July 4, 2026
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
State Capitol, Raleigh
Experience the best of North Carolina with DNCR at Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest!
This free, all-day festival is a celebration of the arts, history, nature, and culture that define North Carolina’s role in the nation’s story.
Celebrate America 250 at the Capitol
Live Performances!
Don’t miss live musical performances throughout the day, sponsored by Bank of America.
Headlining Musical Performances by:
TIFT MERRITT & RISSI PALMER
Additional live performances by:
Nest of Singing Birds
82nd Airborne All-American Brass Quintet
Wake & District Raleigh Pipe Band
N.C. Governor’s School Choir
Poet Zack Zachary
Family-Friendly Fun!
In addition to live music and cultural performances, the festival features loads of family-friendly fun, including:
Hurricanes KidZone, sponsored by the Carolina Hurricanes
Trolley tours of historic downtown 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 evening fireworks at Dix Park organized by the City of Raleigh.
This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
