Below is your guide to celebrating America’s 250th birthday in Kansas—all year long. Explore a statewide lineup of events and festivals designed to match every interest.

For those who love history, you'll have the opportunity to step into the past through thought-provoking lectures, special exhibits at museums, and even live historical reenactments.  If you're more of a pure adventure seeker, you can participate in family-friendly scavenger hunts and outdoor challenges that will encourage you to hike some of the most scenic trails in Kansas. 

  1. Declaration 1776 Tour
  2. Americans: Smithsonian Exhibit
  3. Participate in the Outdoor Rec Challenge
  4. History & Heritage
  5. Arts & Entertainment
  6. Family Friendly Activities
  7. Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial
  8. Check Out the Monthly Book Series
  9. Living History & Historical Reenactments

Declaration 1776 Tour

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Declaration 1776 is a special traveling exhibition that will tour 47+ Kansas cultural institutions between January 3 and December 31, 2026. Be sure to contact each venue directly to confirm dates and times.

Americans: Smithsonian Exhibit

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The Smithsonian is coming to Kansas! Humanities Kansas is bringing Americans, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition to Kansas for an exclusive tour August 2025 – July 2026.

Participate in the Outdoor Rec Challenge

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Kansas 250 - Outdoor Recreation Challenge

Kansas 250 - Outdoor Recreation Challenge

Join the year-long celebration of America's 250th birthday in 2026 with the Kansas Outdoor Recreation Challenge. The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks invites you to take part in a year-long adventure across our…

History & Heritage

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Arts & Entertainment

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1776
May 29

1776

In collaboration with Wichita Riverfest, Wichita Grand Opera presents the Tony Award-winning musical 1776. This fully staged production…

Family Friendly Activities

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Prairie Picnic at the Fort Hays 250

Prairie Picnic at the Fort

Date: July 4, 2026 from 4–10 PM. Spend your Independence Day at Historic Fort Hays for Prairie Picnic at the Fort. Celebrate America 250…

America's Potluck is an opportunity for neighbors to join one another to share a communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging…

SemiQuinn the Bison - Stuffed Animal Mascott for Kansas250

Find SemiQuin the Bison!

Visit the Watkins Museum all year long in Lawrence, KS, on Saturdays to find SemiQuinn hiding somewhere in the galleries and win a prize!

Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial

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Another big celebration happening in 2026 will be the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Also known as "The Mother Road" of America, Route 66 has a fun little stretch that runs for just 13 miles into the very Southeast corner of Kansas. If you're seeking to cruise along the Route 66 Historic Byway in Kansas, then check out our brand new itinerary for the centennial of Route 66. 

Check Out the Monthly Book Series

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Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026

Living History & Historical Reenactments

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Declaration Conversation
Jun 27

Declaration Conversation

The Declaration of Independence established the United States, but what does it actually say and mean? A Declaration Conversation is an…

Discover More Events for Kansas 250

Overhead view of concert in Wichita with fireworks in the background

Events

Discover events celebrating America's 250th birthday. Find year-round festivals and patriotic celebrations throughout 2026.