America’s 250th anniversary takes place in 2026, and states, cities, and attractions nationwide are offering an exciting lineup of events for families to take part in the celebration. If you want to include theme parks in your 2026 travel plans to celebrate America 250, there are several options you can explore from sea to shining sea.
Theme parks and Americana go hand in hand, and you can’t go wrong with any U.S.-based itinerary to celebrate America 250. If you’re wondering which parks are offering unique festivities for this specific summer season, however, look no further.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World typically goes all-out on its fireworks around the Fourth of July, but this Independence Day will be particularly memorable. It starts with a 24-hour “Disney Celebrates America” broadcast over the Fourth of July holiday weekend across Disney+, ABC, ESPN, and more.
The broadcast will end with an exciting fireworks display airing live from Magic Kingdom. The park’s annual “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will be part of the celebration. There will be multiple opportunities to catch this special fireworks display, which will be held on July 3, 4, and 5.
EPCOT usually participates in the Independence Day festivities with its own fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” which follows the conclusion of its nightly spectacular, Luminous The Symphony of Us, on July 4. Speaking of EPCOT, guests can experience a brand-new version of Soarin’ in celebration of America 250. Soarin’ Across America will debut in time for Memorial Day Weekend.
This limited-time offering will highlight the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. In total, we’ll see over a dozen locations featured in this new ride sequence.
READ MORE: WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN 2026?
Disneyland Resort
If you’re on the West Coast this summer, Disneyland Resort will offer similar America 250 celebrations as its Orlando counterpart. Disneyland Park will show “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” on July 3, 4, and 5. The fireworks will also be part of the “Disney Celebrates America” broadcast.
Soarin’ Across America is also coming to Disney California Adventure. It looks like West Coast Disney visitors will need to wait a little longer to see the new Soarin’s debut, as it currently has a posted opening date of July 2, 2026. Like EPCOT, this will be a “limited-time itinerary.”
READ MORE: A MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE TO VISITING DISNEYLAND IN 2026
Dollywood
Outside the Disney sphere, regional theme parks are also participating in the America 250 festivities. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, joins the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with vibrant red, white, and blue décor all across the park from March through August.
Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone show will light up the sky each evening during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (taking place from June 15 through August 2) with a “dazzling patriotic salute.”
READ MORE: DOLLYWOOD WILL DEBUT A GROUNDBREAKING NEW RIDE IN SPRING 2026
Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, is also recognizing America’s 250th anniversary in a big way. The theme park is offering free season passports to all active-duty U.S. military, made possible through a partnership with Arvest Bank. The park will also recognize military personnel on Hero Appreciation Days throughout the 2026 season.
The summer festivities begin on May 9 at the park’s Echo Hollow Amphitheatre with a special patriotic concert featuring music acts like The Presleys, The Petersons, Clay Cooper & his Band, The Haygoods and Mike Patrick of Grand Country Music Hall.
Silver Dollar City’s summer fireworks and drone shows will light up the skies to celebrate America. You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for special menu items across the park featuring a “festive star-spangled twists on classic favorites,” including a custom Coca-Cola flavor honoring America created just for Silver Dollar City.
READ MORE: WHAT’S IN STORE FOR SILVER DOLLAR CITY’S 2026 SEASON
4 Theme Parks Where Families Can Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026 was originally published on The World of Spark.
