This year marks America’s 250th birthday! This Semiquincentennial will be bursting with celebrations across the nation all year long, honoring this historic milestone and the rich history that shaped America. But you won’t have to travel from “sea to shining sea” to experience these celebrations because there are plenty of exciting, family-friendly events happening all across Nashville! From art exhibits to living history events, everyone can get in on America’s celebration right here in our own backyard.
Local Events, Celebrations and Exhibits
America the Beautiful: National Parks & Landmarks by Rail
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
May 2 – September 6, 2026
Tickets (non-member): Adults $27 | Youth (3-17) $20 | Children 2 & under free
Memberships available
America the Beautiful is a special traveling model train exhibition built by Applied Imagination and located in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden for a limited time. Set off on a grand adventure across America, from the Statue of Liberty to Tennessee’s own Great Smoky Mountains, all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. Every structure is a miniature masterpiece of botanical architecture, hand-crafted from natural materials like willow branches, cedar, acorn caps, moss, pinecones, bark and more. (via cheekwood.org)
All-American SummerFest
Gaylord Opryland
May 22 – September 7, 2026
Priced per event
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Gaylord Opryland Resort invites guests to experience the milestone with All-American Summerfest, a celebration of the traditions that make summer unforgettable. The family-friendly event will run on select dates May 22 through September 7, 2026.
Guests can capture the spirit of summertime with exciting activities including poolside parties, interactive scavenger hunts, outdoor movie nights, and dazzling firework shows. All-American Summerfest delivers a classic seasonal getaway built for making memories together at one of the country’s most iconic destinations.
“Tennessee Voices: American Stories”
Tennessee State Museum
January 13 – November 15
Free admission
This exhibit showcases the unique contributions of Tennesseans that helped support the creation and development of America. The exhibit features three areas centered on key concepts from the preamble to the United States Constitution: “We the People,” “A More Perfect Union,” and “The Blessings of Liberty.” Each area includes artifacts and stories related to remarkable people who helped to build Tennessee and the United States. Some of these individuals are well-known; others are not. However, they each have made their own contributions to our shared past. (via tnmuseum.org)
Suffs the Musical at TPAC
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
March 3 – 8, 2026
Tickets: $52+
Catchy, fun and empowering! This show is a must-see. The complicated and prolonged road to the 19th Amendment, which allowed women the right to vote, was a centuries long effort led by female activists known as Suffragettes. The stories of these brilliant and passionate women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote are brought to the stage in Suffs, the Tony-Award Winning musical coming to TPAC! Full of energy and laughs, Suffs is supported in part by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.
Ben on the Bench
Williamson County Archives & Museum
Free admission
Head to downtown Franklin and get acquainted with one of our most famous Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin! Cast in bronze, Ben sits on a bench in front of the Williamson County Archives and Museum welcoming others to join him. Adding to downtown Franklin’s ever-expanding public art scene, this newest addition honors the town’s namesake and was unveiled in January to kick off America’s 250th birthday locally. When you’re done visiting Ben, head inside the Archives and Museum, a wonderful, family-friendly museum where the county’s past comes to life with detailed exhibits and artifacts dating back to 1799. Admission is free for all!
Homeschool Days at The Hermitage
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
March 12 | 10am – 1pm – The Industrial Revolution
April 3 | 10am – 1pm – A Kid’s Eye View of the Revolution
Tickets: Adult $22 | Student $11 | Ages 0-4 Free
As part of their Homeschool Days, The Hermitage is hosting a series of fun and interactive programs with a special focus on the evolution of America. Sessions began last year, but there are two programs left. Ideally suited for elementary aged students, kids will enjoy hands-on activities while learning scientific principles alongside America’s story. When you’re done, head to the mansion for a tour (additional $7).
Pioneer Days at Cannonsburgh Village
Murfreesboro, TN
April 25, 2026
Free admission
This family-friendly festival will be celebrating 50 years of bringing history to life! Experience what life was like in America during the early 1800’s. This free festival includes hands-on demonstrations, hand-made crafts, live music and more. The village is open year round with programming for all ages and offers public tours.
