As the nation plans celebratory events in honor of America’s 250th birthday, a variety of celebrations are being held in East Alabama, with some activities offered throughout the year. The United States Semiquincentennial commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To honor this historic milestone, trees and gardens are being planted, veterans are being honored and historical exhibits display our country’s past. The most elaborate celebrations locally will be held July 3 or 4 with fireworks in brilliant red, white and blue, honoring our heritage.
Opelika
Leigh Krehling, City of Opelika Community Relations Officer, and Rosanna McGinnis, Opelika Public Library Director, are co-chairs for the Opelika 250th Birthday Celebration.
“We pulled people from various organizations around the city, including Main Street, the Chamber and schools,” says Leigh. “We gathered everyone together to think about events we were already doing that we could put the 250th stamp on without having to create many new events to celebrate America.”
The committee includes community leaders, business leaders, city employees and civic volunteers. The mission is to create inclusive and inspiring events that honor America’s founding and celebrate the spirit, stories and contributions of the Opelika community.
The committee is working in partnership with America250AL, Alabama’s official Semiquincentennial initiative, to align local efforts with statewide and national goals.
At the July 3 annual fireworks celebration, the 250th theme will be incorporated into the event. A band and the Silver Wings will entertain.
“Every year we have a reading challenge at the library,” says Rosanna, “and this year’s reading challenge theme is ‘Drive Across America.’ The map can be picked up at the library to participate. It is a lot of fun.”
The final celebration will be held on July 17 with a movie night showing “National Treasure.” Food Truck Friday will also be there for the closing celebration.
To learn more about the events in Opelika, visit www.opelika-al.gov/America250Opelika.
Lee County Liberty Tree
Lee County was selected by the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission (A250AL) to receive a Legacy Grant. This grant will provide one 6 to 8-foot Liberty Tree (a Princeton Elm) and an accompanying plaque denoting that the tree was planted to mark America’s Semiquincentennial.
SUSCC Event
Southern Union State Community College will host a Celebration of America on June 18 at 10 a.m. in the Southern Room on the Opelika Campus. The event will feature a trivia contest and guest speakers who will share messages highlighting patriotism and honoring the rich history and heritage of our nation.
Auburn-Opelika Historic Trail
This self-guided trail highlights key locations that showcase Auburn-Opelika’s rich history, beloved traditions and deep community roots. The trail offers a unique way to connect with the people and places that make this area special.
Touch-A-Truck
Join us for a special milestone at this year’s Touch A Truck on June 6 from 9 a.m. until noon. As we celebrate America 250, we’re taking a hands-on look at the incredible machines and people that have helped our nation grow. You’ll find everything from vintage classics to today’s most advanced giants, all representing 250 years of American progress and spirit.
Juried Art & Writing Exhibition
The Barbara Patton Southside Center for the Arts will be hosting Declaration: an exhibition of visual and literary artists connecting Opelika/Auburn history with their life in Lee County. The exhibit will be on view June 22 through July 10 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. A reception to celebrate local arts will be held July 2nd from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Freedom Celebration July 3
Celebrate Independence Day with Opelika Parks and Recreation July 3 at 6:30 p.m. for children’s activities, food trucks and music by Route 66. The Silver Wings Parachute team will bring down the Stars and Stripes at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks are at dark. The event is free and open to the public.
Stars, Stripes and Splash Sportsplex Pool
The Sportsplex will host a pool party July 7 featuring popsicles, music, beach balls and fun giveaways.
Book Reading Road Trip Opelika Public Library
Reading Challenge Road Trip is a year-long reading challenge celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. Readers will “travel” across the country through books, exploring stories set in different states, regions and time periods that have shaped the American experience. From historical fiction and biographies to contemporary voices and local legends, this literary journey invites participants to discover the people, places and ideas that define our nation, one book at a time.
Then and Now Storymap Opelika Main Street
To honor America’s 250th milestone, we are taking a look back at the heart of the place we all call home with “Downtown Opelika: Then & Now” series. See how our streets have changed from 100 years ago to a vibrant city. Join us to celebrate our history and the spirit of our community.
