Wings Over Washington: Freedom 250 Announces Iconic American Aircraft to Paint the Sky During Great American State Fair
The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber and Iconic Fighter Jets, including the F-16 Viper Demo Team, to Highlight Two Nights of Flyovers on the National Mall
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The thunder of American airpower will roar over the National Mall this June as Freedom 250 unveils a spectacular two-night aerial showcase anchoring the Great American State Fair Kick-Off Celebration — a once-in-a-generation tribute to 250 years of independence, freedom, and the world's strongest military.
On June 24 and June 25, some of the United States Air Force's most iconic and advanced aircraft will conduct precision flyovers and dramatic formation flights above the heart of the nation's capital, delivering a breathtaking display of American airpower to open the Great American State Fair, which will transform the heart of the nation's capital into a world-class exposition and modern-day World's Fair.
FLYOVER SCHEDULE
June 24 — Kick-Off Celebration Flyovers
- F-16 Viper Demo Team — Opening the June 24 festivities with a patriotic flyover featuring the team's uniquely painted red, white, and blue F-16 Viper.
- B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber — America's iconic long-range stealth bomber making a rare flyover appearance
- F-35A Lightning II — Formation flyover showcasing America's most advanced fifth-generation fighter jet
June 25 — Aircraft Formation Flyovers
In a spectacular display of multi-generation airpower, eight aircrafts will fly in formation featuring:
- B-52 Stratofortress
- F-15 Eagle
- F/A-18 Super Hornet
- F-35C Lightning II
Together, these aircraft represent the full arc of American aviation supremacy from the Cold War-era B-52 that has served for over seven decades, to the cutting-edge F-35C, the Navy's most advanced carrier-based fighter.
"As we mark 250 years of American independence, Freedom 250 is proud to bring together a nation of dreamers, builders, and patriots in a celebration worthy of our extraordinary legacy. These Signature Celebrations reflect the enduring unity, resilience and freedom that have defined the American spirit across every generation," said Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach. "This summer is not only a celebration of our nation's remarkable journey, it is a powerful reminder that the principles of freedom, opportunity, and self-determination remain the foundation of America's strength and future."
The flyovers are an aerial centerpiece of the Great American State Fair Kick-Off Celebration, headlined by President Donald J. Trump on June 24, and the opening of the Great American State Fair on June 25.
Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the Kick-Off will also feature performances by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," the U.S. Army Rock Band "Downrange," and a 30-member Armed Forces chorus, plus ceremonial presentations from military honor guards and remarks from senior officials.
Special guests include Lee Greenwood performing God Bless the U.S.A. and Christopher Macchio performing America the Beautiful, Hallelujah, Ave Maria, and Nessun Dorma.
Featuring more than 150 exhibits including exhibits representing all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators, and civic organizations, the Fair will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, food and beverages, Mutton busting, the newly renovated Smithsonian Carousel and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall.
Event Information:
Great American State Fair Kick-Off Celebration Date: June 24, 2026 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Washington, D.C.
Travel Guidance: As with all 250th anniversary celebrations, guests are encouraged to check local media and review the latest updates from partners such as WMATA for metro and bus route alerts, DC.gov / AlertDC for traffic updates, and local and federal law enforcement agencies for additional planning and travel information.
Daily Programming Themes for Great American State Fair:
- Thursday, June 25 — The American Canon: Opening Day
- Friday, June 26 — Land & Prosperity
- Saturday, June 27 — The American Canvas
- Sunday, June 28 — Military & Veterans Appreciation Day
- Monday, June 29 — Everyday Health and Well Being | MAHA Monday
- Tuesday, June 30 — Future of America | Innovation, Technology & Progress
- Wednesday, July 1 — Faith, Values, and Inspiration
- Thursday, July 2 — Horsepower of America
- Friday, July 3 — Wings of Freedom
- Saturday, July 4 — Independence Day Celebration
- Sunday, July 5 — Heritage & Legacy
- Monday, July 6 — Longevity, Innovation & the Future of Health | MAHA Monday
- Tuesday, July 7 — Future of America | Education and Opportunity
- Wednesday, July 8 — Family Life and Community Support Celebrate
- Thursday, July 9 — Engines of Enterprise
- Friday, July 10 — The Next 250 | Innovation
This summer, Americans are invited to join a historic nationwide celebration of 250 years of independence, freedom, and greatness. From the National Mall and New York Harbor to Mount Rushmore and communities across the country, Freedom 250's free signature events will bring the American story to life through unforgettable experiences.
The full series of signature celebrations includes:
FIFA Fan Zone Experience (June 11–July 19, Washington, D.C.)
Great American State Fair Kick-Off Celebration (June 24, Washington, D.C.)
Great American State Fair (June 25–July 10, Washington, D.C.)
Theodore Roosevelt Library Celebration (July 1, Medora, North Dakota)
- More information forthcoming
Mount Rushmore Celebration (July 3, Keystone, South Dakota)
- Media RSVP HERE
International Naval Review, International Aerial Review, & Sail4th 250 International Parade of Tall Ships (July 4, New York, NY)
Salute to America: A Tribute to America (July 4, Washington, D.C.)
Additional details, schedules, and participation opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Freedom 250
Freedom 250 is the national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday. Working together with the White House Task Force 250, federal agencies, and the Commission, Freedom 250 serves as the official public-private partnership that connects, aligns, and amplifies national and local efforts to deliver the defining presidential moments of this anniversary year.
At its heart, Freedom 250 is creating a movement of citizens, organizations, companies, and leaders from across the country to honor our Nation's proud history, cherish our God-given freedoms, and build the Golden Age of Opportunity for the next 250 years.
For more information or to join the movement, visit Freedom250.org.
To receive the most up-to-date information and official press releases, sign up here.
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