Texas America250

Home on the Range: The Goodnight Legacy
2026-06-13 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site, 2000 US HWY 287, Clarendon, TX, 79226, United States
In celebration of America 250, Goodnight Ranch is hosting a FREE program that explores the legacy of Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight. Their vision, generosity, and resilience helped shape not only the town of Goodnight but also other pioneer communities in the Texas Panhandle. Come hear how they helped other Texans build the state and nation we call home today. The program will be followed by a self-guided house tour. Do not forget to wear red, white, and blue!

Celebrate Flag Day at TSLAC
2026-06-13 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos St., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) on Saturday, June 13, for a celebration of Flag Day! A full day of special events focused on Texas history is scheduled at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, next door to the Capitol in downtown Austin. On display from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. will be one of the rarest—and largest!—flags in the States Archives’ collection, a 28-star U.S. flag that served as the national flag from July 4, 1846, until July 4, 1847.
Curious about how Texas became the 28th state? Texas State Historian Dr. Richard B. “Rick” McCaslin will present on the subject at 11 a.m.!
At 2 p.m., TSLAC’s Texas Center for the Book will lead a conversation focused on life in Texas before statehood. We will hear from special guests Dr. Carolina Castillo Crimm and GeorgiAnne Brochstein. Crimm is an author, historian and retired educator, and an expert on the Spanish Colonial era. She taught for 40 years in various fields and recently retired from Sam Houston State University as a Professor Emeritus. Brochstein is a co-editor of the book Texas: Before the Lone Star, recently published by the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution (TXDAR).
The 1876 Texas State Constitution will also be on view. Texas still operates under this constitution today. Don’t miss your chance to see the foundation of our state government in person!

America at 250: Founding Frenemies and the Rivalries that Shaped the Nation
2026-06-13 11:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Houston History Research Center, 550 McKinney St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Were the relationships between America’s founders really as dramatic as they appear in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton? In reality, they were even more intense.
In this lively and story-driven presentation, historian and podcaster Howard Dorre explores the rivalries, grudges, and political clashes that shaped the early United States—from the bitterness between Benjamin Franklin and both John Adams and Abigail Adams, to the political warfare between Adams and Alexander Hamilton, to the fallout between George Washington and James Madison. But these conflicts didn’t end with the founders. They carried into the next generation of American leadership—where figures like John Quincy Adams confronted an even more explosive disagreement: whether the United States should annex Texas.
Blending vivid storytelling with historical insight, this talk reveals how conflict—not consensus—helped shape the American experiment, and why the battle over Texas became one of the most consequential debates in presidential history.
Howard Dorre is the creator and cohost of the award-winning podcast Plodding Through the Presidents, part of the Airwave Media network, which explores the myths, mysteries, and personalities behind America’s early presidents, founders, and their families.
Following the talk, archivists will share a selection of original materials from the library’s special collections related to U.S. presidents and American history.
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Location: Houston History Research Center, Julia Ideson Building, Meldrum Room (1st Floor)
Age Group: All Ages
550 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77002 – Julia Ideson Building, Meldrum Room (1st Floor)

Second Saturdays with Steve: Stories of the Enslaved (at Stephen F. Austin State Park)
2026-06-13 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Stephen F. Austin State Park, Park Rd 38, San Felipe, TX, 77473, United States
Please join us at Stephen F. Austin State Park Nature Center (located one mile west of San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site) for a program focusing on the lives of those in San Felipe de Austin that lived under enslavement.
Learn about their unique personal stories that impacted the history of San Felipe and Texas 200 years ago.

America250 Best-Decorated Residence Contest
2026-06-14 08:00 - 2026-07-04 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Meredith Memorial Football Stadium, 1040 W. Loop 564, Mineola, TX, 75773, United States
Residents are asked to decorate their homes and yards in honor of America250. The Kiwanis Club is offering a five-year subscription to the annual flag service to the winner.

America250 Best-Decorated Residence Contest
2026-06-14 08:00 - 2026-07-04 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Meredith Memorial Football Stadium, 1040 W. Loop 564, Mineola, TX, 75773, United States
Residents are asked to decorate their homes and yards in honor of America250. The Kiwanis Club is offering a five-year subscription to the annual flag service to the winner. Mineola with winners being named at Meredith Memorial Stadium.

WilCo America250 Family Celebration
2026-06-14 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Old Settlers Association, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX, United States
The WilCo America250 Family Celebration is a free event to celebrate our country’s semi-quincentennial on Flag Day, June 14, 2026. The event will feature music, games, historical figures and other activities for all ages. Free ice cream and cupcakes will be offered, with food trucks available for other food purchases. Participants can learn revolutionary war period dances, hear from historical figures and write thank you notes to veterans. The event is from 1 to 4 p.m.

