In 2026, the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a nationwide celebration.
Throughout the year, Chicago will honor this milestone and the history of our great city with exciting exhibits, concerts, performances, and more.
Celebrate a milestone Fourth of July with this spectacular fireworks display at Navy Pier.
This year’s show will be the largest and longest in history, lighting up the lakefront for a full 15-minute performance with music and skyline views to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Learn moreDive into Chicago history and experience the soul of America at these upcoming events and celebrations.
Symphony Center
Newberry Library
American Writers Museum
Millennium Park
Chicago History Museum
Located in the heart of the country, Chicago is one of the country’s largest and most influential cities — a place filled that truly embodies the soul of America.
As the home of the nation’s oldest official gay neighborhood, Chicago has long played a central role in LGBTQ+ history.
And June is the best time to experience the city’s vibrant queer culture. Celebrate at our world-famous Pride Parade, attend the annual Pride Fest, and visit meaningful LGBTQ+ museums and landmarks.
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The Obama Presidential Center opens this June on Chicago’s historic South Side. Experience this immersive new landmark and discover the vibrant neighborhoods that shaped a presidency.
Explore a piece of lesser known queer history with this personal narrative on the Belmont Rocks, a lakefront LGBTQ+ haven transformed into a moving modern-day monument.
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The Chicago History Museum explores the fascinating stories, people, and events that have shaped our great city, from the Great Chicago Fire to the World’s Fair and beyond.
The museums will be celebrating Illinois 250 throughout the year with art installations, unique artifacts, updated exhibits, and more.
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Step back in time in to the 1880s in Pullman, one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States. Located on Chicago’s South Side, Pullman was named a National Monument by President Barack Obama.
Stroll through the park to admire everything from an elegant hotel to executive mansions and workers cottages. Stop at the Visitors Center for interesting exhibits and artifacts, then head to the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum to learn more about Pullman’s role in the labor movement.
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Situated in the heart of the country, Chicago is where you’ll find the official starting point of the ultimate American road trip — Route 66.
Known as “The Mother Road”, this iconic stretch of Americana begins in downtown Chicago and stretches more than 2,400 miles to the Pacific Coast. In 2026, Chicago will be marking Route 66’s 100th anniversary with celebrations throughout the year. Explore local landmarks along the route and start planning your trip.
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Chicago is home to one of the largest urban Native American communities in the United States, with about 65,000 Native American residents and some 175 different tribes.
Today, Chicago’s Native American history is honored in our museums, monuments, and public art. The city is also home to a thriving community of Indigenous Chicagoans sharing contemporary perspectives on traditional art, culture, and cuisine.
Explore some of the city’s Native American-owned businesses, plus art galleries, cultural centers, and events celebrating Chicago’s Indigenous communities.
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From parks to public libraries to the iconic Air & Water Show, the city is going all out for Chicago 250. Explore upcoming events and initiatives throughout the city this year.
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Explore Illinois with the IL250 Passport, a limited-edition travel guide featuring historic monuments, museums, memorials, and historic sites celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Learn moreExplore history in Chicago and beyond through the city’s diverse museums and landmarks, located throughout our vibrant neighborhoods.
Dive into Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods with The 77, an award-winning neighborhood travel series.
Bronzeville
Bronzeville has a long history as a hub for the African American creative community. That living legacy continues today, intertwined with the neighborhood’s many art galleries, classic eateries, and authentic character.
Uptown
The cultural corridor known as Asia on Argyle has evolved into a hub for Southeast Asian cuisine — and a source of pride for the area’s international residents.
Pullman and Roseland
Home to Chicago’s only National Historical Park, these neighborhoods have played a key role in the labor rights movement. Today, community-led initiatives are shifting the narrative of these deeply historic neighborhoods.
Chicago 250 is part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Through a year-long series of cultural events, neighborhood celebrations, public art, and civic initiatives, Chicago will honor the nation’s founding while centering the people and movements that exemplify America’s ideals.
There will be Chicago 250 events and initiatives taking place throughout 2026. Many key events will take place this summer, including a special Chicago Air & Water Show and Chicago History Museum programming.
Mark your calendar for an array of Chicago 250 events throughout the year, including special museum exhibits, concerts, celebrations, and more.
There will also be year-long programming across the city, including at Chicago’s parks, public libraries, and airports.
