America's 250th birthday only comes around once, and Shenandoah County is marking the occasion in true style with fireworks, festivals, living history demonstrations and even a few opportunities to brush up on your knowledge of colonial fashion.
While the full lineup offers something for every history buff, a handful of signature events stand out as must-experience moments for all visitors. Start with these can't-miss celebrations, then explore even more ways to commemorate this milestone.
Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776!
June 20
One of the year's signature events set in the heart of Downtown Woodstock will bring the community together to commemorate the founding of our nation. Visitors can experience the Revolutionary spirit firsthand while enjoying reenactments, artisans, guest lectures, children’s activities and more.
Select Dates July 24-August 9
1776, the Tony Award-winning musical, brings the debates and drama behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence to life. Performances will be held on select dates this summer at Theatre Shenandoah in Edinburg and tickets are on sale now.
September 18-20
A longtime local favorite, the Edinburg Ole Time Festival offers a fun mix of history, entertainment and small-town charm. Festival-goers can enjoy living history demonstrations, traditional crafts like blacksmithing, antique vehicle displays, live music and local food favorites. Quirky traditions – including a beard contest and duck race down the creek – make this festival a uniquely Shenandoah County experience.
More Ways to Celebrate America’s 250th
- July 3-5 – Fireworks displays in the small towns of Bryce, New Market, Strasburg and Woodstock
- July 8 – Public reading of the Declaration of Independence at Court Square in Woodstock
- July 11 – Strasburg History Day at the Strasburg Museum
- July 31-August 1 – Shenandoah Valley Germanic Heritage Museum's 250th commemoration
- August 31-October 12 – “We the People” exhibit at the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum & Visitor Center at Edinburg Mill
- September 15 – Presentation at St. Paul's Heritage Center in Edinburg about ground-penetrating radar at historic cemeteries
- October 31 – Fort Valley Heritage Day at the Fort Valley Museum
- November 17 – Colonial Clothing Program at St. Paul's Heritage Center in Edinburg
- December 19 – Photos with Father Christmas and displays highlighting holiday traditions from the 18th and 19th centuries at Hupp's Hill Museum & Visitor Center in Strasburg
The celebration isn't limited to museums and historic sites. Local businesses have joined in the fun, too. At Swover Creek Farms & Brewery, owner Dave St. Clair has been embracing the occasion by dressing in period attire throughout the year!
Whether you're traveling in for a festival, gathering with neighbors for a hometown tradition, or simply curious to see what all the excitement is about, we’re ready to welcome you to our A250 celebrations!