North Carolina to host Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest on July 4

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a free all-day festival July 4 at the State Capitol building and grounds in Raleigh.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced “Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest” will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature music, food, history, vendors, exhibits and family-friendly activities.

North Carolina-based singer-songwriters Tift Merritt and Rissi Palmer will headline the event.

“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,” Gov. Josh Stein said. “I hope people from across the state will join us in Raleigh for a day of music, food, history, and family fun.”

Other scheduled performances include the Nest of Singing Birds, the 82nd Airborne All-American Brass Quintet, Wake & District Raleigh Pipe Band, the N.C. Governor’s School Choir and poet Zack Zachary.

The event will also include a Hurricanes KidZone sponsored by the Carolina Hurricanes, trolley tours of historic downtown Raleigh, living history exhibits and more than 50 vendors and food trucks.

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

An Independence Day ceremony will also be held, with the time expected to be announced closer to the event.

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

“Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest” is free and open to the public. More information is available here.