2026 America turns 250

 

Happy New Year and welcome if you have never visited my website before. 2026 is a massive year of celebration for the United States of America. The video above shows the Washington Monument unveiling the year long America 250 celebration. 

The Semiquincentennial year was kicked as the 2026 ball dropped in New York’s Times Square. Uniquely there will be another chance in 2026 to visit Times Square for a second ball drop. On the eve of America’s 250th birthday on 03 July 2026 a patriotic glass ball will be dropped in Times Square and over 2000 lbs of red, white and blue will be released over Times Square. This is the first time in 120 years a ball drop will be made outside of New Year’s Eve. 

Route 66 

2026 is also the centenary of this most iconic of road trips and all the 8 states that the former Route 66 crosses have been renovating and improving their roadside attractions to make this the most memorable of visits. There are two differing anniversary dates for Route 66. On 30th April 1926 Route 66 was designated a highway but also 11 November 2026 will be the anniversary of when Route 66 was included in the new numbering system of highways. Road signs were erected the following year. The official centenary date will be 11 November 2026. Each of the 8 states – Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California covering the 2448 miles of ‘The Mother Road’ have committees planning their own celebrations with new signage to compliment the existing brown Route 66 signs. 

Already a news item is the World Cup 2026 being held across America along with co-hosts of Mexico and Canada. The final will be played on 19 July in New Jersey. Plan early as the games have been announced and take advantage of lower air fares.

So all in all America has a lot to offer and commemorate in 2026.