National Park Week Partners Toolkit

National Park Week is happening August 22-30, 2026! New dates and a new theme this year with many of the same great opportunities for partners to shine and get involved with the weeklong annual celebration.

Also happening as part of National Park Week:

• Summer of 2026: National Park Service’s 250th anniversary of the U.S. celebration
• August 22, 2026: National Junior Ranger Day
• August 25, 2026: National Park Service’s 110th birthday
• August 25, 2026: An entrance fee free day for US citizens and residents

Date Change

Did you know the first National Park Week was celebrated as the National Park Service’s 75th birthday in August of 1991? We moved National Park Week from April to August this year to better align with visitation and staffing, as well as an entrance fee-free day and the National Park Service birthday. 

2026 National Park Week Theme: Celebrate America’s Story

The theme of “Celebrate America's Story” aligns with the 250th anniversary commemorations taking place in 2026, including the Freedom 250. The National Park Service and our partners are encouraged to share the stories of our nation's shared heritage and achievements.

Partnership Opportunities for National Park Week

More to come, but here are a few ideas to get started:

• What You Already Do: Share your invaluable work and contributions you do as a partner of the National Park Service.
• Collaboration with Parks/Programs: Connect with your local park or program for specific ideas on how to work together for National Park Week.
• Social Media: Post National Park Week-related themes, events, and programs on social media using #NationalParkWeek, #NationalJuniorRangerDay, and #NPSBirthday.
• America’s Story: Highlight what part of America’s story that you work with the National Park Service to preserve or share.
• America's 250th Anniversary: Explore partnering for America’s 250th opportunities, including America’s Field Trip, grants, Freedom 250 events, and more.