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Where Legacy Meets the Future
The Military Child World Expo brings together three ceremonial, cultural, and community experiences honoring the lives, identities, and leadership of military-connected youth and families.
Held annually in Arlington, Virginia "Home of the Military Child", these events celebrate belonging, resilience, and the passing of legacy from one generation to the next.
Military Child World Expo 2026
Arlington, Virginia | Home of the Military Child
April 18, 25, 26, 2026
The Military Child World Expo is anchored by a series of Signature Events designed to recognize, celebrate, and support military-connected children, teens, caregivers, and families across generations.
Together, these events form a unified experience, each with a distinct purpose, advancing a shared mission: to establish the Home of the Military Child and honor their enduring contributions to service, culture, and community.
The Caregivers Breakfast & Recognition
April 18, 2026 | Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA
By invitation | RSVP required
The Caregivers Breakfast is a dedicated recognition event honoring teen caregivers and their families, alongside the educators, advocates, and community leaders who support them.
This program centers on:
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Teen caregiving awareness and recognition
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Community service and civic contribution
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Family wellness and support pathways
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Acknowledgment of the invisible service carried by youth caregivers
This event is part of the Expo’s broader commitment to elevating caregiving youth as contributors to family resilience and national readiness.
The Military Child World Expo
April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hyatt Regency Crystal City | Arlington, VA
The Military Child World Expo is the core convening day, bringing together families, youth, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and institutions in a dynamic, interactive environment.
What to Expect:
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Youth-centered STEAM experiences (including DIY robotics, space-themed builds, and innovation displays)
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Education and scholarship pathways
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Performing arts and cultural showcases
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Community exhibitors and resource partners
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Youth leadership and caregiver engagement
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Interactive learning across designated Expo Zones
The Expo is free and open to the public and designed to welcome children, teens, parents, caregivers, and community members together.
America’s Torchbearers Showcase
April 26, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
The America’s Torchbearers Showcase serves as the public closing celebration of the three-day Expo experience.
This community-wide event features:
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Group and solo performances by military-connected and civilian youth
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Special performances by arts and cultural partners
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A celebratory program honoring America’s 250th anniversary
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Recognition of young people as the next generation of civic and cultural leaders
The Showcase is free and open to the public, inviting the broader community to celebrate military children through music, performance, and shared pride.
Youth Pavilion (Signature Feature)
Located within the Expo | Hyatt Regency | Independence Hall B
The Youth Pavilion is a dedicated space created by and for young people, highlighting creativity, leadership, and identity.
Features include:
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Youth-led entrepreneurship and creative showcases
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Arts, comics, storytelling, and future-focused expression
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Interactive activities designed for children and teens
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Opportunities for youth to see themselves reflected and celebrated
The Pavilion reinforces the Expo’s belief that military-connected youth are not only participants, but leaders, creators, and torchbearers of the future.
A Unified Experience
Each Signature Event stands on its own, yet together they tell a larger story:
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Recognition of service and sacrifice
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Visibility for military-connected youth and families
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Belonging through shared identity and community
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Legacy-building as America approaches its 250th anniversary
The Military Child World Expo is not a single day, it is a collective experience designed to honor the past, support the present, and inspire the future of military-connected children.
Learn more & Get Involved
Participation opportunities exist for:
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Families and youth
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Schools and educators
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Community organizations
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Exhibitors and partners
Visit other sections of the site to explore Zones, Education & STEAM, Exhibitors & Community, and What’s Happening at the Expo.