A massive, 16-day “World’s Fair”-style celebration is set to take over the National Mall this summer as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Organized by Freedom 250, the Great American State Fair will run from June 25 through July 10, 2026, stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument. The event aims to bring together all 56 U.S. states and territories in a single national exposition marking the country’s semiquincentennial.
The fair will feature traditional attractions alongside modern exhibits, according to Freedom 250. including a 110-foot Ferris wheel, a refurbished Smithsonian carousel, and dozens of interactive exhibits hosted by companies and institutions.
Five major pavilions – focused on the themes Made in America, American Heartland, American Innovates, The American Canvas, and Faith & Family – will anchor the event.
“This once-in-a-generation event will allow visitors to taste, touch, and experience what makes each state and territory unique…,” Freedom 250 said in a release. “This is an opportunity for visitors from across America to experience an unforgettable celebration of the people and traditions that define our nation and unites diverse states and territories to form the strongest country in the world.”
Each day of the fair will carry a distinct theme, ranging from arts and culture to technology, military service, and health. On Saturday, July 4, the event will feature a large-scale Independence Day celebration with live performances and a major fireworks display.
Freedom 250 said all 56 states and territories, along with federal agencies and private-sector partners, have been invited to host immersive exhibits. Planned showcases include agricultural demonstrations, robotics displays, augmented reality experiences, and even autonomous vehicle presentations, reflecting both the country’s heritage and its future.
Classic fair elements will also be present, including rodeo showcases, blue-ribbon competitions, and traditional games and rides.
Creative artists of all disciplines are also invited to apply or be nominated to participate in the fair’s programming, contributing performances, demonstrations, and interactive works that reflect the event’s themes.
The 16-day event will be free and open to the public, though advance registration is encouraged.
For more information, visit Freedom 250’s website.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
