game
The Washington Nationals baseball team is an iconic institution of Washington, D.C. Join fellow DAR Members on Monday, June 22, for DAR Night at Nationals Park to enjoy “America’s pastime” before Continental Congress.
Suffs the Musical
Suffs is a spectacular, Tony Award®-winning musical celebrating the fight for women’s suffrage. Get your tickets now to see an emotional retelling of the suffragettes’ journey with your fellow DAR members on Tuesday, June 23.
Special DAR Service Event – Mall Hands on Deck!
Join DAR for a special “Mall Hands on Deck” service event occurring on Sunday June 21, 2026, from 9-11am, led by the DAR Service to America Committee and DAR Conservation Committee, in conjunction with the Trust for the National Mall and National Parks Service. This service event will celebrate and highlight the National Society’s Gift to the Nation donation to support the Trust's Cherry Tree Endowment and will take place on the National Mall. Space is limited so please register now!
America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration
United States Botanic Gardens
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.
Free; no passes required
American Aspirations Exhibit
Smithsonian Castle
The Smithsonian Castle is reopening for the first time since it closed for renovation in 2023 to celebrate the semiquincentennial! The American Aspirations exhibit will focus on how the common goals of generations of Americans have changed and been impacted by the original ideals in the Declaration of Independence.
No passes required for entry into the Smithsonian Castle; free passes required for entry into American Aspirations Exhibit
American Icon: The US Flag in Art
National Gallery of Art
The Flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom that shines wherever its flown. This exhibit features artworks from the late 1800s to present day, exploring how the cultural significance of the flag has evolved over time.
Free; no passes required
Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience
National Gallery of Art
This exhibit showcases over 100 works of art from varying locations and cultures in the United States.
Free; no passes required
District Vibes / American Pride: How D.C. Changed American Culture
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
A truly D.C. specific event, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is showcasing how Washingtonians have shaped American culture over 250 years.
Free; no passes required
Great American State Fair
National Mall
June 25 - July 10, 2026
The National Mall transforms into the biggest, boldest state fair in the country. From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all fifty states, territories, and federal agencies showcase their food, culture, and pride to one unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration.
In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness
National Museum of American History
Spanning 3 floors, this exhibit explores the ideals behind the Declaration of Independence and America’s journey since it was written.
Free; no passes required
Opening the Vault
National Archives
Opening the Vault features documents with ties to the American Revolution, celebrating and leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Free; no passes required
Ongoing Landmark Experiences
Americans
National Museum of the American Indian
American Indian imagery, names, and stories permeate American history and contemporary life. Americans highlights the ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began.
Free; no passes required
A Changing America
National Museum of African American History & Culture
A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond explores contemporary black life through stories about the social, economic, political, and cultural experiences of African Americans.
Free; timed-entry passes are required
Founding Documents
National Archives
Located on the upper level of the National Archives, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.
Tickets are suggested for more timely entry, but not required
Patriots Path: A Revolutionary War Encampment
Mount Vernon
This outdoor experience allows visitors to interact with Continental Army interpreters and see soldier and officer tents as well as be hands on with the items inside them.
$30 tickets
Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes
National Museum of Asian Art
Put together through collaborative curation, Shifting Boundaries explores how different artists view landscapes even as they are reshaped by the environment.
Free; no passes required