America 250 Lights, Camera, Liberty
Opelika will close its 250th anniversary celebration with a special screening of National Treasure, July 17. It will also be Food Truck Friday in downtown Opelika.
Auburn
Alison Hall, City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Director, is leading a committee of city staff planning for America’s 250th Birthday Celebration in Auburn.
“We have things going on that we are incorporating a 250th element into it,” says Alison. “We have a lot of summer camps through parks and recreation for various age groups. These include both art and theater camps at Jan Dempsey Community Art Center and at all of our recreation centers.
“We also have two camps for our special needs kids and will have America 250 themed arts and crafts at our camps. At Jan Dempsey, campers will focus on Alabama artists and famous American artists from the past 250 years as well as on America’s parks.”
Flowers in red, white and blue will be planted at the recreation centers and some of the parks.
For the July Fourth celebration, the grand finale at the fireworks show will feature a special 250th theme in red, white and blue.
“We will celebrate America throughout the year and will continue to remind people that it doesn’t end on the Fourth,” says Alison. “Auburn Public Library will be featuring different themes past July with different artists and authors on national parks.
“We are sharing a special social media campaign for our parks and our stories. For state and national parks we are going to weave our history into theirs and give the history of our parks and programs.”
Auburn Public Library is partnering with Auburn University’s common book. In the fall, the focus will be on the book selection Ben and Me in Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life by Eric Wiener. The community can be involved and find out about founding fathers.
“There is a little something for everyone of all ages to remind people of our founding,” adds Alison. “In some respects, it wasn’t that long ago, and other respects it is 250 years to celebrate. We are not just celebrating on a national level, we are celebrating in our own backyard, both in Auburn and Opelika.”
Oldest Penny Challenge
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to join in a celebration of America’s 250th birthday with the “Oldest Penny Challenge” June 1-July 2. This fun and educational contest encourages residents to dig into their coin jars, pockets and family collections to find the oldest U.S. penny they own.
Beginning June 1, residents can bring their penny to the Parks and Recreation office at 425 Perry Street during office hours. Winners will be announced July 2.
City Market’s Americana Theme
City Market will revolve around the Americana theme June 13 and will feature fun characters such as Captain America, and Bluey and farmers will feature all things red, white and “Bluey.”
Birthday Party for Seniors
Parks and Recreation will host an American 250th Birthday party July 1 for our Seniors Program participants at the Harris Center from 10 a.m. to noon, which will include games and a cookout.
250th Birthday Party at Library
The Auburn Public Library will host a 250th Birthday party July 2. The party begins at 2 p.m. and features games, crafts and cupcakes. At the event, APL will be unveiling an America250 timeline featuring photographs from the Auburn community showing how Auburn fits into the 250 years of American history.
Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks July 4
Auburn’s 2026 Independence Day celebration invites the community to Duck Samford Park for an evening of live music, food, family activities, and special America 250 themed fireworks on July 4. The event is free and features giveaways, inflatables, face painting and a finale fireworks show to close out the night. This year’s fireworks display will feature a special America250-inspired grand finale.
National Night Out
Auburn Public Safety will celebrate America 250 at its annual National Night Out event Aug. 4. Residents are invited to come together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. The event will feature free food and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Local organizations will participate to showcase free community resources. The City of Auburn will be one of more than 17,000 communities across the nation participating in this worldwide event.
Auburn Public Library Weekly Program
The Auburn Public Library will host an American-themed weekly program this summer for elementary-aged students. This program is for third to fifth graders and called “American History and You.” It will feature fun, interactive weekly sessions about American history on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in June and July.
Common Book Program Fall 2026
The Auburn Public Library is a community partner for Auburn University’s Common Book program. Most of the events will be hosted in the fall of 2026, and the book selection is Ben and Me: In Search of a Founders Formula for a Long and Useful Life by Eric Weiner. All related programming will be America 250 themed.
Dadeville
Downtown Dadeville is celebrating America’s 250th with a full week of patriotic fun.
On Friday, July 3, a 250-minute celebration packed with heritage demos, games, prizes and hometown spirit will be held at Keebler Park. Festivities run from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
