Texan Magazine
By Nancy Foster
Americans love a party — and when that party marks 250 years of nationhood, it’s deservedly a celebration that will last all year long. The United States’ Semiquincentennial honors the country’s founding, its evolution, and the ideals that shaped it. To help mark this historic milestone on a national scale, back in 2016 Congress created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to help coordinate national and international events paying homage to America’s roots.
Yes, the name is a mouthful — but it makes sense once you break it down. “Semi” means half, “quin” means five, and “centennial” means 100. Five hundred cut in half equals 250 years. Got it? Now you’re officially ready to impress your friends with your new word.
Key national highlights include:
-The “Greatest American Road Trip”: The U.S. Department of Transportation encourages traveling to iconic, historic and scenic sites across all 50 states. Explore historic landmarks across the nation. America250.org
-Sail250: An international maritime festival featuring over 60 tall ships and naval vessels from 20 countries. They will tour major ports including New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York City, and Boston.
-Times Square Ball Drop: For the first time in history, the ball that is normally dropped at midnight every New Year’s Eve will drop on the eve of July 4th to count down the nation’s birthday.
Across the country, states and territories are marking this milestone year with their own semiquincentennial commissions, planning events and programs, and Texas is no exception. While Texas didn’t enter the Union until 1845 as the 28th state, Texans still have plenty to celebrate as Americans — from the grit, determination and valor that shaped the nation to the generations who helped build and defend it. As most would agree, Gov. Greg Abbott says it best: “The United States remains the greatest nation in the history of the world.”
Across the state, communities — including many in Central Texas — are already rolling out activities designed to let their red, white and blue pride shine. At press time, details were still coming together, but there’s a good chance your city or town will host a parade, fireworks display, or some form of community celebration. From family-friendly festivals and educational programs to lasting tributes, expect countless ways to enjoy this historic anniversary.
So, grab your red, white and blue attire, fly a flag or two, and get ready to celebrate the birth of our nation. Get the whole family enthused, especially our younger generations.
How You Can Be Involved
If you’ve become excited about our nation’s anniversary, there are many ways to participate, whether you prefer something symbolic or something more hands-on. It can be as easy as hanging the U.S. flag outdoors.
Several official America 250 initiatives invite public participation, including What Does America Mean to You?, a program for students in third grade and up, with entries accepted through March 30. Texans can also join America Gives and the Texas America 250 Reading Challenge, which encourages participants to log 2,500 minutes of reading, state park visits, or service activities. Details are available through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission at tsl.texas.gov/america250/downloads.
Are you a veteran — or do you know one? Share your military stories through a program coordinated by the Texas Veterans Commission. Participants are encouraged to reflect on what inspired them to serve, why they chose their branch, and how long they served. Learn more at surveymonkey.com/r/usavets250.
In the planning stage is America Waves, encouraging Americans across the country to come together to wave the flag on a date and time to be specified.
From July 1–5, My Flag, My Story will serve as a statewide and national virtual engagement initiative, inviting individuals, families, schools, veterans, and first responders to share the personal stories behind the flags they own or display. Selected stories will be featured in a curated virtual event on Independence Day 2026, culminating in a coordinated statewide flag display on July 4. More information will be shared through linkedin.com/groups/15824020.
Events Across Central Texas
From Hill Country towns to the state capital, communities across Central Texas are among those marking America’s 250th anniversary with events that reflect not only their patriotism but our history, culture and pride. Below is a sampling of America 250 related activities taking place throughout the year. Throughout the coming months, we encourage you to check texasamerica250.com and america250.org for updates and research other patriotic organizations including the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution.
Join the United States as it celebrates this once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and have fun!
March
March 2 — Fredericksburg
Stories of Service: 250 Years of the American Military, at the National Museum of the Pacific War. The festival-style event honors the people, moments and innovations that shaped the nation’s military history.
pacificwarmuseum.org, texasamerica250.com
April
April 11–Sept. 12 — Kerrville
Stars, Stripes & States: Flags of Our Nation, an outdoor exhibition featuring all 50 U.S. state flags along with the 27 historic U.S. flags that have flown since 1776, on display at the Museum of Western Art. museumofwesternart.com; kerr250.com
April 18 — Austin
Dedication of the Revolutionary War Cenotaph at the Texas State Cemetery. texasstatecemetery.org
April 26— Kerrville
The Hill Country Youth Orchestra will be including patriotic selections in their spring concert. hcyo.org
May
May 9 — Austin
Texas Girl Scout Songfest at the Texas State Capitol, featuring a statewide choral performance by massed ensembles from the Texas Girls Choir. texasgirlschoir.org
May 16 — La Grange
Fifth annual Beer And German Heritage Festival at Kreishe Brewery celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and legacy of brewmaster Heinrich Kreische.
