Celebrate 250 years of America

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Hilliard is here to celebrate!

Join the City and America 250-Ohio in exploring how Ohio has contributed to U.S. history for 250+ years.

In tandem with America 250-Ohio, each month of 2026 will have a different theme honoring much of what makes Ohio special.

How can you join in on the fun? The City will be hosting some exciting events and programs throughout the year. And look out for other local activities hosted by others in the community.

  • January: Ohio’s Firsts & Originals
  • February: Ohio Works: Innovation & Industry
  • March: Ohio Entertains: Music & Entertainment
  • April: Ohio Moves: Transportation
  • May: Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, & Literature
  • June: Ohio Outdoors: Exploring Ohio’s Natural Resources
  • July: Ohio Gathers: Statewide Homecoming & Picnics
  • August: Ohio Goes to the Fair
  • September: Ohio Plays – Sports & Wellness
  • October: Ohio Grows: Food & Farms
  • November: Ohio Serves: Remembering Veterans, First Responders and Front-Line Heroes
  • December: Future Ohio; Projecting Ohio in 2076

America 250 Hilliard Events

Celebrate this once-in-a-century date by joining us for a special edition of a favorite Hilliard event in the historic hub of Downtown Hilliard.

Date: Thursday, April 30

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Hilliard’s Station Park

Ohio Entertains: Music, Entertainment and Movies

Join us for an evening of live music and fun, patriotic-themed activities for kids!

Date: Sunday, June 14

Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

Location: Hilliard’s Station Park

Ohio Entertains: Music, Entertainment and Movies

Let freedom ring at Hilliard’s biggest event – and community picnic! More details on how to snag a special Hilliard picnic blanket for the event, coming soon.

Date: Saturday, July 4

Time: 5 – 11 p.m.

Location: Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park

Ohio Gathers: Statewide Homecoming and Picnics

Scoop, Chalk, and Celebrate Ohio 250 Goes to the Fair

Fill Hilliard’s Station Park with v fair fun! Enjoy carnival games, vibrant chalk art, a Ferris Wheel bounce house, fair-style ice cream treats, and splash in the fountains!

Date: Sunday, July 26

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Location: Hilliard’s Station Park

Ohio Goes to the Fair: The Ohio State Fair and County Fairs

America 250 Community Events

HOHS will highlight April’s theme, Ohio Moves: Transportation, exploring how transportation helped shape both our nation and the Hilliard community. HOHS will also celebrate 60 years of preserving and sharing Hilliard’s history.

Enjoy special Museum features, including an interactive model train display, an enhanced Military and Aviation exhibit, and a brand-new fueling station exhibit showcasing a 1904 Oldsmobile generously on loan from the Kimes Family. Plus, kids’ activities, guest speakers, and more!

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Weaver Park and Franklin County Fairgrounds

Ohio Moves: Transportation
Hosted by the Hilliard, Ohio Historical Society

Heritage Day

HOHS will highlight the Ohio America 250 “Ohio Grows: Food & Farms” theme. Activities include historical figure re-enactors and the Muffins historic baseball team, as well as hands-on agriculture activities such as butter making, corn shucking, berry mashing, and dutch oven baking demos. Check out the animal exhibits by 4H clubs at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Hilliard Historical Village in Weaver Park

Ohio Grows: Food & Farms
Hosted by the Hilliard, Ohio Historical Society

Two murals painted on walls, one being a train and the other of three people

Murals Across Ohio

As part of Ohio’s America‑250 campaign, Hilliard is proudly contributing to a statewide celebration of history, creativity, and community through its participation in the Murals Across Ohio map.

This initiative highlights public art that tells local stories while connecting communities across the state. Hilliard’s inclusion reflects a deep commitment to honoring its past while inspiring future generations.

Three murals in the heart of Downtown Hilliard highlight our story:

  • The Center Street Mural (5344 Center St.), a 50-foot piece by Curtis Goldstein, honors Hilliard’s roots as a 19th-century railroad stop, with imagery of trains, sunflowers, and grain silos.
  • Coloring the Path to Our Future (5425 Center St.) celebrates creativity and collaboration, created by Mandi Caskey with Hilliard City Schools teacher Amanda Scaeffer and her students.
  • Gratitude (5425 Center St.) a piece by Columbus artist Jeremy Jarvis, is on display at the Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center near the Heritage Rail Trailhead, celebrating community with a powerful scene of performers surrounded by applauding hands.

Together, they showcase Hilliard’s past, present, and bright future as Ohio approaches its 250th anniversary.

Click to learn more about the Hilliard Public Arts Commission, which oversees public art.

Event Quick Links

A boy diving into water
A boy blowing bubbles

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