Celebrate America’s 250th with Nationwide Neighborhood Potluck

Utahns and all Americans are invited to gather, share a meal, and take part in America’s Potluck on July 5, 2026, a nationwide celebration of connection, culture and community in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The idea is simple: bring a dish, pull up a chair, and gather with neighbors, friends or family. On the same day across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Americans will take part in a shared moment rooted in one of the country’s most enduring traditions: coming together around food.

While the celebration will span the nation, Utah is helping lead the effort, working alongside states, territories and more than 70 national partners to bring communities together.

Utah’s America250 Commission is coordinating the state’s participation and helping connect people with local events and resources. “Utah is proud to help lead this effort alongside all 50 states and Puerto Rico,” said Nicole Handy, executive director of America250 Utah. “This is about creating a shared moment across the country, starting in our own neighborhoods.”

It may seem at cross-purposes that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has invited the country participate in a unified fast on Sunday, July 5, to express gratitude for religious liberty and pray that it be strengthened. However, you could have your potluck on Saturday, July 4, or fast most of the day on July 5 and break your fast with the potluck. Options!

Communities across Utah are already planning local gatherings, from parks and town squares to backyards and neighborhood streets, creating opportunities for people to connect in ways that feel natural and meaningful.

Food is a way to connect with each other, and a way to celebrate America’s history and traditions.

Local leaders are also embracing the effort as a way to strengthen ties within their neighborhoods.

“In a small town, something as simple as sharing a meal can bring people closer together,” said Torrey Mayor Mickey Wright. “We’re excited to welcome neighbors and visitors alike to gather, share food, and enjoy a summer evening together.”

Participating is easy. Utahns can host their own gathering, join an event nearby, or find resources to help plan at AmericasPotluck.org, which includes an interactive map, planning tools, and ideas for bringing people together. You can add your potluck gathering to the group’s interactive map. Hosts have the option to mark their potlucks as private and the listing will only show the zipcode without additional information.

America250 Utah is leading America’s Potluck efforts alongside all 50 states and Puerto Rico, over 70 national partners, and with a growing number of cities across the country. Visit AmericasPotluck.org for registration information, an interactive map, conversation starters, and decorations.

America250 Utah, a commission appointed by Gov. Cox, is committed to commemorating the milestone anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, not just as a pivotal moment in American history but also through the unique and rich lens of Utah’s heritage. Learn more about all six Utah initiatives here: america250.utah.gov.

National partners are providing step-by-step guides, toolkits, sins and recipe collections and community cookbook resources. You can find them on AmericasPotluck.org.

Hosting an America’s Potluck Gathering? Photo from Utah Office of National Tourism

Commit to Host a Potluck: Open your doors on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and host a potluck for your own neighbors and community. Tell Your Friends: Encourage your friends and supporters to host potlucks with their neighbors. Promote the Initiative: Follow @americaspotluck and share information about America’s Potluck opportunities to encourage attendance and involvement. Tag us at #AmericasPotluck!Get started with invitations