The Countdown 250 Ball | America 250 Gala | July 3, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
Black-tie guests toasting with champagne as Countdown 250 reaches 00:00:01 on stage
The Countdown 250 Ball — July 3, 2026 — Washington, D.C.

The Official

Countdown 250 Ball

A once-in-a-lifetime moment.

The Countdown 250 Ball

America’s Freedom Eve Celebration

Supporting Operation Renewed Hope Foundation

Be A Part Of History

Your All-Inclusive Experience

On July 3, the iconic Washington Hilton ballroom complex will transform into an extraordinary celebration of American heritage — an evening of world-class entertainment, refined elegance, and memories that will last forever.

Mix and mingle with decorated veterans and first responders, professional athletes and celebrities, C-suite business leaders, policymakers, media personalities, influencers, and proud Americans from across the country at this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

6 Gala Zones

Each with its own ambiance, music, and atmosphere

4 Live Stages

Star-studded lineup of diverse bands and DJs

Open Bars

Artisanal cocktails and top-shelf selections

Fine Dining

Exquisite food prepared by premier chefs

Hero Awards

All-American Heroes Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony

Midnight Countdown

Historic countdown to America's big 250!

Total Immersion

Interactive booths & performers

Live Broadcast

Be part of a nationally broadcast celebration

Immersive Experience Announcement

Space Blue Makes History... And Brings It to Life at the Countdown 250 Ball

Space Blue made history with the Lunaprise lunar time capsule that landed on the Moon. Now Space Blue brings that same spirit of exploration to the Countdown 250 Ball.

You will see, hear, and feel America’s story come to life through hands-on activations, lunar art, lifelike hologram-style exhibits, and immersive storytelling.

Walk through it. Experience it. Photograph it. Remember it.

Featured Space Blue Activations

Lunaprise Lunar Museum

Explore a lunar museum experience curated by Space Blue and connected to certified art reproductions sent to the Moon.

Hologram-Style Historic Moments

Experience lifelike exhibits bringing pivotal American moments, iconic speeches, and cultural milestones to life.

Certified Lunar Art Collectibles

Discover certified prints, canvas works, and digital art tied to reproductions sent to the Moon.

Iconic Art & American Heroes

Encounter music, sports, space, modern, and classic art connected to a mission to support American heroes.

At Midnight... Freedom Rings

The “Bell of the Ball” is coming to Washington, D.C.

After a historic cross-country tour, the iconic America’s Freedom Bell will conclude its journey in the nation’s capital and take center stage at the Countdown 250 Ball.

As midnight arrives, America’s Freedom Bell will lead the “1,000 Bells of Freedom” while the ballroom is transformed into a dazzling spectacle of red, white, and blue celebration worthy of America’s 250th birthday.

The midnight celebration of our lifetime.

The Bell Rings

America’s Freedom Bell takes center stage and rings in the midnight moment at Countdown 250.

The Ballroom Comes Alive

Guests join in as the room is transformed into a dazzling red, white, and blue celebration.

The Nation Turns 250

A once-in-a-generation moment at the heart of Independence Weekend.

Three Ticket Options

★ Proceeds help support Operation Renewed Hope Foundation in their mission to house U.S. Veterans and end veteran homelessness.

For Those Who Serve

In observance of Memorial Day, and in appreciation of those who serve, current and former military members, first responders, and their immediate family members may receive 10% off the current published ticket price with code SERVICE.

Enter code SERVICE when ordering tickets.

Offer valid for new ticket purchases only through June 8, 2026, or while the allotted discount tickets remain available. Not valid on prior purchases, existing orders, upgrades, or with any other discount or promotional offer.

Tier 1

Liberty Ticket

$195 $225 $350$500

Celebrate the Ball in classic style.

Includes The Ball (9 PM – 1 AM)

  • 4 entertainment areas & 3 stages
  • Top tier bands & DJs
  • Open bar
  • Unforgettable Midnight Countdown
  • Immersive experiences, roving entertainers & step-and-repeat
  • Patriotic Tribute & All-American Heroes Awards Ceremony

Limited availability

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Tier 2

Patriot VIP Ticket

$395 $450 $700$1,000

A premium VIP Reception from 7–9 PM, followed by full access to the Main Ball through 1 AM.

Everything in the Liberty Ticket PlusThe VIP Reception (7 PM – 9 PM), Featuring:

  • Early entry at 6:30 PM
  • Premium reception-style buffet dinner
  • Premium open bars
  • Mix & mingle with honored guests, dignitaries & All-American Heroes
  • Live entertainment & immersive experiences
  • Access to the Main Ball (9 PM – 1 AM)

Reception-style experience with open, unassigned seating and high-tops available throughout the entertainment areas. Guests interested in reserved seating for the full evening may wish to consider the Statesman’s Concierge Pass.

