Celebrating America's 250th
2026 marks a monumental year as the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Our country is full of amazing places to live and visit, with none more special than South Dakota and the people that make up this great state.
From our namesake, Falls Park, to a thriving arts scene anchored by SculptureWalk and the Arc of Dreams, to places of remembrance and a salute to our veterans at the Battleship South Dakota Memorial and Veterans' Memorial Park, there is so much to see, do, and be thankful for in Sioux Falls. Join the celebration of our nation at one of the many upcoming events.
Lighting of the Falls
May 16 - Armed Forces Day
Falls Park
Come celebrate and honor those currently serving in the U.S. Military. Enjoy the colors of freedom by stopping by Falls Park and take in the patriotic beauty of the Lighting of the Falls. Lighting will begin at dusk and will remain until the park closes at 12am.
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Lighting of the Falls
May 25 - Memorial Day
Falls Park
Stop by Falls Park and take in the patriotic beauty of the Lighting of the Falls. Memorial Day honors the sacrifice and loss of those who served in the military. Lighting will begin at dusk and will remain until the park closes at 12am.
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"Still Becoming: America at 250" An Art Exhibition Featuring the Region's Finest Artists
June 29 - October 16
The Center for Western Studies on the campus of Augustana University
As part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, this exhibition seeks to explore the many dimensions of the American story—its landscapes, peoples, histories, and evolving identities. Artists are encouraged to consider themes of place, belonging, freedom, conflict, resilience, and change.
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Stars & Stripes Family Stroll
July 2
Arrowhead Park
Come celebrate America's 250th Birthday in style! Hike through the varied terrain of Arrowhead Park all decked out in your star spangled colors to celebrate the 4th of July and Parks & Recreation Month. Registration required.
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Independence Day Party
July 2
Westside Recreation Center
Celebrate the spirit of freedom and community at our Independence Day Recreation & Aquatics Program! This fun-filled event offers a perfect blend of patriotic festivities and refreshing water activities for all ages.
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Red, White & Blue Backyard Bash
July 3
Lloyd Landing
Celebrate summer at First Friday with our Red, White & Blue Backyard Bash at Lloyd Landing. Enjoy classic backyard games, lighthearted competition, and a festive atmosphere as we gear up for Independence Day. Bring your friends, bring your family, and enjoy a relaxed evening of community fun. Come for the games, stay for the fun.
Event Details
Downtown Open Streets
July 3
Downtown Sioux Falls - Phillips Avenue (2nd St. - 4th St.)
Downtown Sioux Falls Open Streets transforms rotating downtown blocks into a car-free community playground at the start of each month. The July event will celebrate the birthday of AMERICA with fun activities, performers and vendors.
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Lighting of the Falls
July 3-5 - Independence Day
Falls Park
Stop by Falls Park and take in the patriotic beauty of the Lighting of the Falls. Celebrate America's Independence and enjoy the colors of freedom. Lighting will begin at dusk and will remain until the park closes at 12am.
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Fourth of July Weekend at Levitt at the Falls
July 3-5
Levitt at the Falls
As part of America 250, the Fourth of July weekend will showcase classic American music. Navy Band Northwest opens the celebration on Thursday, July 2, with a performance of American popular rock music. Local Americana favorite East of Westreville, featuring guest fiddler Kenny Putnam, will perform Friday, July 3. Closing out the holiday weekend, acclaimed Broadway and jazz vocalist Andrea Ross & Her Big Band will take the stage Saturday, July 4.
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Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade
July 4
Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls
Join for a grand celebration of America's 250th anniversary! After two years of absence, the Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade is coming back. The parade route is located on Phillips Avenue from 13th St. to 6th St. starting at 10am.
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Sioux Falls Fireworks
July 4
W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds
See an impressive fireworks display light up the night sky as we celebrate Independence Day. Don't miss plenty of other great entertainment at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in the hours leading up to the fireworks display. Free admission!
Event Details
B-29 DOC Flight Experience
July 14-15
Sioux Falls Regional Airport
B-29 DOC is one of only two Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers still airworthy and flying today. The tour stop in Sioux Falls will feature ride flight opportunities ahead of the Sioux Falls Airshow.
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Sioux Falls Airshow
July 18-19
South Dakota Air National Guard
The Sioux Falls Airshow is a free two-day event featuring aircraft flyovers, performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, plus many more activities for people of all ages.
Event Details
Declaration of Independence Reading
July 8
Battleship South Dakota Memorial
Celebrate America's 250th with the reading of the Declaration of Independence in front of the Memorial at 5 pm on July 8.
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USS South Dakota Day of Honor
August 8
Battleship South Dakota Memorial
This free community event will be held to commemorate the three U.S. Navy ships that have carried South Dakota's name. There will be a band concert at 10am followed by a ceremony at 11am.
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All My Relatives Festival
August 29
Levitt at the Falls
The All My Relatives Festival returns to Levitt at the Falls for its fourth year in partnership with South Dakota State University’s Wokini Initiative and will be recognized through the Smithsonian’s Of the People: Festival of Festivals, a national America 250 initiative commemorating American folklife.
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Parades, Picnics, & Pageants: South Dakota Celebrates
January 1 - December 31
Old Courthouse Museum
This year-long exhibit at the Old Courthouse Museum revisits all the other centennial and anniversary celebrations from our city and regions past. Photos, videos, and artifacts from 50, 75, 100, 150, and 200th anniversaries in the area, particularly Sioux Falls.
Exhibit DetailsLooking for more things to do?
Check out our full calendar of events to see what else is happening in Sioux Falls.
Do you have an event celebrating America's 250th? Please let us know about it by submitting the event information in the form below.
Stay up to Date
Click the button below to stay informed on America 250 happenings and find additional partner resources.
America's 250th
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
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America's 250th - South Dakota
South Dakota is part of America 250, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. The multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
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Visit The USA
America250 is kicking off celebrations for the USA’s 250th birthday in2026. There’s no better time to reconnect with the icons of this vast country – rugged red rocks, multifaceted cities, peaceful shorelines, friendly small towns, world-famous attractions and the people who bring each magical place to life.
Celebrations Across the Country