Freedom250 is taking over the National Mall from June 25 to July 10, 2026 for a representation of all 50 states and 6 territories. Presented as a combo, part World’s Fair, part Americana State Fair, this free-to-visit experience is part of the July 4th kickoff celebration in Washington D.C. This will be a continually updated GUIDE to the Great American State Fair as we learn more about this America250 celebration.
While walk-up admission is allowed, Freedom250 is asking guests to get a free RSVP so they can properly assess crowd levels for each day. This event is free to attend and will be hosted in the heart of the nation’s capital. Each day of the event will present a separate theme, from Land & Prosperity to Military & Veterans Appreciation Day, Family Life and Community Support, Horsepower of America and more. Head to the Freedom250 website to see each day and what it is offering.
Pavilions, designed in a beaux-arts style, will showcase each state’s unique contributions, and specialty pavilions will highlight national pillars such as The Arts, Innovation, Faith & Family, American Workers and Agriculture. Multiple stages will host a schedule of performances, from big-name talent, demonstrations, contests and showcases, shares the Freedom250 website.
Attractions and entertainment at The Great American State Fair
Alongside day and nighttime shows, ranging from musical acts to a family circus, heritage showcases or even a visit from the Second Lady, there are also two attractions, a Ferris Wheel and historic carousel. Admission on both attractions is totally free, but a paper ticket printout is still required for the carousel to keep a headcount on daily riders. Northrop Grumman is also hosting a free 4-D visual presentation of their operations near the center of the Great American State Fair.
The Great American State Fair operating hours on the National Mall will be:
- 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday
- 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
- 10:00 a.m. until midnight on July 4
Safety requirements for entry. While the event is free to visit, due to public safety concerns there are some rules to note:
- Each guest may bring one clear, see-through bag that does not exceed: 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Alternatively, guests may carry one small clutch or purse not exceeding 10″ x 6″ x 2″.
- One diaper bag is also allowed when accompanying a child 6 or under.
- Visitors must go through a security screening before entering.
- Firearms are strictly prohibited on the National Mall.
- Drones are strictly prohibited on the National Mall.
Rodeo 250, extra entertainment at Great American State Fair
Rodeo 250 will combine horsemanship, storytelling, western entertainment, music and live rodeo demonstrations to tell the story of the people and traditions that helped shape the American frontier and the nation itself. This free show will be produced by the Cervi Rodeo Company. Rodeo 250 is designed as a living historical experience. Visitors will journey through the evolution of the American cowboy. From Spanish vaquero traditions to cattle drives, Wild West performances, charros, trick riding, Roman riding, trick roping, and the emergence of modern professional rodeo.
The Rodeo 250 show hours on the National Mall will be:
- 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday
- 4:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
- 3:00 p.m. for signature July 4 performance
“The story of the cowboy is the story of America,” said Binion Cervi of Cervi Rodeo Company. “As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, innovation, and perseverance, there is no better place than the National Mall to honor the men and women whose grit, determination, and spirit helped build the American West.” The Rodeo 250 show can be found near the Ferris Wheel in the heart of the National Mall.
Freedom Trucks at Great American State Fair
Traveling across the nation, but also making a stop at the Great American State Fair, are the Freedom Trucks. You can see a full list of upcoming locations these trucks will stop, in case you can’t see them in person in Washington D.C. Schools and community centers are also welcome to request a Freedom Truck stop along its tour of the United States of America. Freedom Trucks offer mobile mini-museums, dedicated to educating the young and old on U.S. history with quotes, historical imagery and interactive stations.
Opening night event of Great American State Fair
Wednesday June 24 at 7:00 p.m. will be the opening experience for the Great American State Fair. Recent musical act changes altered the initial plans, which will now host President Donald J Trump, military flyovers and “patriotic performances,” with more details to come.
Hello from Washington D.C.! We are here to cover the opening of the @Freedom250 Great American State Fair 🇺🇸
Stay tuned for history, food, flyovers and whatever else we discover. pic.twitter.com/sZmS7NDsZV
— Everything You Need To Know (@EYNTKinfo) June 24, 2026
