4th of july fireworks downtown toledo

AMERICA 250

OHIO

Ohio is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States throughout 2026 with events and experiences across all 88 counties. Discover more below about Ohio and Toledo’s unique role in American history.

America 250 Ohio is the statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

It invites communities across Ohio to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future through programs, events, and storytelling.

America 250 Ohio highlights Ohio’s role in shaping the nation and encourages local organizations, educators, and residents to participate in meaningful ways, from historical exhibits and cultural celebrations to civic engagement and educational projects.

America 250-Ohio’s “Trails & Tales” features real-life stories of Ohioans and
their contributions that align with the trail’s themes.

Through these stories and on-site experiences, visitors will have a greater appreciation of Ohio’s role in shaping U.S. history; past, present, and future. There will be a total of six driving trails introduced between 2024-2026. These trails explore Ohio’s contributions to Air & Space, Creativity, Ohio’s Waterways, Innovation, Transportation, and Leadership.

FEATURED AMERICA 250 EVENTS

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Save the Date | America250 and TMA125: Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic at TMA

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11, 2026, when the Toledo Museum of Art hosts Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic on the Glass Pavilion Lawn and in the GlasSalon. Taking place from 11 am to 3 pm, this large-scale public celebration will bring together art, music, food, and community in one of TMA’s most iconic spaces. More details will be shared as planning continues.

Brought to you by the America 250 Ohio Commission, presented by Cenovus Energy, with additional support from The Worthington Companies Foundation and The Marzetti Company.

Celebrate America’s 250th in Sylvania

Founders Ball (November 21 | Tickets Required)
A formal event honoring Sylvania’s history and founding. Details to come.

250 Scavenger Hunt (All Year | Free)
A self-guided monthly challenge to find 250 sites around Sylvania. New images release each month starting in March, with chances to win prizes and a grand prize drawing by year’s end.

History Tours (All Year | Tickets Required)
A 90-minute guided walking tour of downtown Sylvania, exploring 143 years of local history. Tours must be scheduled in advance through Heritage Sylvania.

Murals Across Ohio Celebration (April 3 | Free)
A recognition event for the Roots of Sylvania mural, officially added to Ohio’s statewide mural map. Includes remarks from the artist during April’s Red Bird First Friday.

Heritage Tree Planting (April 27 | Free)
Lucas County’s America 250–Ohio Heritage Tree planting at Sylvania City Hall, featuring community leaders, remarks, and environmental resources.

Community Vintage Baseball Game (May 16 | Free)
A throwback baseball game played by 1860s rules at Veterans Memorial Park, featuring the Black Swamp Frogs and local Sylvania personalities.

Memorial Day Parade (May 25 | Free)
A community parade honoring Memorial Day. Additional details to be announced.

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (June 18 | Free)
An outdoor movie night at Mayberry Ice Cream, highlighting a film partially shot in Ohio as part of the statewide America 250–Ohio initiative.

Time Travelers Passport (July 1–15 | Free)
A regional passport program inviting visitors to explore 12 historic sites across Northwest Ohio and earn a commemorative coin.

Red, White and Brew Red Bird First Friday (July 3 | Free to attend)
An all-day celebration featuring local beer tastings, shopping, and fireworks to kick off Independence Day festivities.

Star Spangled Celebration (July 3 | Tickets Required)
A special ticketed Independence Day event. Details to come.

Fireworks Display (July 3 | Free)
Community fireworks to close out the evening. Details to come.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence (July 4 | Free)
A traditional community reading at the Historic Lathrop House.

1976 Time Capsule Unveiling (July 4 | Free)
The opening of Sylvania’s Bicentennial time capsule, buried in 1976, with opportunities to contribute new items for the 2076 reopening.

Ohio Homecoming Picnic (July 4 | Free)
A family-friendly picnic at Burnham Park with food trucks, games, and community activities.

Summer Concert in the Park (TBD)
An outdoor concert event. Details to be announced.

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Best in Show (September 4 | Free)
An outdoor movie screening during September’s Red Bird First Friday, set in the Sylvania Historical Village.

Fall Festival (October 17–18 | Free)
A seasonal community celebration. More details coming soon.

OHIO GOES TO THE MOVIES

Ohio Goes to the Movies™ (OGTTM) is a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohioans: actors, directors, writers, composers, locations, and topics, shown in cities and towns across the state.

Toledo and Lucas County are taking part in Ohio Goes to the Movies with a lineup of film screenings hosted at well-known local venues. Catch classics and crowd favorites at Cinemark Franklin Park Mall, the Valentine Theatre, and Maumee Indoor Theater, along with unique showings at Mayberry Ice Cream, Imagination Station’s KeyBank Discovery Theater, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, and the Sylvania Historical Village. Together, these events highlight how local theaters, cultural spaces, and gathering spots across Lucas County are celebrating Ohio’s connection to the movies.

4th of july fireworks downtown toledo
Destination Toledo
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