Jun 9, 2026

GOAA Proudly Celebrates America250 at MCO and ORL

The grounds at Orlando International Airport feature landscaping to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is hosting several events through the end of 2026 to celebrate and recognize America’s 250th birthday, with the America250 theme being featured across both Orlando International (MCO) and Orlando Executive (ORL) airports. The theme is part of Florida’s observance of America’s 250th anniversary of independence.

The premier event for the celebration is the Liberty Weekend concert, a free patriotic concert featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert will be held on Saturday, June 27th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a prelude concert by the Central Florida Community Arts Choir and the Col. Joe Kittinger Award presentation. The Kittinger Award is given to a distinguished military servicemember.

America250 is the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, celebrating the nation’s history, values, and future through education, engagement, and service.

“Our airports, both former military bases, are uniquely positioned to connect our guests with the America250 initiative,” said GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle. “As the country continues to celebrate 250 years of American success, we want to reflect that celebration in our airports, which remain vital to our regional and national success.”

Other 250-themed events include:

  • Independence Day Celebration. Noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2, featuring entertainment and activities in the Atrium at Terminals A and B, near the fountain.
  • Patriotic Concert. 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, with Summer Breeze of Florida. The concert will take place near the checkpoint for Gates 1 -59.
  • Art Exhibits. The Fourth Annual #FlyMCO Planespotting Exhibit, featuring red, white, and blue in the skies, will be in Gallery MCO from June 25 through September 10. The Third Annual Words and Wonder Poetry Contest, in partnership with the City of Orlando under the theme “Many Voices, One Sky,” will be on display at the Community Gallery from June 26 through August 31.
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Guests at Orlando International Airport will notice the following patriotic enhancements to their travel experience:

  • Special messages from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Gate Link and Terminal Link trams
  • Patriotic exterior landscaping
  • Patriotic interior lighting
  • America250 informational and wayfinding signage
  • America250 plane spotting photography and poetry exhibits
  • America250 transportation vehicle wraps
  • America250 construction demising walls
  • Green screen photo experiences, featuring aviation and patriotic themed backgrounds.
  • Special America250 bandanas worn by MCO Paw Pilot therapy dogs

Guests at Orlando Executive Airport will notice:

  • A special America250 greenery sign visible from the runway approach
  • Red, white and blue lighting
  • Additional exterior enhancements supporting America250 visibility

America250 initiatives have included concerts and events, which will continue throughout the year. GOAA’s support of America250 also supports GOAA’s organizational objectives to enhance the passenger experience, strengthen community engagement, and showcase aviation’s role in connecting our nation’s communities.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.