How To Celebrate 250 Years of America, in Northeast Ohio

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with ongoing events happening across the region, like “Ohio Goes to the Movies,” the nation’s longest and biggest film festival spanning more than 250 days statewide.

“‘Ohio Goes to the Movies’ has national, and now international, attention because of what we’re doing,” says event director Molly Kreuzman.

Beyond the screen, this year the America 250 Ohio Commission is hosting a variety of themed events and community gatherings that highlight the Buckeye state’s role in shaping the nation’s history, including “Steam in the Valley,” where the historic Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive 765 returns to the rails in Independence for a rare, up-close look June 5-7 and 12-14.

“These events give people a chance to experience history in a way that feels relevant to today and more personal,” says Olivia Whapham, communications coordinator of the America 250 Ohio Commission.

Events continue through the end of the year. Find some near you at America 250 Ohio's event calendar, which lists hundreds of educational and entertaining events in a searchable guide.