July 4th with the National Archives Washington DC 2026

Celebrate the 4th of July 2026 at the National Archives in Washington DC — the home of the original Declaration of Independence — with a free, all-day patriotic celebration on Constitution Avenue NW.
DATE: Saturday, July 4, 2026
FAMILY FUN: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Constitution Avenue NW
DECLARATION READING CEREMONY: 10:00 AM (steps of the National Archives Museum)
MUSEUM HOURS (July 4–5): 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (extended)
ADMISSION: Free and open to the public
WHAT TO EXPECT:
From 8:30 AM, Constitution Avenue NW transforms into a block-party celebrating America's 250th birthday (America 250). Activities include live music, face painters, balloon twisters, airbrush tattoos, Uncle Sam on stilts, family-friendly arts and crafts, and reenactors portraying George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.
At 10:00 AM, the historic annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence Ceremony begins on the Museum steps. The 2026 program features:
• Greetings from the CEO of the National Archives Foundation
• Presentation of Colors by the Space Force Color Guard
• Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
• National Anthem by Master Sergeant Caleb Green, U.S. Army (Ret.)
• Declaration reading by historical character reenactors representing John Adams, Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, James Forten, Ned Hector, and George Washington
• "America the Beautiful" performed by Master Sergeant Caleb Green
After the ceremony, step inside the National Archives Museum to view the original Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights — the three Charters of Freedom. Special July 4th exhibits, scavenger hunts, and family activities continue throughout the day.
TIPS:
• Seating on the Museum steps is first-come, first-served — arrive early!
• Free timed-entry tickets to the National Archives Museum are available online
• The Declaration Reading Ceremony will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube
• National Archives Store pop-up shop: corner of Constitution Ave & 7th St NW
Presented in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of Bank of America.
Join thousands of fellow Americans in celebrating Independence Day 2026 at the heart of American democracy. Use hashtag #ArchivesJuly4 to share your celebration.
Free tickets: archivesfoundation.org/july-4thx/