Celebrate America 250 in Dayton, Ohio
Events, Activities & Things to Do in Dayton & Montgomery County, Ohio
In 2026, the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone known as America 250. This nationwide celebration invites communities like Dayton, Ohio to reflect on our shared past, uplift the stories that helped shaped our country, and create a collective vision for the next 250 years.
Dayton and Montgomery County are proud to partner with the State of Ohio for America 250 efforts across our region. Throughout 2026, we will shine a spotlight on the people, ideas, innovations and cultural touchstones that make our county a defining part of Ohio’s—and America’s—story. This page highlights events and activities throughout Montgomery County, as well as in neighboring communities. Check back often for updates!

Sign up for our eNewsletter, download our free mobile app, and request a free Visitors Guide to help plan your visit.
Featured Aviation Attractions
Check out more things to do in Montgomery County here!
Featured Events in the Dayton Area
Numerous Dayton-area events will take place in conjunction with America 250 celebrations! Check out a selection of featured local events below, as well as a full calendar of events taking place around Montgomery County. Are you a local business or organization holding an America 250-related event? Submit it for inclusion in our calendar of events!
Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival
- Centerville
- Jul 3, 2026 - Jul 4, 2026
Celebrating 250 Years of America with the Dayton Dragons
- Jun 30, 2026 - Jul 5, 2026
AirPower History Tour
- National Museum of the US Air Force
- Jul 7, 2026 - Jul 8, 2026
174th Annual Montgomery County Fair
- Montgomery County Fairgrounds
- Jul 14, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026
Iconic Starfighters: Rivals of the Silver Screen
- National Museum of the US Air Force
- Jun 27, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
- Dayton Art Institute
- Jun 27, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Ohio at the Crossroads: A Curated Art Exhibition Celebrating America 250
- Jul 1, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026
Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum
- Dayton Art Institute
- Oct 17, 2026 - Jan 10, 2027
America 250-Ohio Ohio Trails & Tales
As part of Ohio’s America 250 celebrations, America 250-Ohio has created “Ohio Trails & Tales” to illuminate Ohio’s unique historical narrative around some key heritage tourism topics. The trails below feature numerous sites in Montgomery County, as well as neighboring counties. Additional trails will be announced throughout 2026 - follow the link to the America 250-Ohio website for information & updates.
Air & Space Trail
Discover the sites where you can delve deeper into the stories of the remarkable men and women who made significant contributions to flight.
Innovation Trail
With a prime location, deep infrastructure, and a “try it, fix it, make it better” mindset, Ohio has produced wave after wave of problem-solvers whose ideas reshape how we…
Creativity Trail
Discover Ohio’s vibrant creativity on the Ohio Creativity Trail, featuring over 100 inspiring sites across the state.
Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail
Canals like the Ohio & Erie turned wilderness into a bustling corridor of commerce and connection.
Transportation Trail
Ohio’s transportation legacy spans aviation milestones, nation-building roadways, powerful rail networks, working waterways, and the inventive spirit that connected them all.
Get in the spirit with Spotify playlists for each trail!
Video Gallery: Montgomery County Attractions
Montgomery County Calendar of Events
The calendar below features America 250-related events happening in Montgomery County.
Coming Soon! America 250 Photo Gallery
Tag your photos with #DestinationDayton & we might feature them in an upcoming photo gallery!