2026 marks 250 years since the original 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain and joined together to form the United States. Throughout the year, Americans will come together in celebration of this anniversary, and Ohio will be marking the occasion with a series of events that honor Ohio’s contributions to American history.
The America 250-Ohio Commission has been planning a series of events throughout 2026 to celebrate the nation’s birthday in true “Ohio Style”. These events, taking place throughout the state, are intended to not only commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, but Ohio’s role in helping shape the nation’s identity. Though Ohio did not achieve statehood until 1803 (the 17th state to join the Republic), the state has none the less been a leader in the nation’s development and expansion for more than 220 years.
Communities around the state are working to become designated as official AM250-OH communities. GOPC knows from our travels around Ohio that many places, especially Ohio’s smaller legacy cities, are thinking boldly and strategically about how their community can contribute to the 250 celebrations and leverage the excitement of the celebrations to foster and encourage local civic pride and engagement.
For example, leaders in Marion, are meeting regularly to plan out AM 250 activities and initiatives. But they are also thinking about each activity and how the activity can act as a springboard for longer term local priorities, like downtown revitalization. And how these bigger community priorities can be woven into the 250 activities.
We are excited that so many AM250-OH activities will be held in Ohio’s small, mid-sized, and large legacy cities. The importance of Ohio’s legacy cities in making Ohio the state it is today is evident when we think about Ohio’s contributions the country.
Be sure to follow our friend at AM250-Ohio, there are many events and programs and resources available with plenty more to come!
A few early highlights of 250 activities in Ohio’s legacy cities include:
January
Chillicothe: Ohio’s First Capital – Saturday, January 10, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Learn about Ohio’s first capital (and one of GOPC’s favorite legacy cities) during these monthly talks occurring on the second Saturday of each month. The January event takes place at the replica of the first Ohio capital building at 50 W. Main Street in downtown Chillicothe.
February
Ohio Goes to the Movies: The Shawshank Redemption – Thursday, February 12 @ 7:00pm
Throughout the year, Ohio Goes to the Movies will celebrate Ohio’s place in film history, showcasing Ohio-born actors, directors, writers and composers as well as Ohio-based locations or stories depicted on the silver screen. The series premiere will feature 1994’s The Shawshank Redemption, filmed in another great legacy city – Mansfield!
June
Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic Extravaganza – Friday, June 26 & Saturday, June 27 @ TBD
Join the City of Lima for an all-star picnic extravaganza including the Lima Symphony Orchestra at the Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater.
July
America 250 Ohio Concert: America’s History through Music – Wednesday, July 1 @ 7:00pm
The America 250-Ohio Concert by the Akron Symphonic Winds highlights America’s History through music and includes works by Ohio composers. The concert will be narrated, walking the audience through our nation’s history, musically! The July 1, 2026 performance is part of the Bay Days Festival.
August
Ohio River Paddlefest – Saturday, August 1 @ 7:00am
25th annual Ohio River Paddlefest, the largest paddling event in the entire US. A wonderful way to celebrate the history, beauty and majesty of the Ohio River, Ohio’s historic waterway that served Native Americans and early settlers alike for generations. Paddlefest will be hosted at the Schmidt Recreation Complex in Cincinnati.
More events (in legacy cities and elsewhere!) will be added throughout the year, so be sure to sign-up for updates and follow the America 250 – Ohio Commission on social media.