Celebrate America’s Story in the National Capital Area During National Park Week, August 22-30

Contact: NCR Communications

WASHINGTON - The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, "Celebrate America's Story," highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.

You don't have to leave the DC area to visit a Civil War battlefield, read with a park ranger, take a boat ride on a canal, and see live music-all in the same week.

Kick off the week with live music.

On August 22 at 7:00 p.m., Great Falls Park marks its 60th anniversary alongside the start of National Park Week with a Big Band, Jazz, and Swing Concert and Dance. The Loudoun Jazz Ensemble will perform live for dancers and listeners alike.

Take to the water.

The next morning, August 23 at 9:30 a.m., Rock Creek Park offers Paddle Through Nature, a relaxed 1.5-hour ranger-led kayak tour just north of the Georgetown Waterfront. There is a fee for the kayak rental. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just in it for the views, this is your chance to see the city from a new perspective.

Get in free.

Celebrate the National Park Service's 110th birthday on Tuesday, August 25, with an entrance fee-free day for U.S. residents. Visit sites such as Antietam National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Prince William Forest Park, Great Falls Park in Virginia, and the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland. Learn more about fee-free days throughout 2026 at nps.gov.

Step into history.

On Thursday, August 27 at 1:30 p.m., the C&O Canal National Historical Park's Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center explores George Washington's vision for a canal system along the Potomac and how it helped shape American commerce and expansion. The Civil War Defenses of Washington at Rock Creek Park invites visitors of all ages to discover how children entertained themselves during the Civil War era, with games like marbles, cup-and-ball, hoop rolling, and Jacob's Ladder beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Keep the good times rolling.

At 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, lace up your skates and get ready to celebrate 50 years of community at the Anacostia Park Skate Pavilion. Opened in 1976 as one of the National Park Service's Bicentennial projects, the pavilion has been bringing people together on wheels for half a century. Celebrations will feature community exhibitors, Junior Ranger activities, and a 1970s-themed disco skate party-a fitting tribute to the National Park Service's only roller-skating rink.

Close it out as a Junior Ranger.

On Sunday, August 30, National Park Week will conclude with National Junior Ranger Day. Children and visitors of all ages are encouraged to participate across the region. At Catoctin Mountain Park, earn a badge, join a guided hike, and cast molds of animal tracks from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. At the National Mall and Memorial Parks from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., visitors can meet the Mounted Patrol and its horses while working toward the America250 Junior Ranger Mall Explorer badge.

These are just a few of the exciting programming opportunities available to visitors this National Park Week. To learn about more events in the area, visit the regional events calendar.

nps.gov

About National Park Week. National Park Week is a Presidentially proclaimed celebration that encourages people to discover the places, programs, experiences, and stories of the National Park Service. National Park Week 2026, "Celebrate America's Story," continues semiquincentennial commemorations and celebrates America's 400+ national parks and their roles in America's collective history. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/NationalParkWeek2026.