National Park Week is usually an April tradition, but in 2026 it’s getting a new spot on the calendar.
The National Park Service has announced National Park Week will run from August 22–30, 2026, to line up with the agency’s 110th birthday on August 25 and the broader America 250 commemoration.
The 2026 theme is “Celebrate America’s Story,” and parks across the country are expected to host ranger programs, guided tours, educational exhibits, family activities, and other special events throughout the week. The biggest date for many travelers will be August 25, when entrance fees will be waived at national park sites that normally charge them. That fee-free access applies to U.S. citizens and residents, though other costs like timed entry or reservation fees may still apply where required.
One of the biggest takeaways for visitors is that entrance fees will be waived on Aug. 25 at national park sites that normally charge admission.
The week will begin on Aug. 22 with National Junior Ranger Day, and parks across the country are expected to mark the occasion with special programs, exhibits, ranger-led activities, and family events.
The move is a noticeable change for an event that has traditionally been part of the spring travel season. Instead of arriving alongside Earth Day, National Park Week will now fall in late August, right in the middle of one of the busiest times of year for park travel.
Planning a trip to a National Park to celebrate National Park Week? Check out our article on tips for navigating crowded national parks.
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