(BPT) - This year's Independence Day isn't just another holiday weekend. July 4, 2026, will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America. The last time the U.S. celebrated a national milestone at this scale was the Bicentennial in 1976, and this year's celebration is shaping up to be even longer, louder and more ambitious.
If you're planning to celebrate the semi-quincentennial in a big way, keep in mind that the crowds will be bigger and gatherings more complex. So, whether you're preparing for a cross-country trek, a camping adventure, overnight family gatherings or a neighborhood bash, you'll need to scale up your planning to match.
While there are many aspects you'll need to coordinate before the 4th of July weekend, three key pillars can make or break your multiday celebration: accommodations, food and power. Check out this handy guide that can help you navigate how to plan for these three categories whether you're road tripping, camping, hosting family or celebrating with the neighborhood.
The historic road trip
Major cities across the country are hosting massive celebrations to mark America's 250th birthday - from historic Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. to the maritime hubs of New York, Boston and San Diego - and they're worth road tripping to experience in person. Family and friend groups hoping to blend the freedom of the open road with 250 years of American history at festivals and fireworks should consider the following.
Accommodations: Routes will be packed, so make sure to book your stays in advance, especially city hotels where you plan to celebrate the big day. If you're lucky enough to have family and friends along the route or at your destination who are happy to host, make sure to coordinate ahead of time. For the RV adventurers, reserve an RV and campground site in advance, so you're not stuck boondocking at the last minute.
Food: Plan snacks, beverages and dinners in advance so you don't have to rely solely on fast food and gas station fare to keep your party fueled. Before you go, hit the grocery store for road snacks including chips, dips, veggies, fruits and refreshments.
Of course, you'll need something to keep your food and beverages chilled. In addition to your regular cooler, consider a plug-in mini-fridge to keep your rations crisp and fresh.
Power: When you're on the road for hours, you'll need to keep your electronics and gadgets powered for entertainment and comfort. To keep everything running, consider a portable power station like the Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 or HomePower 2000 Plus v2.
These power stations are compact enough to pack in a trunk but strong enough to run a mini-fridge and charge devices. Because they recharge via solar panels during rest stops, the same summer sun making the 4th great will keep your trip fully powered. And if your 4th of July adventure involves an RV, the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a favorite among RV enthusiasts. A single unit supports 120V, and pairing two delivers 240V. With modularity expandable to 21kWh and the ability to connect to a home's circuits through a Manual Transfer Switch, it's just as home-worthy once the RV is parked so you're covered for the 4th and every day after.
Beyond road trips and RV camping, these HomePower power stations are also an ideal choice for household emergency preparedness. Whether facing unexpected power outages caused by severe weather or needing to power essential home appliances, Jackery power stations provide a reliable energy source. They ensure you can continue using vital lighting, communication devices, and small appliances during emergencies, offering added peace of mind and security for your home in the form of energy independence.
To learn more about keeping your party powered at home or on the go, visit Jackery.com.