From Freedom 250:
“JUST ANNOUNCED: The lineup for The Great American State Fair is here — and it’s bringing the hits. 🇺🇸🎶
Martina McBride, Young MC, C+C Music Factory, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli, The Commodores, Morris Day & The Time, Flo Rida, Bret Michaels …and many more.
16 days. 56 states and territories. One unforgettable celebration of America’s 250th — live on the National Mall. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
And that plywood? The backing for painted faux-marble facades to line a Mall already lined with marble buildings!” (more…)
photos by Everett Chu (@drchubacca)
Thanks to Everett for sharing the latest action on the National Mall. ENORMOUS plywood has gone up:
Presumably this is for 250 birthday festivities/Grand Prix race etc.
Stay tuned.
photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution
From the Smithsonian:
“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian will reopen two of its most iconic and historic buildings, inviting visitors to reconnect with familiar spaces and explore new stories about the American experience.
This summer, the Arts and Industries Building will reopen for regular public hours for the first time since 2004, marking a new chapter after years of use for special and temporary exhibitions and events. The Smithsonian Castle will also reopen to visitors following a closure for major renovations that began in 2023. These milestones build on the permanent return of the Smithsonian National Carousel, which resumed operation Friday, April 24, after an extensive restoration.
Together, these reopenings are part of “Our Shared Future: 250,” the Smithsonian’s multi‑year initiative commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial through exhibitions, programs and experiences that encourage reflection on America’s past and imagination of its future.
Smithsonian Castle (more…)
Thanks to Mark for sharing with us:
“Mall Food Kiosk contract update: Spoke with several workers at the kiosk near Natural History. They are revamping the menu soon with some old-timey items a d more healthy options. Already decorated and rebranding each of the kiosks. One near merry go round will have fair snacks like cotton candy, candied applies, etc. Each of the kiosks will have a unique menu.” (more…)
National Mall NPS
From the National Park Service:
“Repairs are underway on a sinkhole under the National Mall turf panels between 12th and 14th streets. This is just one of many projects going on to make #WashingtonDC safe & beautiful in the buildup to the 250th anniversary of American Independence in July. #Freedom250″
*around the Mall. ICYMI: February 23, 2026 – “D.C. Driver Who Tore Up National Mall Lawn and Menaced Pedestrians Gets 18 Months in Prison”
Ed. Note: There was The American Le Mans Series at the RFK Stadium parking lots back in 2002.
“The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., scheduled for Aug. 22–23, 2026, will offer free general admission, providing open public access to the first-ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the National Mall.”
From INDYCAR/Freedom 250 Grand Prix:
“Charting the course of racing history, officials today unveiled the unique race track design and layout for this summer’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., featuring the cars and stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Set for August 22-23, 2026, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will mark the first‑ever auto race held on the National Mall and the historic city streets of Washington D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The landmark weekend will be free and open to the public, offering unprecedented access to North America’s premier open-wheel series framed by America’s most iconic symbols of democracy, freedom and unity.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix street circuit will feature a 1.7‑mile, seven‑turn layout, blending the high‑speed demands of INDYCAR racing with the historic character and stunning visuals of the nation’s capital. The racing circuit will wind around the National Mall, incorporating some of America’s most historic and iconic landmarks. (more…)
UPDATE 10:45am Monday: Thanks to Mari for writing, “It is sold out. There is now a waiting list. This is the link.”
Well this is awesome:
“Tulip Day Washington 2026, March 15
This spring, one of America’s most colorful public events will make its debut in the nation’s capital as Tulip Day Washington transforms DC’s National Mall into a breathtaking tulip-picking garden on March 15, 2026.
Approximately 150,000 tulips will be a vibrant, one-day floral showcase with views of the U.S. Capitol. From 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM, visitors will be invited to pick ten tulips for free to welcome the arrival of spring.
EVENT DETAILS (more…)
photo by val proudkii
Thanks to Val for sharing these great shots earlier this week:
“A 12-foot-tall statue of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands in a frozen-in-time flirty frolic materialized on the National Mall on Tuesday as the White House fumed. (more…)
“National Mall of Pickleball is back for a third year, bringing America’s fastest growing sport back to the National Mall, highlighting the true and inherent aspects of the game – inclusivity and accessibility – and the role pickleball serves in creating community.
WHEN: Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21
WHERE: 12th Street on the National Mall (adjacent to the Smithsonian Metro)”
Thanks to M. for sending from 12th and Jefferson. Schedule of events: (more…)