JUNE 29, 2026 – Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the National Museum of the Marine Corps during the Museum’s America 250 Celebration Weekend, hosted by the Museum and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation from July 2–5.
The four-day celebration will welcome visitors for free, family-friendly activities honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States through patriotic performances, special exhibits, dining specials and unique Museum experiences that highlight American history through the eyes of Marines.
Free Activities:
- Veterans and Athletes, United (VAU) Dog Tag Flag Memorial This 28-foot American flag is made up of over 7,000 dog tags honoring service members who gave their lives in the Global War on Terror. It stands as a solemn and moving tribute to their sacrifice and the enduring strength of their memory.
- July 2 | Summer Concert Series Summer Concert Series featuring the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps “The Commandant’s Own” and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps at 7:00 p.m.
- July 2-5 | Always Faithful…Always Fascinating: 250 Years of Remarkable Stories This temporary exhibition focuses on 28 remarkable stories told through rare and meaningful artifacts and serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Marine Corps across 250 years.
- July 2-5 | Flags in the Park Pay tribute to our heroes by placing an American flag in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. Complimentary flags will be available at the Medal of Honor Theater and Rifle Range through Sunday, July 5, while supplies last.
- July 4 | Museum Scavenger Hunt Semper Find! Join the challenge. The first 50 winners will receive a special Marine 250 Commemorative Glass!
Discounted Activities:
- July 2 & 4 | Museum Store Pop Up Explore a special limited time pop-up from the Museum store on July 2 and 4.
- July 2-5 | Dining Specials Enjoy special menu items at the Tun Tavern and Devil Dog Diner.
- July 4 | $4 Laser Simulated Rifle Range Admission Test your aim. Experience Marine training. Take home bragging rights.
- July 4 | Set Your Price Movie Tickets Watch We, The Marines at a discounted price. (Name your price, starting at $2.50). Purchase advanced tickets here.
For more information on the America 250 Celebration and other summer programming, please visit https://www.marineheritage.org/-summer-at-the-museum
About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation:
Dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of Marine Corps history, the Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps. It provides grants for research and the preservation, restoration, and commissioning of Marine Corps art, artifacts, and landmarks. Having secured funding for the construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center, the Foundation’s current mission is to seek support that will strengthen programming at the Museum and beyond its walls. For more information, visit www.MarineHeritage.org.
About the National Museum of the Marine Corps:
The National Museum of the Marine Corps opened in 2006. Its soaring design evokes the WWII image of the flag-raisers on Iwo Jima. Immersive exhibits surround visitors with the artifacts, sights, and sounds of Marines in action. The Museum is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Located at 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA 22172, the Museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.usmcmuseum.com.