BluSup 250 | BluSup

AMERICA’S 250TH YEAR · LIVING 2026 ARCHIVE

The celebration continues—and the history stays.

BluSup 250 now leads with exhibitions, programs, service opportunities and celebrations that are still happening or still ahead. Completed July Fourth events remain below as a permanent record of America’s 250th year on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond.

5 current or upcoming 30 preserved in archive 35 researched listings 10 ways to explore

STILL HAPPENING

Featured programs and celebrations

Current and upcoming ways to take part in America’s 250th year, selected from the full guide below.

Still happening · Throughout 2026 America Gives: Log Volunteer Hours Nationwide →

Still happening · January 6–December 31, 2026 Keepers of the Coast: Preserving Black History at Pleasant Reed Biloxi →

Still happening · March 7–November 6, 2026 Mississippi Made Jackson →

Still happening · Summer 2026 America’s Field Trip: 2026 Student Stories Nationwide →

Still happening · April 14–July 31, 2026 Unvanquished Soil: A Year at Greenfield Farm Mississippi →

EXPLORE THE LIVING GUIDE

Still happening and upcoming

Open a category to see its current programs first. Categories whose events are complete lead directly to their preserved archive section.

1 archived BLUSUP HOMETOWN FEATURE Long Beach Spotlight The full-day Long Beach Jubilee: vendors, parade, block party and fireworks. Open archive →

2 archived LOCAL & COASTAL Mississippi Gulf Coast Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Waveland and neighboring communities. Open archive →

6 archived LIGHT UP AMERICA Fireworks & July 4th Waterfront fireworks, stadium finales, patriotic viewing areas and Independence Day gatherings. Open archive →

8 archived ALL AGES Family & Outdoor Fun Parks, crafts, pools, games, food, recreation and free family activities. Open archive →

3 current · 3 archived REMEMBER & DISCOVER History, Heritage & Museums Historic sites, exhibits, time capsules, museums and stories that connect 1776 to today. Open current listings →

4 archived LIVE & LOCAL Music, Theater & Performances Concerts, original productions, patriotic music, storytelling and rooftop celebrations. Open archive →

1 current · 1 archived GIVE BACK FOR THE 4TH Service & Volunteer Opportunities National and Mississippi projects that turn the anniversary into community service. Open current listings →

1 current · 1 archived LEARN · CREATE · PARTICIPATE Students & Educational Programs Student contests, educational resources, exhibits and youth-centered America 250 programs. Open current listings →

4 archived WORTH KNOWING NATIONWIDE National Signature Events Major America250 moments, livestreams and landmark celebrations across the United States. Open archive →

‹ All categories

3 CURRENT OR UPCOMING

History, Heritage & Museums

Historic sites, exhibits, time capsules, museums and stories that connect 1776 to today.

January 6–December 31, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Still happening Featured

BILOXI

Keepers of the Coast: Preserving Black History at Pleasant Reed

A year-long preservation and interpretation project strengthening the Pleasant Reed House as a place to explore Black history, coastal life and the people who shaped Biloxi.

Date: January 6–December 31, 2026
Time: Museum schedule
Location: Pleasant Reed House / Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
Admission: Museum admission may apply
Best for: History lovers · families

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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March 7–November 6, 2026

Mississippi statewide Still happening Featured

JACKSON

Mississippi Made

A special America 250 exhibition celebrating the people, products, creativity and cultural traditions made in Mississippi.

Date: March 7–November 6, 2026
Time: Museum hours
Location: Two Mississippi Museums
Admission: Museum admission may apply
Best for: Families · students · history lovers

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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April 14–July 31, 2026

Mississippi statewide Still happening

MISSISSIPPI

Unvanquished Soil: A Year at Greenfield Farm

A documentary photography exhibition exploring agricultural life, continuity, labor and the legacy of a Mississippi farm through a full year of images.

Date: April 14–July 31, 2026
Time: Venue schedule
Location: See official event listing
Admission: Check source
Best for: Photography · history · agriculture

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ All categories

1 CURRENT OR UPCOMING

Service & Volunteer Opportunities

National and Mississippi projects that turn the anniversary into community service.

