If You Go...

Join us as we commemorate 250 years of service, sacrifice, and strength at the U.S. Army’s historic anniversary celebration. The event will take feature interactive exhibits, military demonstrations, parade, concerts, and a fireworks display. To help you make the most of your visit, this page includes essential logistics, including transportation options, security procedures, and tips for navigating the event. Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.

 

Children

The U.S. Army 250th anniversary celebration offers many great experiences for children. But there will be large crowds and children do sometimes wander off. Here are some things to do to help:

• Take a picture of your child in the clothes that they are wearing the day of the event and carry it with you (cell phones are great for this).

• Put a laminated card with your name and cell phone number in your child's pocket.

 

Metro Service

Due to extensive road closures and parking restrictions, attendees are encouraged to use Metrorail service to access these events. The Metrorail system will be offering normal Saturday service.

Due to the security perimeter for the festival on the National Mall, the Mall entrance for the Smithsonian/National Mall station at Jefferson Drive for the Smithsonian station will be closed on Saturday, June 14. The station will still be available to customers through the Independence Avenue at 12 Street SW entrance.

For those heading to the National Mall for the festival, customers are advised to use other Metro stations including L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW, or Archives/Navy Memorial to access the area.

For those viewing the parade, customers may use Farragut West, Farragut North, Federal Triangle, and Archives/Navy Memorial to access check points.

 

Prohibited Items List

The following items are prohibited within the Army 250 venues:

• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Animals other than service/guide animals
• Backpacks, bags, and soft-sided coolers exceeding size restrictions (18” x 13” x 7”)
• Bicycles
• Balloons
• Hard-sided coolers of any size
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• Explosives
• Firearms
• Flammable liquids
• Folding Chairs or Camp Chairs
• Glass, thermal or metal containers
• Knives
• Laser pointers
• Mace/Pepper spray
• Multitools (Leatherman, Gerber, etc.)
• Packages
• Range Finder
• Razors
• Recreational motorized mobility devices
• Selfie Sticks
• Signs exceeding size restrictions (20’ x 3’ x 1/4”)
• Structures
• Supports for signs and placards
• Toy guns
• Tripods and monopods
• Umbrellas (umbrellas without metal tips will be permitted)
• Weapons of any kind
• Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards