Seattle Family Calendar
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This year, America is celebrating its semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It was on this day that the 13 colonies declared themselves to be an independent nation, separating from Great Britain.
While these historic events were happening on the East Coast, Washington wasn’t a state yet, and wouldn’t be for another 100-plus years. Two hundred fifty years ago, the land that is now Washington was inhabited by dozens of Indigenous nations (since time immemoriam). This anniversary is a time to reflect on our history and recognize all of those who contributed to our state and the country we are today. To be a part of the future, we need to understand our past.
To mark this occasion, there will be plenty of fireworks and festivities. The Washington State Semiquincentennial Committee has also organized programming to help connect Washingtonians to their history, their roots and each other, mindfully recognizing the sovereignty of tribal nations, their presence, impact, contributions and sufferings in our state. Nationwide, the date is being marked by traveling museum exhibits, parades and celebrations ranging from huge events to neighborhood picnics. Here’s where local families can connect.
America 250 events and exhibits
‘Out of Many, One,’ Wing Luke Museum in Seattle
Dates: Through Dec. 31, 2026
Families will enjoy walking through the fully preserved Chinese American import-export shop at the Wing Luke Museum. This exhibit represents the Chinese, Filipino and Japanese immigrant community’s experience through the typical American experience of operating small businesses.
‘An American Experiment (Washington’s Version),’ Washington State History Museum in Tacoma
Dates: Through Nov. 15, 2026
In this exhibit, explore connections between America’s founding documents — the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence — and Washington State’s Constitution at the Washington State History Museum. Through interactive installations, archival materials and “lab reports,” visitors can learn about how the Washington framers built on, and sometimes reimagined, our civic life.
‘Voices of Valor: Honoring 250 Years with Untold Stories of Early America,’ Steilacoom Pierce County Library
Date: June 25
Learn about the untold perspectives of early America, shining a light on the women, Black Americans and Indigenous people who helped shape our country’s foundation at the Steilacoom library. This talk is best for high school students and older.
Down Home Fourth of July: Issaquah Chalk Art Festival, Issaquah
Date: July 2
Between noon and 4 p.m. on Thursday, families can create their own chalk drawing (chalk provided) that explores the theme of “America 250.” Enjoy watching professional chalk artists, clowns, stilt walkers and a band as you eat ice cream and play lawn games at the Issaquah Community Center.
4th of July Kid and Pet Parade, Gig Harbor
Date: July 4
Head to the harbor on Independence Day to celebrate America’s 250th alongside local residents. This family-friendly celebration is held on the waterfront at Skansie Brothers Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can join the parade (starting at 10 a.m.), eat their fill in a pie-eating contest and spend the afternoon doing hands-on activities like making a fingerprint flag in the kids corner.
Celebrate America 250 at Music in the Park, Fife
Date: July 7
This free concert at Dacca Park features the Chris Eger Band and a patriotic celebration. Grab a free mini flag to wave along to everyone’s favorite Americana tunes.
Brigade Encampment, Fort Nisqually in Tacoma
Dates: July 18 and 19
Families can step back in time to 1855, when Angus McDonald and his fur brigade’s visit to Fort Nisqually is recreated. See contests between trappers and traders, and visit living historians to sample period food and get hands-on experience with the skills needed to live in this era. Kids can see what life was like before smartphones and iPads. Events run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
‘Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation,’ MOHAI in Seattle
Dates: July 30–Aug. 16
The Freedom Plane, a Boeing 737 in Freedom Plane livery, is landing at MOHAI for the final stop on its eight-city tour. Some of the original founding-era documents on loan from the National Archives will be displayed in the exhibit, including the original engraving of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Association, 1774, which urged colonists to boycott British goods.
The Spirit of ’76 Living History Museum, Edmonds Summer Market
Date: Aug. 22
Families can experience what life was like during the Revolutionary War when the Spirit of ’76 Living History Museum group joins the Edmonds Summer Market. In period costumes with accessories to match, the living history members bring history to life with demonstrations of 18th-century crafts, music, camps and parades.
America 250: A Patriotic Celebration Concert, Evergreen State Fair Park in Monroe
Date: Sept. 4
Starting at 7 p.m., the program will include a variety of musical performances featuring familiar American songs in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States. This community concert is free with paid fair admission.
More ways to celebrate America
In Washington, there are four key dates designated by the commission this summer: Day of Service on June 14, Independence Day on July 4, Museum Day on Aug. 8 and the Day of Civic Engagement on Sept. 17.
Day of Service
This year, Washington has declared a statewide Day of Service on Flag Day as a part of the larger America Gives program. It’s a time to make a difference by helping out in your own neighborhood with any number of projects, which can be big or small, and can involve a whole team or just your family. It’s a great way to teach kids about giving back. Projects don’t have to take place on June 14; any day in 2026 can be part of the celebration of service.
As another way to celebrate, communities are encouraged to create “Museums of Service,” in which locals known for giving back to others are honored with posters displayed in public spaces. The National Museum and Center for Service, which originated this initiative, has a toolkit for creating your own museum. Kids will love helping to make posters highlighting the service of excellent local role models.
Independence Day
On July 4, folks in Washington are encouraged to incorporate the 250th anniversary into existing activities. Fun ideas include retiring a flag, planting a tree or hosting or joining a community potluck. The committee is encouraging everyone to go outside and wave an American flag at 2:50 p.m. PT. There are so many creative ways to get involved. And if you run out of time on July 4 amid all the parades, fireworks and festivals, join others across the nation for America’s Potluck on July 5.
Museum Day
Museums across the state will offer free or reduced admission on Aug. 8 so families can learn about local history. Out of Many, One is an initiative inviting museums to partner with their communities to identify and exhibit an object, image or artwork from their collections that reflects the American experience. See what’s happening across the state by visiting an interactive online map. Displays will be shown in communities throughout summer 2026.
Day of Civic Engagement
September 17, Constitution Day, has been designated as a statewide Day of Civic Engagement. The day is designed to encourage civic participation in local communities, and families are encouraged to try one of the suggested activities. For example, older kids and their caregivers could attend a local town hall meeting or a candidates’ forum to ask questions, support a citizenship ceremony or join a local teen advisory board.
