Celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial at ‘Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest’ July 4 in Raleigh

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announces the "Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest" will be held July 4 at the State Capitol building and grounds in Raleigh. The free all-day festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will celebrate America's 250th birthday with the arts, history, nature, and culture that define North Carolina's role in the nation's story.

Headlining "Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest" will be musical performances by North Carolina-based singer-songwriters Tift Merritt and Rissi Palmer.

"Two hundred and fifty years ago, North Carolina led the way to American independence. There is no better way to honor our First in Freedom legacy than gathering together on the Fourth of July to celebrate this country," said Governor Josh Stein. "I hope people from across the state will join us in Raleigh for a day of music, food, history, and family fun."

The event will feature live music, vendors, food trucks, special exhibits, living history, and family-friendly fun. Other performances will include the Nest of Singing Birds, the 82nd Airborne All-American Brass Quintet, Wake & District Raleigh Pipe Band, N.C. Governor's School Choir, and poet Zack Zachary. An Independence Day ceremony will be held at a time to be announced closer to the event.

"This is going to be an unforgettable celebration of America's 250th birthday," said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. "Join us for a thrilling day celebrating the best of North Carolina - all in one place."

In addition to live musical performances sponsored by Bank of America, the event will feature:

• Hurricanes KidZone sponsored by the Carolina Hurricanes

• Trolley tours of historic downtown Raleigh provided by the City of Raleigh

• Living history and special exhibits

• More than 50 vendors and food trucks

• Independence Day ceremony

This downtown Raleigh celebration will complement a morning parade organized by the N.C. Department of Labor and the General Assembly and evening fireworks at Dix Park organized by the City of Raleigh.

"Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest" is free and open to the public. The event website america250.nc.gov/FreedomFest will provide up-to-date information as the celebration gets closer. Visit america250.nc.gov to find hundreds more America 250 NC events across North Carolina.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural ResourcesThe N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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