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Mount Vernon will host its annual Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2026, highlighted by a naturalization ceremony welcoming 150 new U.S. citizens to the nation on the lawn in front of George Washington’s mansion.

“We’re going to be welcoming America’s 150 newest citizens on George Washington’s lawn in front of the mansion,” said Julie Almacy, Mount Vernon’s vice president of media and communications. “It’s really a very moving experience. Anybody who’s ever seen it says it’s truly a highlight of the day.”

The estate’s full day of programming will include military reenactments, interpretive performances by George and Martha Washington characters, a fife-and-drum concert, a puppet show and patriotic music throughout the day.

One of Mount Vernon’s signature July Fourth traditions is its daytime fireworks display at 1 p.m., which sets it apart from typical evening celebrations. “One of the most fun, unusual things Mount Vernon does to celebrate the Fourth of July is our daytime fireworks at 1 o’clock,” Almacy said. “We shoot them off, we have red and blue smoke and streamers and sparkles, and it’s definitely different.”

The estate’s July Fourth events come as part of broader Independence Day programming in the region. Mount Vernon will also serve as the launch site for fireworks associated with the A Capitol Fourth concert, scheduled for July 3 on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn.

Admission to Mount Vernon’s grounds for both the July 3 and July 4 evening fireworks had sold out months in advance of the events. For those unable to secure tickets, Almacy suggested viewing areas along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

The celebrations coincide with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.