Throughout 2026

Nationwide Still happening Featured

NATIONWIDE

America Gives: Log Volunteer Hours

America250’s national service initiative invites individuals and organizations to volunteer, record their hours and help make 2026 a record-setting year of service.

Date: Throughout 2026
Time: Anytime
Location: Online / local volunteer projects
Admission: Free
Best for: Individuals · nonprofits · civic groups

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ All categories

1 CURRENT OR UPCOMING

Students & Educational Programs

Student contests, educational resources, exhibits and youth-centered America 250 programs.

Summer 2026

Nationwide Still happening Featured

NATIONWIDE

America’s Field Trip: 2026 Student Stories

Explore the 2026 student awardees and selected writing and artwork answering the question “What does America mean to you?” The contest drew entries from every state and U.S. territories.

Date: Summer 2026
Time: Online
Location: Online showcase and field-trip destinations
Admission: Free
Best for: Students · teachers · families

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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THE 2026 RECORD

Completed celebrations

The party date may have passed, but the work, images, research and community history still belong here. Every original event story remains open and shareable.

Back to the living guide ↑

‹ Completed celebrations

1 ARCHIVED LISTING

Long Beach Spotlight

The full-day Long Beach Jubilee: vendors, parade, block party and fireworks.

June 27, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast Completed

LONG BEACH

Long Beach 4th of July Jubilee

A full-day hometown celebration in downtown Long Beach, beginning with local vendors, followed by a patriotic parade, an evening block party and a beachfront fireworks finale.

Date: June 27, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Location: Downtown Long Beach / Jeff Davis Avenue
Admission: Free public celebration
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ Completed celebrations

2 ARCHIVED LISTINGS

Mississippi Gulf Coast

Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Waveland and neighboring communities.

June 27, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

PASCAGOULA

America 250 Party in Pascagoula

Downtown Pascagoula opens the celebration with the Yankee Doodle Dog & Kid Parade, then continues with Sip & Shop specials, festive drinks at participating businesses and activities for children.

Date: June 27, 2026
Time: Parade begins 10 a.m.
Location: Downtown Pascagoula
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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June 27, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

POPLARVILLE

America’s 250th Birthday — We The People

A community celebration built around a free golf-cart and bicycle parade, scavenger hunt, coloring contest, live entertainment, food trucks and artisan booths on the Town Green.

Date: June 27, 2026
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Location: Town Green, Poplarville
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ Completed celebrations

6 ARCHIVED LISTINGS

Fireworks & July 4th

Waterfront fireworks, stadium finales, patriotic viewing areas and Independence Day gatherings.

July 4, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

BILOXI

Red, White & Biloxi — An America 250 Celebration

Biloxi’s holiday celebration includes fireworks at the Shuckers game at Keesler Federal Park. A separate Boom Boom Committee show is also scheduled from a barge near Deer Island.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: See game and city schedules
Location: Keesler Federal Park, 105 Caillavet Street / Biloxi beachfront
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

GULFPORT

Ignite the Night — America’s 250th Anniversary Fireworks Show

Gulfport’s America 250 fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m. and can be viewed from Jones Park, Gulfport Marina and designated beach parking bays. Moses Jetty closes early that morning.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Fireworks 8:45 p.m.
Location: Jones Park, Gulfport Marina and Gulfport beachfront
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

PASCAGOULA

Pascagoula Fireworks Show

A beachside fireworks show visible along Beach Boulevard. Parking is planned east of Beach Park, with synchronized patriotic music carried on Magic 93.7.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Fireworks 8:45 p.m.
Location: Beach Boulevard, Pascagoula
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

PICAYUNE

Picayune Independence Day Celebration

An Independence Day gathering with live music and a 20-minute musical fireworks display at Friendship Park.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Begins 4 p.m.
Location: Friendship Park, 1701 S. Haugh Avenue
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 3, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

DIAMONDHEAD

Diamondhead Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

An evening community celebration at the Noma Drive football field, with gathering time before a 9 p.m. fireworks show.

Date: July 3, 2026
Time: 7–10:30 p.m.; fireworks 9 p.m.
Location: Noma Drive Football Field
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 3, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

OCEAN SPRINGS

Freedom Over Ocean Springs

Front Beach becomes the viewing area for an Independence Day eve celebration featuring a DJ at 7 p.m. and fireworks over the waterfront at 9 p.m.

