Beginning Wednesday evening, the Washington Monument will feature an 18-minute projection-mapping show highlighting people, places, and moments from American history, concluding with the monument illuminated as a giant birthday candle.
The full storytelling presentation runs at the top of each hour from 9:00 p.m. to 12:20 a.m. ET, with ongoing illumination throughout the viewing window. The display runs nightly through July 5 on the National Mall, with best viewing along the open grounds.
The event returns by popular demand as part of Freedom 250’s programming for the nation’s semiquincentennial. Freedom 250, a public-private partnership supporting celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, organized the illumination.
The projection show is one element of broader activities in Washington, D.C., leading up to and including July 4.
The Great American State Fair, a 16-day exposition showcasing all 56 states and territories, continues on the National Mall through July 10. It features pavilions, exhibits, live music, a Ferris wheel, and daily themed programming. July 4 is designated as Independence Day Celebration within the fair.
On July 4, the Salute to America Celebration and Fireworks takes place on the Washington Monument grounds. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. The daytime program includes headline musical performances and military flyovers. An evening live broadcast with the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra and speakers begins at 7:00 p.m. The event culminates in a large fireworks display, with organizers planning approximately 850,000 shells launched from multiple sites around 10:30 p.m. ET.
On July 4, 2026, we celebrate 250 years of American independence with a day built for the history books.
12:00 PM – Media Entry Opens
1:00 PM – Guest Entry Opens
1:15 PM – Military Flyover Demonstrations Begin
5:00 PM – Opening Programming Begins
7:00 PM – Salute to America… pic.twitter.com/8voSy980yF— Freedom 250 (@Freedom250) July 1, 2026
Visitors can view the Washington Monument projection show for free from the National Mall. For the Salute to America event, attendees should plan for security screening with a clear bag policy. Metro and rideshare are recommended due to limited parking and expected crowds. Public areas are first-come, first-served.
Details on entry, prohibited items, and logistics are available on the Freedom 250 website.
The National Park Service coordinates aspects of Independence Day activities on the National Mall and provides additional visitor guidance.
Other elements of the broader 250th celebrations include the FIFA Fan Zone on the Mall through July 19 and future events such as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in August.
