Nothing says “Happy 250th Anniversary, America!” quite like a picnic. So, throughout the month of July in 2026, we’re encouraging communities across Ohio to gather for food, fun and friendship to celebrate our nation's freedom, honor of our nation’s history and Ohio's notable contributions to U.S. history!
Fire up the grill, pass the potato salad and celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with your fellow Ohioans – that’s the plan come July 2026! Picnics can be large or small, last the whole weekend or just an afternoon. Celebrations may include music, food trucks, local artists, or bounce houses. The ideas are endless and can reflect the unique character of your group and location.
We’re excited to announce that we will make available special Homecoming Kits, courtesy of Presenting Sponsor, Cenovus Energy. These engaging and interactive kits will help make your picnic one for the history books! Check back soon for more details.
We will be holding some planned Homecoming & Picnic events.
Join one of these planned events or create your own!
Locations
Lima, Ohio
Toledo, Ohio
Central Ohio
Ohio History Center – Columbus, Ohio
Schoenbrunn Village – New Philadelphia, Ohio
Harding Presidential Sites – Marion, Ohio
Newark Earthworks – Newark, Ohio
National Afro American Museum
& Cultural Center – Wilberforce, Ohio
Watch this space for more picnic locations in the future – there is sure to be one near you!
Cenovus Energy is the Presenting Sponsor of Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic. Their generous support will provide resources to make this signature project possible.
“We are proud to partner with America 250-Ohio to inspire Ohioans across the state to gather and celebrate in July 2026. We are dedicated to energizing the world to make people’s lives better and our sponsorship of Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic demonstrates our belief in and appreciation of the communities across the state that we serve.”
The American 250-Ohio Commission is calling on communities around Ohio to host and Homecoming Picnic in the summer of 2026.
Community sponsored picnics can be very personalized for the community themed around the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the country.
To sign up as a community picnic you must:
Communities that sign up to host an Ohio Homecoming Picnic will receive:
