Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts. Menconi's latest book, "Oh, Didn't They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music," was published by University of North Carolina Press. His podcast, Carolina Calling, explores the history of the Tar Heel State through music.

Coming to downtown Raleigh on the Fourth of July, 2026, Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest brings a daylong slate of celebratory events to the grounds of the historic North Carolina State Capitol.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this free all-day festival will have a full schedule of events and programs to illuminate North Carolina’s contribution to American history in music, arts, culture and more.

Presented by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR), NC Freedom Fest prominently features live music. The entertainment schedule includes traditional-music ensemble Nest of Singing Birds, 82^nd Airborne All American Brass Quintet, poet Zack Zachary and, closing the show in the headline slot, acclaimed Americana singer/songwriters (and multimedia powerhouses) Tift Merritt and Rissi Palmer.

“It’s going to be a huge event,” says NCDNCR secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “We’ll have engagement all over the capitol grounds and inside with over 50 vendors, food trucks, musical performers, a Fourth of July ceremony at noon, the monthly Vietnam Veterans memorial ceremony. There will be a living history encampment on the grounds, special exhibits of archival documents inside, trolley tours of historic sites around downtown. It will be a big, very fun event.”

Bookending NC Freedom Fest are several related events before and after. First up will be a morning parade, sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Labor and the General Assembly. Then for a nightcap, the City of Raleigh has scheduled evening fireworks at Dix Park.

^{Performing at Capitol 250 Freedom Fest: Tift Merritt and Rissi Palmer (photos courtesy of North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources)}

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

Secretary Cashwell likens this year’s U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration to America's last major anniversary celebration of independence, the 200-year bicentennial in 1976. The NCDNCR has more than 1,000 calendared events happening across the state throughout the year, but this Fourth of July event should be the biggest one.

^{82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus (photo courtesy of North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources)}

“We want everyone to feel welcome to celebrate this time and find common ground,” says Cashwell. “We want them to feel involved and engaged, too, like they have a place. We invite anyone to come out and be a part of it. This is a great educational opportunity, and a great time to come together on common ground at our State Capitol.”

Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest schedule

Events happening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., July 4 at the North Carolina State Capitol, 1 E. Edenton St. in downtown Raleigh

• 10am – Carolina Hurricanes Kid Zone, exhibitors and vendors open
• 10-10:30am – 82^nd Airborne All American Brass Quintet
• 10:45-11:15am – Governor’s School Choir
• 11:30am-noon – Wake & District
• Noon – Vietnam Veterans monthly ceremony
• 12:30pm – Ceremony with musical accompaniment by Raleigh Concert Band
  • NC American Legion and Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard
  • National Anthem by 82^nd Airborne Chorus member
  • Remarks
  • Reading of Declaration of Independence
  • Wreath laying at Washington monument (South Plaza)
• 1:40-2pm – Poet Zack Zachary
• 2:15-2:45pm – Nest of Singing Birds
• 3-3:45pm – Tift Merritt and Rissi Palmer