Information
In 2026, the United States of America will celebrate its 250th anniversary—a historic milestone that we in Dortmund are using as an opportunity to highlight the close ties and shared values that have connected our city to the U.S. for decades. In Dortmund, we are honoring the 250th anniversary of the North American Declaration of Independence in a special way—one that is unique among German cities.
As the highlight of the citywide “USA@250” project, initiated through close cooperation between the City of Dortmund and the Technical University of Dortmund, everyone interested is cordially invited to join us on Saturday, July 4, 2026, to celebrate American Independence Day together.
Dortmund and the United States look back on a long history of economic cooperation and cultural exchange, and we share a firm commitment to democratic values. Under the motto “Experiment Democracy,” a program is being organized in collaboration with over 40 partners from the fields of education, science, Business Studies, culture, and sports (including Fachhochschule Dortmund) that reflects the diversity of this friendship and critically examines current challenges.
The commemorative event offers you a special insight into this vibrant exchange:
Official ceremony (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at the Bürgerhalle in Dortmund
Enjoy a top-notch program featuring a ceremonial welcome address by U.S. Consul General Preeti V. Shah, as well as a panel discussion moderated by Benita Sarah Bailey on the topic “Experiment Democracy.” The discussion will also address the future of democratic societies, transatlantic relations in Dortmund, and the importance of civic engagement. We are pleased to welcome Klaus Wegener, President of the Auslandsgesellschaft; Elena Fink from the Konzerthaus Dortmund; Prof. Dr. Walter Grünzweig, an expert on American studies; and Prof. Dr. Thomas Goll from the Center for Political Education and Local Democracy at the Technical University of Dortmund. The program will be accompanied by musical performances by the “Atlanta Project” of the Rudolf Steiner School Student Orchestra, the Dortmund University Orchestra, and the Big Band of the Glen Buschmann Jazz Academy, featuring a guest appearance by California-based bass-baritone Morgan Moody.
For questions and to reserve a seat in the Bürgerhalle for the opening ceremony and panel discussion , please contact Angela Märtin, University and Science Advisor for the City of Dortmund, is available by email at wissenschaftstadtdode or by phone at +49 231 50-22586.
Colorful Festival (3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) at Dortmund's Stadtgarten
Starting in the afternoon, the festivities will continue outdoors on the Stadtgartenwiese as part of the supporting program, and we cordially invite you to enjoy the spirit of American pop culture with an American BBQ, live music, dance performances, and athletic highlights on the Stadtgartenwiese behind City Hall. From Frisbee to baseball and cheerleading, to line dancing, urban hip-hop performances, and insights into the work of our sports and education partners, a varied program is guaranteed.
Program Details
Town Hall Event
Town Hall Concerts
Outdoor Activities
Supporting program
Food & Drinks
Organizer
The City of Dortmund, in connection with the joint project “USA@250: Experiment Democracy,” in cooperation with TU Dortmund University and many dedicated partners from the fields of science, education, culture, sports, and Business Studies (including Fachhochschule Dortmund)