Adult Workshop: Handmade History
2026-06-14 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join us for a workshop designed for adults with community teaching artist Tisha-Vonique! Commemorate America’s 250th with unique crafts that connect to the Revolutionary era.

Create a button in the tradition of commemorative and civic buttons used throughout American history
Make a decorative tea bowl to reference the important role of tea in the Boston Tea Party
Design a beaded flag pennant inspired by U.S. flags past and present

Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for Museum Members.

Hands-On History: America 250 Drop-In
2026-06-15 11:00 - 2026-06-19 14:00 (America/Chicago) | National Museum of the Pacific War, 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Join us this summer for Hands-On History: America 250 Drop-In, a family-friendly program that explores 250 years of American history through the lens of leadership in the Pacific War. Each day offers a new, engaging activity—mixing history, art, STEM, music, and creative problem-solving—to help families connect with the people and decisions that shaped the Pacific Theater and influenced the nation we know today. Whether you’re visiting the museum for the first time or returning for a summer adventure, Hands-On History: America 250 Drop-In offers meaningful, memorable opportunities to learn, create, and explore together.

Little Texans: America250 Flags
2026-06-18 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Learn about the flags of Texas and the American Revolution through crafts, activities and story time during this program especially designed for the littlest Texans (ages 2–5) and their caregivers.
This hour-long program is a first museum experience with age-appropriate play and learning.
Program is included with admission
Adult: $17
Student, Military, or Senior (age 65+): $13
Youth (4-17): $11

Citizen Kreische
2026-06-19 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, 414 State Loop 92, La Grange, TX, 78945, United States
Kick off Civic Season 2026 by exploring citizenship in H. L. Kreische’s time.
Do you have what it takes to become a U.S. citizen in the 19th century? Test your skills and sign your oath to the States! Make it official by adding your own wax seal. Then, compare Kreische’s citizenship journey with activities about good citizenship in 2026.

Made in Texas: 116 Years of Aviation History
2026-06-19 10:00 - 2027-01-03 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace Ave., Houston, 77034, United States
In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, LSFM reflects on Texas’s contributions to national and global aviation achievements. Texas was home to several major pilot training locations during World War I and II, including Ellington Field, here in Houston. Texas manufacturers designed and produced thousands of aircraft for the war effort, as well as the post-war boom in civilian and commercial air travel. Many regional and national airlines, some of which still exist today, were founded in Texas. The Made in Texas: 116 Years of Texas Aviation History exhibition features photographs, artifacts, and aircraft from the LSFM collection celebrating the incredible people, planes, and companies the Lone Star State has produced.
Exhibit open June 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027.
Exhibit is FREE with Museum Admission.
Adults (18-64) – $18
Youth (12-17) – $15
Child (5-11) – $12
Seniors (65+) – $15
Children (4 & under) – FREE
Museum Members – FREE

Civics and Democracy
2026-06-19 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site, 890 W. State Hwy. 56, Bonham, TX, 75418, United States
This Civic Season, visit the Sam Rayburn House as we have Civics and Democracy, a free come-and-go program with a focus on the definition of civics, how voting works, and the benefits of volunteering in your community. We will also have supplies available for you to create a campaign poster for yourself or Sam Rayburn, the longest serving Speaker of the House in U.S. history. If you are between ages 18 and 30, this program is for you to learn about the democracy that you will inherit! But all ages are welcome – knowledge is power at any age.

Music in the Chamber: 1976-2026
2026-06-21 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco, TX, 75934, United States
Wandering the vast landscape of global traditions, Nadodi unites musicians from around the world in search of a new sound. Nadodi is on an ever evolving journey, pulling from roots in India, the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, Israel, and more. With each of its members bringing virtuosic skill and unique sensibilities, Nadodi is forging a musical identity that captures the spirit of exploration and discovery. This show will feature music from 1976 to 2026. During this period, the post-1960s wave of global fusion saw Pandit Ravi Shankar’s influence on George Harrison, and the Beatles helped bring U.S. interest in Indian classical music, leading to a surge of world music festivals and cultural exchange programs. The theme of the concert will be a wonderful modern extension of that cross-cultural journey. Free admission for Make Music Day.

75th Annual National Square Dance Convention
2026-06-24 00:00 - 2026-06-27 23:59 UTC | Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco,, TX, 76701, United States
The 75th Annual National Square Dance Convention will be June 24-27, 2026 in Waco. Texas is hosting this annual event for the first time in 20 years. The convention will bring approximately 4000 people from all over the United States who love the activity of square dancing. In 1991, Texas officially recognized square dancing as the state’s folk dance through H.C.R. no. 153, highlighting its cultural significance and deep-rooted heritage. This recognition wasn’t just a nod to tradition; it was a celebration of how square dance fosters community bonding across Texas. It is also considered a national dance of the US. Friday, June 26 is designated as Celebrate USA250 Day. An introduction to square dancing will be open to the public during the day and an evening program will feature patriotic music and recognition of our military. Attendees will wear red, white and blue square dance attire. We are looking into the possibility of having a fireworks display that night.We are going to reach out to the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters; area schools and colleges; and other organizations to promote this opportunity to participate in this celebration!
This event will cost $20 for one day; $80 for the full convention.

