All you need to know to plan your celebration!

View photo highlights from the 2017 celebrations here.

Stay tuned for 2018 updates on extended museum hours, the National Archives Store Tent, public programming, special events, performances, and more! 

Friday, June 29th through Thursday, July 5th

10 AM - 4 PM 
"Book Party" Mobile on Constitution Avenue. Get your picture taken and make your very own Declaration of Independence book to commemorate the celebration

Saturday, June 30th through Monday, July 2nd: Live Performances on Constitution Avenue steps

12 PM 
Malcolm X Drummers - June 30
Mark H. Taiko - July 1
Gottaswing - July 2

Tuesday, July 3rd

12 PM 
Rival Friends: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Discuss & Debate the Founding of the United States. Reserve your seat here!

Wednesday, July 4th: On the National Archives steps on Constitution Avenue NW

8 - 9:30 AM 
Special July 4 FREE T-shirt Giveaway- First 1,000 guests to join us for the Reading Ceremony will receive a special July 4th Celebration T-shirt.

9 - 9:45 AM 
Live musical performance by Brass Connection

10 AM 
Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony, including:

• Greetings by master of ceremonies Allison Seymour, Fox 5 News Anchor
• Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard*
• Performance of the National Anthem
• Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps*
• Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero
• Keynote remarks
• Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by reenactors portraying historical characters, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abigail Adams, John Dunlap, John Hancock, and Ned Hector
• Performance of "America the Beautiful"

*Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard.

11 - 11:45 AM 
Live musical performance by Brass Connection

11:45 AM 
National Independence Day Parade