Freedom 250 releases first round of star-studded acts for the Great American State Fair in DC

Freedom 250 released Wednesday the first wave of participants and performers for the Great American State Fair, which kicks off on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., next month.

The 16-day fair will span June 25 through July 10, 2026, as part of the United States' 250th birthday celebrations and will bring together all 56 U.S. states and territories in a World Fair-style event. 

The event will feature star-studded live entertainers on its main stage every Thursday through Saturday night, and the acts include country music star Martina McBride, rock legend Bret Michaels of Poison, Flo Rida and the pop duo Milli Vanilli, among others.

"The Great American State Fair is America on display and a moment for America to come together," Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach said in a statement. “The Great American State Fair will bring together people from all 56 states and territories to celebrate the traditions, innovation, music, military heritage, freedom and entrepreneurial spirit that define our nation.

"The performers, innovators, military heroes, and everyday Americans showcased here represent the very best of who we are, and the boundless opportunity ahead," he added.

The celebration will feature live entertainment, immersive exhibits, patriotic tributes, cultural programs and family-friendly attractions stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument. It is also expected to feature a Ferris wheel.

Other celebrations to mark America's semi-quincentennial include a "National Jubilee of Prayer" that took place on May 17, an Ultimate Fighting Championship match at the White House on June 14 and the IndyCar Street Race on Aug. 22 and 23.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.