7th Annual Metroplex Social Studies Conference
2026-06-24 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Region 10 Education Service Center, 400 East Spring Valley Road, Richardson, 75081, United States
“The American Mixtape: 250 Years. 25 Tracks. One Nation”
Join us for an innovative one-day professional development experience that explores America’s semiquincentennial through the lens of pivotal historical moments that shaped our nation and the world. This conference empowers K-12 social studies educators to strengthen civic understanding by examining the interconnections between Texas, U.S., and world history while developing students’ global competence and cross-cultural perspectives. Through engaging sessions focused on disciplinary literacy and primary source analysis, participants will gain practical strategies to help students think critically about historical narratives and their relevance to contemporary issues. Walk away with fresh approaches to make history’s “greatest hits” resonate with today’s learners while building the critical thinking skills essential for informed citizenship.
This will be a one day teachers conference for K-12 Social Studies teachers that will include a keynote speaker (TBD) and breakout sessions for teachers focused on best practices for teaching social studies as well as connections to America’s history and civic understanding. The conference is on June 24, 2026.

Let Freedom Swing
2026-06-25 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Topgolf Fort Worth, 2201 E. 14th Street, Fort Worth, TX, 76102, United States
You won’t want to miss this patriotic celebration of America’s 250th, bringing Fort Worth together to party like it’s 1776.
This isn’t your typical golf tournament. No early tee times, no lost balls, and no waiting on the group ahead of you. Not really a tournament! You and your teammates can participate in a little friendly rivalry and a lot of fun.
We’re aiming for 250 players to mark this milestone moment. Spots are limited—and once the bays are full, they’re full.
Whether you’re swinging for the leaderboard or just showing up for the experience, this is your chance to be part of something fun, memorable, and distinctly Fort Worth.

2026 ARRL Field Day
2026-06-27 08:00 - 2026-06-28 17:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
2026 ARRL Field Day is June 27 – 28. ARRL announces that the theme of 2026 ARRL Field Day will be “Amateur Radio: A National Resource.” Field Day is an annual amateur radio activity organized since 1933, and the largest on-the-air operating event in North America. Field Day showcases amateur radio’s readiness to provide resilient communications in times of need while engaging the public through hands-on demonstrations and community outreach.
ARRL’s partnership with America250 reflects a shared commitment to honoring America’s past while investing in the civic, technical, and volunteer spirit that will carry the nation forward.

4th Annual Patriotic Revival Flag Project
2026-06-27 08:00 - 2026-07-11 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Three Rivers City Hall, 105 N Harborth, Three Rivers, TX, 78071, United States
Hundreds of red, white, and blue flags will soon line the lawn of Three Rivers City Hall, each one purchased by community members to honor a loved one who served.
The Fourth Annual Patriotic Revival will feature the flag display beginning June 27 at 9 a.m at the Three Rivers City Hall. The flags will remain on display through July 11.

Communities in Communities: Around the Block Walking Tour
2026-06-27 09:00 - 09:45 (America/Chicago) | Starr Family Home, 407 West Travis St, Marshall, TX, 75670, United States
Communities in Communities: Around the Block Walking Tour explores the vibrant community surrounding the historic Starr Family Home State Historic Site and highlights how neighborhoods once formed tight-knit communities within the city—revealing that the Starrs were far from alone in their corner of town.
Along the way, you’ll learn about:
-The history of the old Marshall High School
-The evolution of the hospital district
-The story behind that famously tricky traffic circle at Grove and Travis
-A variety of architectural styles, including homes built both before and after Frank Starr’s residence
Come walk with us and discover the stories that shaped this historic neighborhood!

Let Freedom Wag
2026-06-27 11:00 - 2026-07-04 18:00 (America/Chicago) | El Paso Animal Services, 5001 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX, 79906, United States
El Paso Animal Services will host its “Let Freedom Wag” adoption promotion from June 27 through July 4, featuring $2.50 adoptions on all pets.

Cultural Exchange in East Texas
2026-06-27 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Mission Dolores, 701 South Broadway St., San Augustine, TX, 75972, United States
Join Site Educator Amy Kitmacher as we examine legal and illegal interactions between the Indigenous Caddo and Spanish and French settlers in colonial Spain. Learn what it meant to be Spanish in 18th century East Texas. This will be a free lecture. All are welcome to attend. No registration required.

