A Celebration of American Freedom: The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

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posted on April 2, 2026
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155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

usa 250With acres of exhibition space, addresses from NRA’s leadership, an epic country concert and literally tens of thousands of guns on display, the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston­—and our nation’s 250th celebration—are not to be missed. Join us April 17-19!

It was 250 years ago that the “unanimous Declaration of the 13 united States of America” was signed on July 4, 1776. The shot heard ‘round the world had been fired on April 19, 1775, and the long-fought war that followed led to the noble experiment in human freedom we call these United States. It was a war started by attempted gun confiscation by King George III’s lackeys. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Your NRA itself has a significant anniversary this year; with our charter dating to 1871, this year marks the 155th year of NRA’s service to America. As part of the celebration of freedom, NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will have special events and speakers specifically geared toward NRA members at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, April 17-19.

Convention attendees
The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits combine acres of guns and gear with fun and events for the whole family. Indeed, it is a celebration of the big NRA family, millions of Americans united by our dedication to this nation and the protection of the Second Amendment


We cannot let the 250th birthday of the United States of America go unheralded. There will be seminars, speeches, and music all in celebration of our freedom. This is a time for the extended NRA family to come together and show their support for the association and the rights we all protect together. Your NRA has led the way in marksmanship training and firearm-safety education since 1871, and we continue to stand tall in defense of the Second Amendment.

Make plans now to join fellow Second Amendment patriots for a freedom-filled weekend as we celebrate NRA’s 155th anniversary. The NRA’s future is looking brighter than ever—come and see for yourself. As this was written, speakers and entertainment were still being booked and locked in for some of the events. The best way to stay on top of the growing schedule is to visit nraam.org, which is updated almost daily as more details come online. (Note that tickets are required for some of the events.)

Friday night’s main event is once again the NRA Foundation Banquet & Auction. Join us for a night of supporting the Second Amendment, the shooting sports and our hunting heritage with an evening of food, firearms and fundraising. Help us teach freedom by bidding on custom firearms, unique merchandise and specialized hunts. All proceeds benefit the future of the shooting sports.

That’s not the only evening with a special event. Make plans for a night of fun and live music at the NRA Country concert Saturday night. While the line-up couldn’t yet be revealed at press time, we promise it will be a great evening for lovers of both music and freedom.

Doug Hamlin, John Commerford, Josh Savani, Bill Bachenberg

On your way into the show, be sure to stop by Registration to take advantage of exclusive member-only offers available in-person at the show. They include discounts for upgrading your membership, special gifts and more.

The Exhibit Hall opens Friday, April 17, at 9 a.m. It will also be available to members and guests on Saturday and Sunday—the whole show is for the benefit of NRA members. There will be acres of guns and gear on display from the top companies in the firearm and accessory fields. You can see all the latest in new guns, ammunition, holsters and optics, as well as book your next hunt with guides and outfitters from all over the world, all under one roof. Some of the most rare and interesting firearms from personal collections will be on display in exhibits put together by NRA’s top gun-collecting affiliate clubs.

wall of gunsSaturday’s Annual Meeting of Members gives you an opportunity to participate in the association’s business and help shape its future. At this historic gathering, members hear directly from the officers about the state of the NRA and have the chance to vote on issues and elect the 76th Director.

Events especially for the women of the NRA include the 19th Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon and Auction (ticket required). This year’s speaker is Tyrus, former NWA World Heavyweight Champion and Fox News contributor. Sunday, don’t miss the NRA Women’s New Energy Brunch. Speaking of Sunday, it kicks off early with the NRA Prayer Breakfast (ticket required) in a celebration of faith and freedom.

Seminars and workshops are still being scheduled on topics ranging from firearms history to concealed-carry fundamentals and crime-prevention strategies, plus many more.

The Wall of Guns will be there all weekend, starting Thursday, allowing members to buy tickets and take their chances on some outstanding gun prizes.

Admission is free for NRA members and their immediate family (spouse and children under 18). Walk-up registration will be available on-site for existing members, and you can join NRA on-site for free access to the show.


NRA Country ConcertExhibit Hall Hours
Friday, April 17 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 18 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

NRA Guns, Gear & Outfitter Show
Friday, April 16 – Sunday, April 19
George R. Brown Convention Center
FREE ADMISSION to NRA members and their families (spouse and children under 18 years old)

Lobby, Registration, Wall of Guns and Voter Verification Opens
Thurs., April 16, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Annual National Firearms Law Seminar
Fri., April 17, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

NRA Women’s Leadership Forum Brunch & Auction
Fri., April 17, 9 a.m.

NRA Banquet and Auction
Fri., April 17, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting of Members
Sat., April 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

NRA Country Concert
Sat., April 16, 6:00 p.m.

National Prayer Breakfast
Sun., April 19, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

NRA Women’s New Energy Brunch
Sun., April 19,  10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

NRA Youth Day
Sun., April 19, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Plus more than 50 free workshops and seminars throughout the weekend!

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