MesaNow
City of Mesa News
City of Mesa News
The City of Mesa will mark the nation's 250th birthday in 2026 with a series of service projects, neighborhood celebrations, cultural programming and educational events as part of the nationwide America250 commemoration.
"America's 250th birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to reflect on what makes this country great. For 250 years, men and women have stepped up, served their communities and defended the freedoms we enjoy today," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "America250 is about honoring that legacy and remembering the sacrifices that built this nation. I'm proud that Mesa is doing its part to celebrate this historic milestone."
Mesa's America250 efforts are guided by three pillars: Commitment to Service, Honoring Our History and Celebrating Our Community and Neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to participate through two signature initiatives. The America250 Volunteer Pledge challenges the community to contribute 100,000 hours of volunteer service in honor of the anniversary, while America250: Neighborhood Celebration invites neighborhoods to host at least one resident-led gathering during 2026.
"There's nothing more American than making a difference in your local community," said Vice Mayor Scott Somers, chair of the City of Mesa's America250 Committee. "That's why Mesa is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by creating opportunities for residents to serve others, learn about our history and help shape our future. Mesa's America250 campaign is about recognizing our shared values and coming together as neighbors."
Mesa Public Library will host America250 programs at all branches, including the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum featuring a replica Liberty Bell on Feb. 28 at Red Mountain Library, the exhibit's only stop in Maricopa County. Additional programs include educational events focused on the Underground Railroad, World War II history and colonial-era themed activities.
Mesa is engaging students in America250 through the annual Historical Essay and Visual Arts Contest, hosted by the Mesa Historic Preservation Board and Historic Preservation Office. The 2026 theme, "Mesa Through Time: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future" aligns with the pillars of Mesa's America250 celebration. Registration is open through March 24 to Mesa residents in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Mesa will also mark America250 through sustainability and cultural programming. The City will give away 250 Liberty Trees as a living tribute to the anniversary, providing shade and environmental benefits throughout local neighborhoods.
At Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum celebrates 250 years of American Craft with "Crafting Legacy: Honoring Arizona Veteran Artists" on exhibition now through June 7. America250-related performances include The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra on Feb. 24, and the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus, on March 8, and Out to Lunch, a free outdoor concert series celebrating the evolution of American music.
Mesa's historical connection to baseball, often called America's pastime, will be highlighted with the Feb. 21 opening of the Arizona Baseball Museum, the first museum in the state dedicated solely to Arizona's baseball history. Located in the historic Lehi Auditorium on the campus of the nonprofit Mesa Historical Museum, the museum explores the birth of the Cactus League and the role Arizona communities played in making the state a spring training destination.
Mesa's America250 celebrations will culminate with the Arizona Celebration of Freedom (ACOF) on Saturday, July 4 in downtown Mesa. The event includes a naturalization ceremony, a Fallen Soldier Memorial, patriotic displays, a kid's zone, live music and a fireworks display accompanied by patriotic music. More details will be posted on the ACOF website in the coming months.
Mesa's America250 planning committee, chaired by Vice Mayor Scott Somers, includes representatives from the Downtown Mesa Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Mesa Public Schools, Mesa Preservation Foundation, Sons of the American Revolution, Visit Mesa, City of Mesa staff and other community partners, many of whom are also hosting events and programs.
Updates on Mesa's America250 events will be posted on the City's website. Mesa's local events and heritage sites connect to the broader Arizona and national celebrations. More information is available at America250.org and through the Arizona America250 Commission.