Pop Goes the Fort
2026-06-27 16:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant, Fort Bliss, TX, 79908, United States
Fort Bliss MWR and Destination El Paso are teaming up to throw the biggest birthday bash America has seen in 250 years. Get ready for a full week of star‑spangled fun.
🎤 Pop Goes the Fort – June 27
Kick off the celebration with FREE live entertainment, including the incredible 1st Armored Division Band and a major lineup of national‑level performers to be announced soon. Bring your friends, your family, and your patriotic spirit—this is the kind of night you’ll talk about all summer.
What you can bring:

Canopies (designated area only; space is limited)
Picnic baskets & coolers
Blankets & lawn chairs

What to leave at home:

Alcohol
Glass containers
Pets

Splash & Blast
2026-06-27 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Old Celina Park, 12670 FM428, Celina, TX, 75009, United States
Splash & Blast, Celina’s biggest summer bash, returns to Old Celina Park on Saturday, June 27! Join us for an unforgettable day of free, family-friendly excitement featuring our signature Kids Zone water slides and the Ninja Nation obstacle course. Come hungry and ready to explore, as a curated selection of food and shopping vendors will be on-site offering delicious local eats and unique finds. The energy stays high all day with live music that’s sure to get you dancing, leading up to a historic grand finale: a breathtaking America250 & Celina150 drone show plus a spectacular fireworks display at dark!
Event Website: https://www.lifeincelinatx.com/splash26 | https://www.facebook.com/events/1388442579240217/

America250: A Cinematic Celebration
2026-06-27 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, TX, 78214, United States
In celebration of America250, the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office will host a cinematic celebration featuring the 2020 film, “Hamilton,” at the historic Mission Marquee Plaza, located at 3100 Roosevelt Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78214. The extravaganza includes theatrical performances by the Wonder Theatre Adult Troupe, photo opportunities, demonstrations of blades and swords used in the 1700s by blacksmith and bladesmith Alex Ruiz, specialty vendors, food, and beverages. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. with the featured film starting shortly after dusk on the original 1948 Mission Drive-In screen. Free and open to the public.

Fort Bliss Rod & Gun Club
2026-06-28 08:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Fort Bliss, 3730 Roy Johnson Lane, Fort Bliss, TX, 79916, United States
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Rod & Gun Club!

Show up in your boldest red, white, and blue outfit or rock your military uniform to take advantage of a $2.50 daily range pass!
But we’re just getting started. Snap a pic and share your patriotic spirit with #America250andYou to your socials and you might see your face on our recap post and score wristbands to join us at the Army tent during the big downtown El Paso celebration happening on the 4th of July.
Because let’s be real… Fort Bliss is El Paso, and El Paso is Fort Bliss.
We can’t wait to see you out there repping your pride!
Happy Birthday, America!

SPARK! Places of Innovation
2026-06-28 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St., Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
This traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program explores innovation and invention in rural America. A companion exhibit featuring innovations and creativity developed in Kerr County will accompany SPARK!. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Adult Workshop: Lost Craft of the Broom Maker
2026-06-28 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join Nam Joti, a Texas artist who handcrafts brooms using centuries old traditional techniques, in learning to weave a kitchen baking tool to take home.
In the past, people would break a fiber off from their handmade brooms to stick into baked goods to see if they were cooked through. Cake testers, a tool that utilized broom corn to test baked goods, came about as a result of this practice. Learn the traditional craft of broom making in this hands-on workshop and make a cake tester of your own to carry a piece of history into your home’s kitchen.
Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for Museum Members.

Freedom Sunday
2026-06-28 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Church in the Country, 555 FM 256 N, Woodville, TX, 75979, United States
Freedom Sunday is an annual community-wide celebration held the Sunday prior to July 4th in Woodville, Texas, hosted by Church in the Country. Since its launch in 2014, the event has grown into the largest Independence Day gathering in Tyler County, drawing thousands of attendees from across Southeast Texas.
The event is designed to bring the community together around the themes of faith, freedom, and the shared values that define our nation. Freedom Sunday includes a large outdoor gathering featuring live music, a community meal provided at no cost, family-friendly activities, and the county’s largest fireworks display.
More than just an event, Freedom Sunday serves as a unifying moment for the region—honoring the sacrifices of those who have served, celebrating the founding principles of the United States, and creating space for families to gather in a meaningful and memorable way.

Chamizal Express Library 4th of July Programs
2026-06-29 08:00 - 2026-07-03 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Chamizal Express Library, 2119 Cypress Ave, El Paso, TX, 79905, United States
A series of Colonial Craft Workshop activities including patriotic slime, cardboard state crafts, bedazzled ornaments, pom-pom flags, and parade wand creations.
