America250PA is marking the 250th anniversary with Bells Across PA—a larger-than-life public art experience that turns the state into something you don’t just visit, but explore.

The Heinz History Center has partnered with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators for a show featuring 63 original works by 35 illustrators. The exhibit uses the power of illustration to reflect on the ideals associated with the American Revolution.

Taking place every Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through the end of June 2026, these signature events bring high-caliber, world-class artists to every corner of the state. Because this celebration belongs to everyone, these large-scale performances are completely free to attend.

In Butler the Birthplace of the Jeep®—for the 15th Anniversary of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, coinciding with the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Plan a road trip to Bantam and experience the original Jeep Invasion in downtown Butler, tackle off-road trails, shop for Jeep parts and accessories in the vendor area, or show off your own ride while soaking in the Jeep lifestyle. 

This immersive one-day event, held at the renowned Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, invites attendees to engage with and reflect on the democratic future we aspire to create, all while thoughtfully acknowledging the lessons and legacies of the past. 

To capture the spirit of the United States, Aaron Copland used Abraham Lincoln's words in Lincoln Portrait. Narrated by F. Murray Abraham, whose voice enhances this powerful piece, Copland's work leads a concert featuring American composers Bernstein, Joan Tower, and John Adams, alongside excerpts from Walt Whitman's reflections as a Civil War hospital volunteer.

There is perhaps no other work that so perfectly captures the hope and possibility of life in an ideal America as Appalachian Spring, a moving, emotional centerpiece underscored in this program by the inclusion of artists from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performing Mark Godden’s Angels in the Architecture. 

Join Allegheny County for a free afternoon of music, food, games, and art, to celebrate the Andy Warhol Bridge's 100th Birthday. Overlapping with  festivities for America's 250th anniversary taking place throughout downtown Pittsburgh, Allegheny County is celebrating a unique part of its heritage by inviting all ages down for a free Bridge Birthday Bash.

Ross Township, PA, will host its 2026 Independence Day Parade and Community Day events: The Parade starts at 3 PM on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Community Day starts after the parade and Fireworks are from after dark until 10:00 PM at Ross Community Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive.

Join 1,000 reenactors and tens of thousands of spectators for three days of history and the opportunity to engage with Living Historians demonstrating various ways that life was during the Civil War years. A different battle every day! 

Zelienople is honored to once again host the Traveling Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This solemn memorial reminds us of the stark cost of freedom. The Tomb will be located in Four Corners Park, in the heart of Zelienople.

Join costumed re-enactors, local veterans, scouts, elected officials, and museum staff at the Fort Pitt Blockhouse to ceremoniously raise a 36-foot American flag as a moving patriotic ceremony to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. After the ceremony, spend the afternoon immersed in Revolutionary-era excitement! 

Step into the past and celebrate the roots of American history with a day full of festive fun at Meadowcroft’s 18th-century frontier trading post and 19th-century rural village. Enjoy hands-on historical demonstrations, try traditional games, and discover how early Americans lived, worked, and celebrated.

Dive into a day of patriotic fun with:

street vendors, live entertainment, fun attractions, and a grand finale like no other! It will be the largest fireworks display in Slippery Rock's history. Enjoy free admission, free parking, and family-friendly fun.

The Fort Pitt Museum will host the 1776 Symposium: The Revolution in the West, a full-day program exploring the people, conflicts, material culture, and pivotal moments that shaped the American Revolution and the western frontier

Celebrate the 167th anniversary of Edwin L. Drake striking oil in Titusville on August 27, 1859, along with the 250th birthday of America! The birth of the petroleum industry in Pennsylvania and its subsequent growth into a global enterprise is a hallmark in American history and innovation

The 25th Annual September 11 observance includes the reading of the names of the Flight 93 passengers and crew members. The Bells of Remembrance will ring in their honor. The ceremony is open to the public and includes remarks, keynote speakers, music and concludes with a public wreath laying ceremony at the Wall of Names. 

Celebrate Pennsylvania’s 250th birthday as you walk back in time to observe, and possibly sample, historical cast iron cooking from our nation’s past. This is a one time only new park event that you will NOT want to miss! 

Celebrate the historic time period of 1852-1928, when the gristmill harnessed the power of the Slippery Rock Creek to grind wheat for bread. Tour the mill, visit a Civil War encampment, participate in art and craft demonstrations, and enjoy live music at McConnells Mill State Park!