Date: July 3, 2026
Time: DJ 7 p.m.; fireworks 9 p.m.
Location: Front Beach, Ocean Springs
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ Completed celebrations

8 ARCHIVED LISTINGS

Family & Outdoor Fun

Parks, crafts, pools, games, food, recreation and free family activities.

July 4, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

WAVELAND

Buccaneer State Park America 250th Celebration

A free all-day America 250 celebration with a pool party, coastal recreation and a festive evening finale beside the Gulf.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: All day
Location: Buccaneer State Park, 1150 S Beach Boulevard
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi statewide Completed

MORTON

Roosevelt State Park America 250 Celebration

A free all-day park festival with themed activities, outdoor recreation and a grand finale in the rolling hills of central Mississippi.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Begins 10 a.m.
Location: Roosevelt State Park, 2149 MS-13
Admission: Free
Best for: Families · outdoor recreation

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi statewide Completed

HATTIESBURG

Paul B. Johnson State Park Celebration

A full day of kayaking, water-based recreation and outdoor fun, ending with an America 250 evening finale.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Begins 10 a.m.
Location: Paul B. Johnson State Park, 319 Geiger Lake Road
Admission: Free
Best for: Families · paddlers · outdoor recreation

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi statewide Completed

QUITMAN

Clarkco State Park America 250 Celebration

A July Fourth park celebration featuring biking, a fishing rodeo and other outdoor activities before a special finale.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Begins 10 a.m.
Location: Clarkco State Park, 386 Clark County Road
Admission: Free
Best for: Families · anglers · cyclists

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi statewide Completed

MCCOMB

Percy Quin State Park America 250 Celebration

A carnival-style day of games, recreation and family fun capped by a memorable end-of-day finale.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Begins 10 a.m.
Location: Percy Quin State Park, 2036 Percy Quin Drive
Admission: Free
Best for: Families · children · outdoor recreation

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 3, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

WAVELAND

Buccaneer A250 Pool Party

A free America 250 pool-party celebration at Buccaneer State Park on July 3. Check the public source for pool hours and any park-entry details.

Date: July 3, 2026
Time: See public source
Location: Buccaneer State Park, 1150 S Beach Boulevard
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 2, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

OCEAN SPRINGS

Ocean Springs 250 Block Party

A free family block party at the municipal library with hamburgers, hot dogs, music, arts and crafts, plus the burial of a special community time capsule.

Date: July 2, 2026
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Ocean Springs Municipal Library, 525 Dewey Avenue
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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June 27, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

PICAYUNE

250 Years of America Celebration in the Park

An all-day park festival with food trucks, artisan vendors, inflatables, a Kids Zone, live music, games, contests, a community time capsule and a laser-light finale.

Date: June 27, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Location: Crosby Commons Park
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ Completed celebrations

3 ARCHIVED LISTINGS

History, Heritage & Museums

Historic sites, exhibits, time capsules, museums and stories that connect 1776 to today.

March 10–July 21, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

OCEAN SPRINGS

Revolutionary War Dining Series

A monthly dining series pairing food and hospitality with rotating themes from the American Revolution, continuing through the anniversary season.

Date: March 10–July 21, 2026
Time: Monthly dates; check source
Location: Meador Homestead Bed & Breakfast
Admission: Reservations / ticketed
Best for: Adults · history lovers

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

PASS CHRISTIAN

Pass Christian: 250 Years of History

An open house with a continuously running presentation tracing Pass Christian’s historical and cultural influences from the early 1700s to today, including Hurricane Katrina material.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Pass Christian Historical Society, 201 E. Scenic Drive
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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June 13, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

LUCEDALE

Pilgrimage & Family Day in the Park

A family afternoon combining visits to historic downtown sites with entertainment and children’s activities in and around City Park.

Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 2–5 p.m.
Location: Lucedale City Park and downtown historic sites
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ Completed celebrations

4 ARCHIVED LISTINGS

Music, Theater & Performances

Concerts, original productions, patriotic music, storytelling and rooftop celebrations.

