National Harbor Celebrates America's 250th with Summer Fun

From movies and music to pickleball and patriotic picnics, the Maryland waterfront destination has a packed schedule of events.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:24pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring an abstracted American flag motif repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the celebratory spirit of the National Harbor's 250th anniversary events.The National Harbor's patriotic programming celebrates America's 250th with a vibrant, pop art-inspired visual style.National Harbor Today

As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, the National Harbor in Maryland is also gearing up for a summer full of festivities. Visitors can enjoy outdoor movies, military band concerts, a pickleball tournament, a patriotic walk and picnic, and more to honor America's milestone anniversary.

Why it matters

The National Harbor is positioning itself as a premier destination to celebrate America's 250th birthday, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities and events that tap into patriotic pride and community spirit.

The details

The National Harbor's Spirit Park will be the centerpiece of the celebrations, featuring a 50-foot round stage, sculptures of bison and U.S. presidents, and the largest flying American flag in the country. Across the waterfront, there will be movie nights, a Salute the Sunset concert series, Fridays on the Plaza with live music, a pickleball tournament, and a patriotic walk and picnic on the Fourth of July.

  • Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the National Harbor will host Thursday and Sunday night movie screenings.
  • Every Saturday night at 7 p.m., the Salute the Sunset Concert Series will feature performances by premier U.S. military bands.
  • On Friday evenings, Fridays on the Plaza will offer 'summer sounds' live music honoring America's 250th.
  • On May 23-24, the Annual National Harbor Pickleball Tournament will take place with competitions for all levels.
  • On Memorial Day, May 25, the Capital Wheel will offer free rides to veterans and active-duty service members.

The players

Milton Peterson

The founder of the National Harbor development.

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The takeaway

The National Harbor is embracing its location along the Potomac River to create a summer-long celebration of America's 250th birthday, offering a diverse lineup of patriotic events and activities that will appeal to families, military members, and visitors of all ages.