“Let Freedom Sing” 4th of July Celebration
Downtown Nashville
July 3 – 4, 2026
In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, Music City will be expanding its famous “Let Freedom Sing” 4th of July celebration to two days happening July 3 and 4, 2026. Fans can expect an incredible fireworks display, the return of the Nashville Symphony, amazing musical headliners and other activations across the city. Check VisitMusicCity.com for updates and more information.
“An American Story” at Cheekwood
March 7 – August 23, 2026
Adults $20-$30 | Youth (3-17) $13-$22 | Children 2 & under free
Memberships available
“An American Story” invites visitors to experience the Cowan Collection as it has rarely been seen, outside its permanent home of the Parthenon for the first time in nearly 40 years. Gifted to the city nearly a century ago by James M. Cowan, this extraordinary collection reveals how American artists at the turn of the twentieth century shaped a national artistic identity. Featuring works by fifty-seven painters, many linked through shared training and artistic collaboration, the collection traces a pivotal moment in American art history. This limited time exhibition is a rare opportunity to view nearly the entire collection!
Hit The Road!
“Tennessee Voices: American Stories” Roadtrip
In conjunction with their commemorative exhibit, the TN State Museum has developed a roadtrip across the state for the public to explore! The roadtrip is designed to complement the “Tennessee Voices, American Stories” exhibit and encourages explorers to discover the places and people that nurture and curate Tennessee’s diverse history and culture. Check out their interactive map to learn more and plan your roadtrip!
Discovery Park of America
Union City, TN
July 3 – 4, 2026
$10 admission/person
Just a short drive west of Nashville, you’ll find Union City, home to Discovery Park of America. If you’ve never visited, I highly recommend checking out this incredible must-see Tennessee attraction. Their state-of-the-art, 100,000-square-foot museum showcases ten exhibit galleries focused on topics like science, space, technology, the military, natural history, regional history, art, transportation, and more. This year, the museum is hosting a special Independence Day Celebration over the 4th of the July weekend. Visitors will enjoy live demonstrations, reenactors, craftspeople, fireworks and a live concert featuring Mo Pitney.
Liberty’s Path: America’s Journey to 250
Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN
April 17 – 18, 2026
Free admission
Lincoln Memorial University is hosting a special event showcasing a living history timeline of America! See military camps from the Revolutionary War to Modern-Day Military camps along with live demonstrations of crafts, daily essentials, and more. There will be food vendors, demonstrations, and many, many more activities. Bring your families to see how the country has changed, with a day to remember!
The First and Last Town in TN: A Play 250 Years in the Making
McKinney Center, Jonesborough, TN
February 27, 28, 2026 | March 1, 6, 7, 8, 2026
Tickets: $20 | $18 Seniors
*March 1st is a special “Pay What You Can” performance with a $2.50 suggested donation.
The McKinney Center in Jonesborough will debut a new play in February that is 250 years in the making! “The First and Last Town in Tennessee” shares stories from Jonesborough’s past and present to commemorate America’s Semiquincentennial. Written by Program Manager Anne G’Fellers-Mason, the play takes the audience on a journey from 1779, the year of Jonesborough’s founding, to present day. The play will include music and dancing and will be an experience for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Visitors Center at 423-753-1010.
Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate at Home
Fun & Educational Books
Head to your local library to check out books on America’s past, its pioneers, and U.S. Presidents. Speaking of U.S. Presidents, a fun resource for kids ages 5-10 wanting to learn more about America’s past leaders is Presidents for Kids. This website offers tons of fun activity books designed for hands-on fun while teaching children fun facts and historic moments.
Have a Patriotic Sing-Along
Your kids will most likely learn these songs in school, but it doesn’t hurt to have a family sing-along at home! Some suggestions include America’s National Anthem: “Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” “My Country, Tis of Thee,” “This Land is Your Land,” and “God Bless America.” Then, challenge your kids to write their own song honoring America.
Get Crafty
There are so many fun crafts that you can do with your kids that are fun and educational. Try making popsicle stick versions of the Betsy Ross flag and our current flag and help them understand the difference. This website is a great resource for crafting ideas that your kids can easily do with your help.
Popcorn and a Movie
There are lots of movies for all ages that explore America’s path to freedom and beyond. There are documentaries for the history buffs and fun, inspirational movies for the whole family. PBS has some great videos for kids of all ages about U.S History.
Check back often for updates as we continue to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial.
