Today's DAR
The 135th Continental Congress is just around the corner and during the historic celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, attendees will find themselves surrounded by once-in-a-generation opportunities to experience the nation’s capital at its most vibrant. While Continental Congress offers a full and meaningful schedule of official meetings and events, the experiences listed below are a list of additional activities you can explore to make the most of your visit to our nations capital. These suggested activites are self-guided opportunities curated to help you make the most of your time in Washington—whether before, after, or in between your Congress commitments. From special exhibitions and cultural celebrations to iconic landmarks and performances, these experiences invite you to explore, reflect, and celebrate America 250! at your own pace. We encourage you to take advantage of these memorable offerings and discover all that the capital has to offer during this extraordinary milestone year. Click the links below to learn more about these exciting experiences.
Washington Nationals Baseball Game
The Washington Nationals baseball team is an iconic institution of Washington, D.C. Join fellow DAR Members on Monday, June 22, for DAR Night at Nationals Park to enjoy “America’s pastime” before Continental Congress. Purchase Ticket
Suffs the Musical
Suffs is a spectacular, Tony Award®-winning musical celebrating the fight for women’s suffrage. Get your tickets now to see an emotional retelling of the suffragettes’ journey with your fellow DAR members on Tuesday, June 23.Click here for purchase instructions | Click here to purchase ticket
Special DAR Service Event – Mall Hands on Deck!
Join DAR for a special “Mall Hands on Deck” service event occurring on Sunday June 21, 2026, from 9-11am, led by the DAR Service to America Committee and DAR Conservation Committee, in conjunction with the Trust for the National Mall and National Parks Service. This service event will celebrate and highlight the National Society’s Gift to the Nation donation to support the Trust's Cherry Tree Endowment and will take place on the National Mall. Space is limited so please register now!
America 250 Experiences in Washington, D.C.
America’s State Flowers: An America 250 Celebration - United States Botanic Gardens
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden will bloom with the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as their official flower. Free; no passes required
American Aspirations Exhibit - Smithsonian Castle
The Smithsonian Castle is reopening for the first time since it closed for renovation in 2023 to celebrate the semiquincentennial! The American Aspirations exhibit will focus on how the common goals of generations of Americans have changed and been impacted by the original ideals in the Declaration of Independence. No passes required for entry into the Smithsonian Castle; free passes required for entry into American Aspirations Exhibit
American Icon: The US Flag in Art - National Gallery of Art
The Flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom that shines wherever its flown. This exhibit features artworks from the late 1800s to present day, exploring how the cultural significance of the flag has evolved over time. Free; no passes required
Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience - National Gallery of Art
This exhibit showcases over 100 works of art from varying locations and cultures in the United States. Free; no passes required
District Vibes / American Pride: How D.C. Changed American Culture - Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
A truly D.C. specific event, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is showcasing how Washingtonians have shaped American culture over 250 years. Free; no passes required
Great American State Fair - National Mall - June 25 - July 10, 2026
The National Mall transforms into the biggest, boldest state fair in the country. From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all fifty states, territories, and federal agencies showcase their food, culture, and pride to one unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration.
In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness - National Museum of American History
Spanning 3 floors, this exhibit explores the ideals behind the Declaration of Independence and America’s journey since it was written. Free; no passes required
Opening the Vault - National Archives
Opening the Vault features documents with ties to the American Revolution, celebrating and leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Free; no passes required
Ongoing Landmark Experiences
Americans - National Museum of the American Indian
American Indian imagery, names, and stories permeate American history and contemporary life. Americans highlights the ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began. Free; no passes required
A Changing America - National Museum of African American History & Culture
A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond explores contemporary black life through stories about the social, economic, political, and cultural experiences of African Americans. Free; timed-entry passes are required
Founding Documents - National Archives
Located on the upper level of the National Archives, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. Tickets are suggested for more timely entry, but not required
Patriots Path: A Revolutionary War Encampment - Mount Vernon
This outdoor experience allows visitors to interact with Continental Army interpreters and see soldier and officer tents as well as be hands on with the items inside them. $30 tickets
Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes - National Museum of Asian Art
Put together through collaborative curation, Shifting Boundaries explores how different artists view landscapes even as they are reshaped by the environment. Free; no passes required
