The National Mall is being transformed for almost daily events in the weeks leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, with unprecedented security and a request that those planning to participate in some of the main activities register in advance.

Events kick off Friday evening near the Capitol with a watch party for the U.S. men’s soccer team’s first game in the FIFA World Cup tournament.

And if a federal court doesn’t block it, this weekend will feature a press conference Friday and a weigh-in Saturday at the Lincoln Memorial for the Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts planned at the White House on Sunday.

Celebrations of the “semiquincentennial” really gear up 10 days before the Fourth of July, starting with a rally and speech by President Donald Trump on June 24 followed by daily events at a “Great American State Fair” on a section of the Mall between the Capitol and the Washington Monument highlighted by a Ferris wheel.

All of the events in Washington have been organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership set up by the White House that is separate from America250, the bipartisan commission established by Congress in 2016 to plan for commemorations of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

While America250 is promoting nationwide events to celebrate the 250th, the Freedom 250 plans in Washington are dominated by Trump and his supporters, from the UFC event being held on his 80th birthday Sunday to the daily Great American State Fair events running through July 10.

“This is an opportunity for visitors from across America to experience an unforgettable celebration of the people and traditions that define our nation,” the Freedom 250 organizers said in announcing the plans last weekend. “Our nation unites diverse states and territories to form the strongest country in the world.”

The schedule includes a focus on “ranching, agriculture, land stewardship, and the resilience that built the nation” on June 26; a “military appreciation day” on June 28; two “MAHA Monday” events on June 29 and July 6 presented by the Make America Healthy Again movement; and a day devoted to “faith, values and inspiration” on July 1.

Plans also call for “a record-setting fireworks display” over the Mall on July 4.

All the activities have been designated as a National Special Security Event by the Department of Homeland Security, meaning there will be extensive security on the Mall for much of the summer.

Friday evening’s watch party for the World Cup game between the United States and Paraguay, at a “Fan Zone” between 3rd and 4th streets, will offer refreshments including alcoholic beverages, but those who attend will need to enter through a checkpoint at 4th Street and Madison Drive Northwest.

Similarly, checkpoints will be set up for entry to the Great American State Fair on 7th Street and 12th Street on both sides of the Mall. 

“The Great American State Fair will be free and open to the public. Advance guest pre-registration will be encouraged; walk-ups are welcome,” according to the Freedom 250 website.

The organizers did not respond to questions about the purpose of registering in advance and whether those who pre-register will have better access than those who simply walk in.

Security will be extremely tight for the UFC events this weekend, assuming a lawsuit attempting to stop the show is unsuccessful.

“This plan is deeply corrupt,” says the lawsuit seeking to block the event filed by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of a senior citizen activist and a Vietnam veteran. 

The suit, filed June 6 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argues that the mixed martial arts tournament is a private, for-profit event on public grounds managed by the National Park Service that needs congressional approval and an environmental review. 

The White House responded in a statement to numerous media outlets, including NBC News, that the lawsuit is “obstructionist, baseless, and dilatory” and is intended “simply to prevent President Trump from hosting what will undoubtedly go down as one of the most historic sporting events in our Nation’s history during our semiquincentennial celebration.

“This iconic event is no different than the various other White House-hosted events on the South Lawn and properly permitted events on the Ellipse and National Mall throughout the year,” the statement said.

Tickets for the UFC bouts are limited, though Freedom 250 says it will provide some free to those who apply for a lottery, adding that “selected registrants may be subject to a screening process, including background checks, before ticket requests can be fulfilled.”