First lady Melania Trump on Friday unveiled plans for the 148th annual White House Easter Egg Roll, set for Monday, April 6, 2026, on the South Lawn, inviting families with children ages 13 and younger to participate in the long-standing spring tradition with President Donald Trump and White House staff.
The event, one of the nation's oldest White House traditions, dates back to 1878 when then-President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the South Lawn to children after Easter Monday egg-rolling festivities were banned on the U.S. Capitol grounds.
This year's celebration will feature patriotic themes in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Organizers say the event will include the hallmark egg-rolling race where children push eggs with spoons across the grass along with additional family activities.
Tickets will be free but distributed through an online lottery system that opens Thursday, Feb. 26, and closes Wednesday, March 4, at noon Eastern time.
Winners will be notified by email no later than March 10. The White House reiterated that tickets are not for sale or resale.
Volunteer opportunities are available via an online application, with a deadline of Friday, Feb. 27.
Organizers also said commemorative Easter eggs will be available to the public, with details forthcoming on the event's website.
The White House Easter Egg Roll has evolved over nearly a century and a half, at times adapting to national challenges such as wars, renovations, and public health crises while retaining its role as a signature White House family event.
Past celebrations have included wooden souvenir eggs signed by the president and first lady, live entertainment, storytelling, and other children's activities.
The announcement comes as the administration continues to highlight traditions that celebrate national heritage and family engagement at the White House.
Tickets, volunteer information, and commemorative egg details will be available on the official Easter Egg Roll lottery site.
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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