Starting Wednesday, June 25, a portion of DC will transform into a Great American State Fair. The 16-day event — spanning from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument — is in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The event will include pavilions celebrating all 56 U.S. states and territories.
Fair hours are Sunday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The fair will be open on July 4 from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Kickoff Rally
The event kicks off on Wednesday, June 24, with a 7 p.m. rally at the fair’s main stage located at 13th Street and the National Mall. According to a statement by President Donald Trump on the event website, “in celebration of our Country’s 250 Year History, we will be bringing you, LIVE, the Greatest Rally, EVER! It will be special at every level — A Rally to end all Rallies!”
The statement mentions performances by country singer Lee Greenwood and tenor Christopher Macchio, as well as the U.S. Army Band, Armed Forces Choir, Marine Band, and Joint Armed Forces Chorus. Trump will also appear at the rally.
State Fair Activities
The Great American State Fair includes a large Ferris wheel on the National Mall. It will also feature live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and hands-on interactive experiences. There are also plans for movie screenings and military flyovers.
Freedom250, the organization planning the event, is a nonprofit established by President Donald Trump. Vice President JD Vance serves as vice chair.
As part of the fair, there was a planned concert series with Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, The Commodores, and others. Several artists have since backed out of the lineup. Michaels posted on Instagram: “Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of.”
Daily Event Themes
There will be daily programming themes focusing on the country and its semiquincentennial. They include:
Thursday, June 25
The American Canon: Opening Day. The fair’s first day will celebrate the nation’s architecture, infrastructure, and culture.
Friday, June 26
Land and Prosperity. The day will honor ranching, agriculture, and land stewardship.
Saturday, June 27
The American Canvas, which will represent writers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and visual artists.
Sunday, June 28
Military and Veterans Appreciation Day. The event will pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of active-duty members, veterans, and their families.
Monday, June 29
Everyday Health and Well Being. Make America Healthy Again will put healthy food and strong bodies at the forefront of the day.
Wednesday, July 1
Faith, Values, and Inspiration, which will shed light on the beliefs, traditions, and stories that fuel the country’s spirit.
Thursday, July 2
Horsepower of America. From iron horses to modern machines, attendees can discover more about America’s love of power and speed.
Friday, July 3
Wings of Freedom, which will honor the country’s instinct to rise and discipline into forward motion.
Saturday, July 4
Independence Day Celebration
Sunday, July 5
Heritage and Legacy Day, which will honor previous generations who built and inspired the nation we know today.
Monday, July 6
Longevity, Innovation, and the Future of Health, a day that will celebrate longevity, vitality, and wellness.
Tuesday, July 7
The theme for the day is Future of America | Education and Opportunity, which will spotlight young Americans.
Wednesday, July 8
Family Life & Community Support, which will honor faith, family, and community.
Thursday, July 9
Engines of Enterprise, a day that will celebrate American entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and financiers.
Friday, July 10
The last day of the fair, which will explore AI, robotics, and space propulsion.
Feature photo by Sophie Sanders