visitkreischebrewery.com
May 16–June 28 — Kerrville
Spark! Places of Innovation, a Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution, on display at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. The exhibition explores innovation and invention in rural communities.kacckerrville.com
May 16 —Kerrville
Evolution Car Show at Louise Hays Park. Celebrate the evolution of the American automobile, featuring 250 American cars lined up in order of model year. From Model As to Hot Rods to modern day models. Food vendors and family fun in honor of Armed Forces Day and America’s 250th. kerr250.com
June
June 14 — Round Rock (Williamson County)
WilCo America250 celebration at the Old Settlers Association grounds, hosted by the Williamson Museum and the Sons of the American Revolution, 1–4 p.m., featuring food, music and entertainment. https://www.wilcotx.gov/1798/America250
June 15 — Fredericksburg
Hands-On History: America 250 Drop-In at the National Museum of the Pacific War explores 250 years of American history through leadership in the Pacific War.pacificwarmuseum.org
June 27 — San Antonio
America 250: A Cinematic Celebration at Mission Marquee Plaza, featuring a screening of the 2020 film Hamilton.texasamerica250.
July
July 1- October 26
La Porte: San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site will feature a lobby exhibition highlighting 250 years of American history featuring archival materials from the museum’s cast collection.
July 1–5 — Central Texas and Nationwide
My Flag, My Story, a statewide and national virtual engagement initiative inviting individuals, families, schools, veterans and first responders to share the personal stories behind the flags they own or display. Selected stories will be featured on Independence Day 2026, culminating in a coordinated statewide flag display on July 4.linkedin.com/groups/15824020
July 2 — Rockport
America250 Block Party, 5–8 p.m., at the Fulton Mansion, featuring food trucks, Victorian-inspired games, live music and tours of the historic 1877 mansion.thc.texas.gov/events/america250-block-party
July 3–5 — San Antonio
River Walk Fourth of July Artisan Show, featuring more than 40 handmade artisan booths along the River Walk extension near the Shops at Rivercenter. July 4th activities at Stars & Stripes on Houston Street highlight our star-spangled spirit in this festive parade.
visitsanantonio.com/events
July 3–4 — La Grange
Ich Bin Ein Amerikaner celebration with hands-on historical activities, including ice-cream making, interactive demonstrations and a nod to the early German Texans.
visitkreischebrewery.com
July 4 — Austin
Star Spangled Fest, including Independence Eve celebrations, patriotic music by the Austin Symphony and a grand fireworks finale over Lady Bird Lake. Also take in the Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival for live music, shopping and fireworks, and don’t miss Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater.
austintexas.org/events/4th-of-july
July 4 — Round Rock
Sertoma Independence Day Parade and Frontier Days Fireworks, beginning with a morning parade followed by afternoon festivities at Old Settlers Park.downtownroundrocktexas.com
July 4 — Cedar Park
Cedar Sparktacular, 5–11 p.m. at Milburn Park, featuring live music, carnival rides, food trucks and a fireworks display.
cedarparktexas.gov
July 4 — Pflugerville
Independence Day Pfireworks at Typhoon Texas in Pflugerville.pflugervilletx.gov
July 4 — Georgetown
40th Annual Sertoma Fourth of July celebration in San Gabriel Park, featuring family activities, live entertainment and fireworks. visitgeorgetown.org
July 4 — San Marcos
4th of July celebration with patriotic music and a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display at the San Marcos Activity Center.
visitsanmarcos.com
July 4 — Kerrville – Afternoon concert featuring patriotic and remembrance music presented by Symphony of the Hills at the Cailloux Theatre. kerr250.com
Fourth on the River fireworks celebration along the Guadalupe River. An afternoon and evening of family events, food vendors, musical entertainment and fireworks.
kerrvilletx.gov
July 4 — Fredericksburg
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks near the Gillespie County Courthouse. Evening fireworks at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. fbgtx.org
July 4 — New Braunfels
Morning old-fashioned, small-town parade in downtown followed by a patriotic musical program. nbtexas.org
July 11 —Center Point
Down Home Country Parade through the main streets of Center Point. kerr250.com
