A three-day immersive celebration held in front of the National Archives invited the public to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary
From June 4 to 6, 2026, thousands came together at the National Archives Foundation’s Spirit of Independence Festival to kick off the one-month countdown to July 4—the nation’s 250th anniversary—at the home of the original Declaration of Independence.
From a Garth Brooks performance to a “cross-country” culinary tasting event, and from a surprise appearance by Disney’s Mickey Mouse to the chance to step inside a Vietnam War-era helicopter, the festival had something for everyone to enjoy.
On Thursday, June 4, the festival opened with an intimate performance by music legend Garth Brooks to celebrate 250 years of American music and support the Foundation’s work to foster a greater understanding of our nation’s heritage. Hosted in partnership with the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA), the marquee event was opened by retired military musicians with the Washington Tattoo before Garth took the stage to wow the crowd with a medley of his greatest hits and songs that have inspired his music history.
Before the performance, Garth Brooks viewed the original Declaration of Independence in the National Archives Rotunda. While viewing the Declaration, Garth said:
“When you see the actual Declaration, you can’t help but cry.” He then continued, saying, “It was courageous and defiant souls who gave us the freedom we have. And it will take souls like that to ensure our freedoms remain.”
The following morning, on Friday, June 5, the Stars and Stories Fest opened the festival’s free daytime programming with a celebration modeled after a classic July 4 neighborhood gathering. Hundreds of visitors explored history by meeting historical reenactors (including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson!), discovering their family roots with Ancestry, signing a replica of the Declaration of Independence, and experiencing activities like face painting and a patriotic selfie station.
Performances by groups like “Blacks in Wax,” local youth performers from the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC), brought history to life during the Stars and Stories Fest. Program partners for the Stars and Stories Fest included Ancestry, Building Bridges Across the River, Disney Music Group, and the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA).
Plus, there were appearances by two very special Disney Music Group guests: Caroline Bowman, who originated the role of Elsa in the North American tour of Disney’s Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical, and the mouse himself—Mickey Mouse! Mickey greeted kids and families and took photos to commemorate America’s birthday.
That evening, the National Archives Foundation, in partnership with the National Restaurant Association and Drink Company, presented Taste of America, a celebration of culinary traditions and specialty drinks from all corners of the nation. From Astoria, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts, and from Las Cruces, New Mexico to Durham, North Carolina, four award-winning chefs presented specialties that embody their region’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Taste of America guests took their taste buds on a cross-country journey and enjoyed a curated tasting experience—paired with cocktails and mocktails crafted by five top mixologists from across the country (see the full menu here). The event’s emcees, DC-based beverage entrepreneur and the first winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters LP O’Brien, and the winner of MasterChef U.S. Claudia Sandoval, kicked off the event by interviewing each culinary artist to learn how their dish or drink reflects their own region’s history and culture.
On Saturday, June 6, the final day of the festival began with two free daytime events. First was the barktastic Yappy Hour, a dog-friendly celebration on the National Archives lawn that blended community fun with patriotic spirit for humans and furry friends alike. Guests, both two- and four-legged, enjoyed interactive booths with local and national organizations—including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Mars, Incorporated—and treat and swag giveaways, pet-themed caricatures, selfie stations, and more.
Three Patriotic Pooch Contests were held throughout the morning, and the competition was fierce. The winning pooches donned their best red, white, and blue outfits—and even a replica Declaration of Independence—to impress the judges, made up of local school children who attended the event.
Second was Salute to Service, a special tribute event held in honor of the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army and Navy and the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. To celebrate service members both past and present, guests enjoyed live performances by military bands, stepped inside a Vietnam War Army helicopter, and participated in hands-on activities that connected them to stories of service found within the National Archives. Several program partners made this event possible, including the American Veterans Center, Blue Star Families, Medal of Honor Museum, North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and United States Navy Memorial.
United States Navy Memorial President and CEO Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr., USN (Ret), emceed the event and introduced special guests and performers, including Rosie the Riveter and the Quantico Marine Band.
To close out the festival, the Foundation hosted its One Nation, Many Stories Gala, a black-tie evening held under the stars on Saturday, June 6. The evening featured a conversation between acclaimed filmmaker Dawn Porter and educator and digital creator Lauren Cella to explore how history is interpreted, shared, and reimagined for new generations.
“What I love to do with [my] documentaries is ‘show, not tell,’” said Dawn Porter. “I like to show, ‘what did people look like, what did they sound like?’ and for people to see the full context of that time period or event for themselves.”
Moderated by distinguished journalist and author A’Lelia Bundles, the discussion also examined the evolving role of media, primary sources, and technology in shaping public understanding of the past.
“I started my journey as a history teacher trying to get through to the next generation, and sometimes you have to break it down in the language they understand,” said Lauren Cella. “Back in 2020, my Gen Z students told me about this new app called TikTok and that I should put my history lessons on there. I thought it was only for teenagers doing dances, but it turns out they were right to encourage me.”
The evening closed with a patriotic dinner, where Patrick Madden, National Archives Foundation Chief Executive Officer, took the stage to thank the Foundation team, sponsors, and partners who made the Spirit of Independence Festival possible—and to remind everyone of the mission that brought them together.
“Only the National Archives could tell a story so rich, so complex, and most importantly, so unfinished,” said Patrick Madden. “As we commemorate 250 years of our nation’s journey, we are reminded that this anniversary is not an ending. But the beginning of the next chapter is still unwritten, and it belongs to all of us—individually and collectively.”
Patrick continued: “The Foundation seeks to light that civic spark with each of you, and with the next generation. We are one nation of many stories. It is this patchwork that has brought us to this anniversary, and it will be the quilt that carries us forward.”
See more photos from the Spirit of Independence Festival here.
The Spirit of Independence Festival was generously sponsored by The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, P&G, and TikTok. Additional support provided by Ancestry, John Hancock, Mars, Incorporated, National Restaurant Association, and Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA).
