June 12–15, 2026 · Hinsdale MA → Washington DC
The actual fight is on the South Lawn — military/VIP invite-only. Your tickets are for The Ellipse Fan Fest — outdoor watch party with massive screens, up to 85,000 people. Gates open 3:30 PM Saturday and Sunday.
Highest security tier (equivalent to the Super Bowl). Explosive detection, multiple checkpoints, no drones near the White House. Bring photo ID. Arrive 45 min before gates. Sign up at alert.dc.gov.
UFC Freedom 250 press conference at the Lincoln Memorial — Friday June 12 at 8:30 PM. Free, open to the public. ~28 min walk from hotel.
Gets you to NJ by ~11 AM, into DC by 2–3 PM, settled before the 8:30 PM press conference.
Commuters flow inbound — you flow out. Leave by 9–10 AM to clear DC rush hour.
Ceremonial weigh-ins 8:30 PM · Zac Brown Band 9:30 PM — included with Ellipse tickets.
Roads around the Ellipse and Mall restricted from early AM. Plan to walk everywhere. Post-fight rideshares will be surging or unavailable — walk the ~20 min back.
Washington Monument — recreation.gov · Free, sells out weeks ahead
National Archives — archives.gov · Free, very high demand this weekend
Open-air memorial with a central fountain flanked by 56 granite pillars — one for each U.S. state and territory at the time of WWII. Two 43-foot triumphal arches mark the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Staffed by rangers 9:30 AM–11:30 PM.
555-foot marble obelisk completed in 1884. Elevator reaches a 500-foot observation level with 360° views of DC. Exterior and grounds are always accessible without a pass — only the interior requires a timed reservation.
Greek Doric temple housing a 19-foot seated marble Lincoln. The Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address are inscribed on the interior walls. You'll already be here Friday night for the UFC press conference.
Two 246-foot walls of black granite inscribed with the names of 58,279 Americans who died or remain missing from the Vietnam War. Names listed chronologically by date of casualty. Directories at each end allow you to find specific names and their panel location.
Largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. Holdings include the 1903 Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 command module, Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega, and spacesuits from multiple missions. Also houses an IMAX theater and planetarium (both paid add-ons).
Houses the Hope Diamond (45.52 carats), the Nation's T. rex skeleton, the Sant Ocean Hall, Hall of Human Origins, and Egyptian mummies. The live Butterfly Pavilion is a paid add-on within the museum.
Houses the original Star-Spangled Banner (30×34 ft) in a dedicated dim-light gallery, the First Ladies' gown collection, artifacts from American popular culture and the presidency. Especially relevant during America's 250th anniversary.
The Rotunda displays the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution (all four pages), and Bill of Rights in bulletproof, argon-filled cases. Additional galleries hold historical documents and rotating exhibits. Will be extremely busy during America 250 weekend.
Two-floor museum covering espionage history from ancient times to present. Guests get a cover identity at entry and carry it through an interactive mission. Includes real spy gadgets, Cold War artifacts, and cyberwarfare exhibits. Plan 2–3 hours. Good rainy-day paid option.
Indoor conservatory with tropical plants, cacti, orchids, medicinal plants, and themed garden rooms. Adjacent Bartholdi Park is also free. Good option in hot weather or rain. Stroller-friendly throughout.