Very limited availability

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Most Popular - Premium Option

Statesman's Concierge Pass

$1,495 $1,700 $3,000$5,000

The Pinnacle Experience at the VIP Reception and the Ball (6:30 PM – 1 AM)

Everything in the Patriot VIP Ticket Plus These Elite Upgrades, All Night:

  • Personal ambassador/concierge
  • Top-shelf open bars & premium cuisine
  • Reserved VIP seating with special guests
  • 3 additional hospitality/entertainment areas
  • Access to backstage and historic spaces reserved for presidents & dignitaries
  • Personal stage announcements & name in event program
  • Limited-edition, premium gift
  • Statesman's Pass commemorative lanyard & official event program

Host your Own “Party Inside the Party” →

  • No extra cost

Very limited availability

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Maximize Your Statesman’s Pass Experience Host a Party Inside the Party

No Extra Costs

Hosted Groups

Exclusive Option for Statesman Pass Guests

Celebrate this event-of-a-lifetime with friends, clients, alumni, family, neighbors, or colleagues — at YOUR “Party Inside the Party”!

You invite guests Guests purchase Statesman’s Pass tix We handle the rest

Benefits of Hosting Your “Party Inside the Party”

Benefits to Hosts

  • Super easy — we handle every detail
  • No additional cost to you or your guests
  • Your group members can purchase Statesman’s Pass tix in separate orders
  • Personalized table signage with your name & group name
  • Recognition: Public “Toast to the Hosts” ceremony at the event, plus name in the event program and website
  • Premium favors, decorations, and perks

Benefits to Guests

  • Reserved premium gathering place/tables with your group
  • Your group is seated with/among the event’s honored guests
  • Simple to register for your group
  • No additional cost beyond the Statesman’s Pass ticket
  • Shared memories with your group and honored guests, to last a lifetime

Sponsorships and premium host packages available.

Contact us: CountdownAmerica250@gmail.com

Honoring America’s Finest

All-American Awards

Join us in celebrating America’s brightest stars.

All-American Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award medal

All-American Hero Lifetime Achievement Award

America’s greatness is reflected in the citizens who dedicate their lives to serving others.

The All-American Heroes Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize several extraordinary Americans whose courage, leadership, and selfless service have strengthened our nation.

All-American Icon Award medal

All-American Icon Award

The All-American Icon Award honors individuals who embody the promise of the American Dream. Through extraordinary talent, tenacity, and grace, they have defied the odds, reached the pinnacle of their fields, inspired generations, and added an important chapter to the American story.

Be a Part of History. Help Us Select the All-American Icons. Public voting is now open — cast your vote, submit a write-in nomination, and share the campaign.

From Past Celebrations

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin at a past All-American Inaugural Ball
Buzz Aldrin
Ashley Judd presenting a Lifetime Achievement medal
Honoring our heroes
Lee Greenwood, country music legend and patriot
Lee Greenwood
All-American Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award recipients on stage
Medal recipients on stage
Ceremonial military guard with raised sword
Pomp and salute
Wounded Army officer honored at the 2025 ball
Wounded warriors honored
Color guard ceremony with American flag
A signature ceremonial moment

With Heartfelt Gratitude

Thank You to Our Partners

We are deeply grateful to the mission-driven organizations and industry leaders who stand beside us as we build the celebration of a lifetime.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

To inquire, email us at:

30+ Years of America’s Most Iconic Celebrations

For over 30 years, the All-American Ball Committee and GoCity Group have produced some of America’s most iconic celebrations — from inaugural balls to major national festivals and countless other milestone events. The Countdown 250 Ball promises to be the grandest of them all.

From a Longtime Guest

I’ve attended several of these landmark Washington celebrations and each one has been a unique and extraordinary experience. The attention to detail, exceptional hospitality, and amazing entertainment has given me a library of memories I will never forget. I’ve even had the privilege of meeting heroes like Buzz Aldrin. I can’t wait for the Countdown 250 Ball!

John Whitbeck

Managing Partner, WhitbeckBeglis Law Firm

A Distinguished Tradition

In 30+ years of producing national celebrations, this is the grandest and most important production of our lifetimes. We are honored to welcome a diverse and distinguished guest list — astronauts, world-champion athletes, international entertainers, media personalities, veterans, and patriotic Americans from coast to coast — and our one goal is to make every guest cherish this memory for the rest of their lives.

— The All-American Ball Committee