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.
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
Sioux Empire Fair: Celebrating the Red, White and Blue
July 31 - August 8
W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds
The fair will feature patriotic exhibits, educational displays, agriculture, entertainment, carnival attractions, grandstand concerts, livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, and fireworks on Sneak Peek Friday.
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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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Happy Birthday, USA!
September 5
Westminster Presbyterian Church
The White Spruce Chamber Players are celebrating America's 250th with a concert we're calling Happy Birthday, USA! The program opens with Dvorak’s American Quintet in E-flat major, op. 97. Composed around the same time as his well-known American Quartet while Dvorak was living in Spillville, IA, this piece is quintessentially Dvorak and celebrates American folk music.
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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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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.
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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