July 17–19, 2026

Mississippi Completed

COASTAL MISSISSIPPI

Happy Birthday America! An Original Musical

An original patriotic musical included in Coastal Mississippi’s America 250 programming. The public listing should be checked for the confirmed venue, curtain times and ticket information.

Date: July 17–19, 2026
Time: See official schedule
Location: See official event listing
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast / nearby Completed

GULFPORT

Markham Hotel 4th of July Celebration

A ticketed rooftop and upstairs-bar celebration with live music and elevated views of Gulfport’s fireworks. Capacity is limited, so visitors should confirm ticket availability.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: 4–11 p.m.
Location: The Markham Hotel, Gulfport
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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June 4–27, 2026

Mississippi statewide Completed

HATTIESBURG

FestivalSouth: America 250 Programming

FestivalSouth’s 2026 season honors American artistry through music, theater and performance, with programming connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Date: June 4–27, 2026
Time: Multiple performances
Location: Multiple Hattiesburg venues
Admission: Ticketed and free events
Best for: Arts lovers · families

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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June 20, 2026

Mississippi Completed

JACKSON

United in Song: A Mississippi America250 Celebration

Mississippi’s signature statewide America 250 event brings together voices from across the state for patriotic music, live performance and storytelling.

Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Mississippi Coliseum
Admission: Check source
Best for: All ages

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ Completed celebrations

1 ARCHIVED LISTING

Service & Volunteer Opportunities

National and Mississippi projects that turn the anniversary into community service.

March 1–July 4, 2026

Mississippi statewide Completed

MAGEE

Magee America 250 Service Project

A community-wide effort led by the chamber and local groups to collect 250 contributions and turn the anniversary into practical service for neighbors.

Date: March 1–July 4, 2026
Time: Ongoing
Location: Magee community collection sites
Admission: Free to participate
Best for: Volunteers · civic groups · churches

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ Completed celebrations

1 ARCHIVED LISTING

Students & Educational Programs

Student contests, educational resources, exhibits and youth-centered America 250 programs.

April 20–July 2, 2026

Mississippi statewide Completed

MID-MISSISSIPPI

Voices of Mid-Mississippi: A Community Time Capsule

A public invitation to contribute memories, stories and community artifacts to a time capsule preserving everyday Mississippi voices for the future.

Date: April 20–July 2, 2026
Time: Library schedule
Location: Participating library; see source
Admission: Free
Best for: Families · students · community members

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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‹ Completed celebrations

4 ARCHIVED LISTINGS

National Signature Events

Major America250 moments, livestreams and landmark celebrations across the United States.

July 5, 2026

Nationwide Completed

NATIONWIDE

America’s Day of Reflection

The day after the fireworks invites Americans to reflect on the anniversary through gatherings, prayer, meals, continued celebrations and personal acts of remembrance.

Date: July 5, 2026
Time: All day
Location: Communities nationwide
Admission: Free / community-led
Best for: All Americans

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 3–4, 2026

Nationwide / livestream Completed

NEW YORK CITY

Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show & Ball Drops

A coast-to-coast broadcast benefit and rolling series of eight ceremonial ball drops marking midnight across American time zones, anchored by the historic Times Square countdown.

Date: July 3–4, 2026
Time: Begins July 3; broadcast schedule
Location: One Times Square / nationwide broadcast
Admission: Livestream; limited ticketed experiences
Best for: Nationwide audience

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

National signature Completed

PHILADELPHIA

America’s Time Capsule Dedication

The official America250 time capsule will be dedicated at Independence Hall with artifacts intended to tell the story of the United States at 250 and be reopened in 2276.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Schedule to be announced
Location: Independence Hall
Admission: Public details developing
Best for: History lovers · nationwide audience

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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July 4, 2026

National signature Completed

LOS ANGELES

America’s Block Party — Los Angeles & Nationwide

A family-friendly flagship concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum joins synchronized block parties and livestream participation across every state and territory.

Date: July 4, 2026
Time: Schedule to be announced
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and participating communities nationwide
Admission: Ticket and livestream details developing
Best for: Families · music fans · nationwide audience

Confirmed / source checked · Checked June 12, 2026

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