A message from Fairfax GOP Chairwoman Katie Gorka.
Are you ready to celebrate?
Planning for America’s Semiquincentennial has been going on for ten years, and now the moment is upon us: We get to celebrate the fact that our great experiment in human liberty has not only survived but thrived for 250 years. It is indeed an achievement worth celebrating.
Here is a highlight of ways you can take part:
The Great American State Fair: June 24 – July 10. Opening Wednesday, June 24, the Great American State Fair is a 16-day national exposition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as a centerpiece of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The fair blends state fair nostalgia with educational exhibits, cultural showcases, and modern entertainment to highlight what makes America special — its people, traditions, innovations, and landscapes. Admission is free, though some special experiences or kickoff events may require registration. Schedules, tickets, and pavilion info: freedom250.org/celebration/the-great-american-state-fair.
Wings Over Washington: June 24–25. Look to the skies over the National Mall on June 24 and 25 for a two-night aerial showcase — featuring the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, the F-35A Lightning II, and the F-16 Viper Demo Team.
Salute to America 250 Celebration and Fireworks: July 4. A daytime program with musical performances and military flyovers begins at 1 p.m. An evening live broadcast with the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra and national speakers starts at 7 p.m. — capped by 850,000 fireworks shells launched from 10 sites, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, eight Potomac River barges, and West Potomac Park. Details and tickets: freedom250.org/celebration/salute-to-america-250.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.: August 22–23. The first-ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the National Mall — a free, two-day motorsports event celebrating America’s 250th with world-class racing set against the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Free tickets: freedom250gp.com.
Alexandria / Mount Vernon: July 3–4 — An American Celebration. At George Washington’s Mount Vernon: the George Washington: A Revolutionary Life exhibition, the Patriots Path Revolutionary War Encampment with reenactors, a July 4 program of music, demonstrations, and a naturalization ceremony, and Independence fireworks over the Potomac on July 3–4. mountvernon.org.
Alexandria: Saturday, July 11 — Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration. Live music, food vendors, and fireworks at Oronoco Bay Park. alexandriava.gov/Birthday.
Fairfax City: Saturday, July 4 — 60th Annual Independence Day Parade. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. in Downtown Fairfax (starting near Armstrong St.), with bands, floats, marching units, the book cart drill team, and a patriotic flyover — rain or shine. An evening show and fireworks run 6:30–10:30 p.m. at Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run), with live music, food vendors, and family fun; fireworks around 9:30 p.m., gates open ~4:30 p.m. Free. fairfaxva.gov.
Great Falls: Saturday, July 4 — Hometown Celebration. Parade at 10 a.m., with the Fairfax GOP tent on the village green from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and fireworks in the evening at Turner Farm Park. The day also includes a 5K, a kids’ parade, floats, music, games, and food. celebrategreatfalls.org.
Herndon: Saturday, July 4 — July 4th Celebration. Evening festivities at the Bready Park / Herndon Community Center area with entertainment, games, and food; fireworks from Centennial Golf Course ~9:30 p.m. Free. herndon-va.gov.
Lorton: Saturday, June 27 — Red, White & Boom Workhouse Fireworks Festival. Workhouse Arts Center, 4:00–9:30 p.m. One of the larger pre-July 4 celebrations, with entertainment and fireworks (parking fee; may sell out). workhousearts.org/fireworks.
McLean: Saturday, June 27 — Independence Day Celebration. Langley High School, with live music, food trucks, and free fireworks. mcleancenter.org.
Reston: Saturday, June 27 — Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration. Noon–10 p.m. (rain date June 28), with live music (School of Rock, The Sonic Boom, The Reflex), food trucks, family activities, the Water Mine waterpark (separate fee), and a 9 p.m. drone show of patriotic imagery. Parking $20 online / $25 at the gate; pedestrians and cyclists free. Pet- and sensory-friendly options. fairfaxcounty.gov.
Vienna: Thursday, July 2 — Independence Day Celebration. 6:00–10:00 p.m. at Yeonas Park, with family activities, live music, games, and fireworks. Free. viennava.gov.
Virginia250. See va250.org for additional state-specific programming.
On September 19, the Fairfax GOP will host the Fairfax County Freedom 250 Gala. For all the details and to purchase tickets, visit fairfaxgop.org/freedom-250-gala.
Happy birthday, America!
Katie Gorka
Chairwoman, Fairfax GOP