Celebrate America 250 with these events, exhibits in NC

This year's Fourth of July celebration is extra-special as it marks America's 250th birthday. Celebrations dubbed America 250 will be popping up across the country. 

July 4: First in Freedom Parade - This downtown Raleigh parade is being organized by the NC Department of Labor and will precede "Freedom Fest." 

July 4: Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest - An all‑day event at the State Capitol in Raleigh marking the United States' 250th birthday. Organizers say it’s a chance to honor North Carolina’s ‘First in Freedom’ legacy while celebrating arts, history, and culture.

July 3: America's 250th Cary Patriotic Celebration - Presented by Cary Town Band, this free, annual patriotic concert will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, featuring a guest narrator and multimedia elements at Cary Arts Center.July 4: Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre July 4th Celebration- AFourth of July celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre with performances by the North Carolina Symphony and the Cary Town Band.  There will be family activities and concessions and fireworks over Symphony Lake.  General Admission lawn seating is free and a ticket is not required. 

May 26-August: Local & State History’s America 250 NC Exhibits - These on display now through the end of August 2026 at the Cumberland County Public Library. Stop by to explore fascinating stories, unique artifacts and the people and moments that shaped our state and nation.

January-December: Goldston America 250 Film Series - Join the Chatham Community Library for this Goldston America 250 Film Series, hosted every fourth Tuesday, January-December 2026, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Various dates: Village of Pinehurst NCDNCR America 250 Exhibits - The Village of Pinehurst will be displaying two of the NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources exhibits throughout 2026.

June 8-July 17: America 250 Art Exhibition at Wake Forest Renaissance Centre - The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will be displaying selected works that answer the question, “What does America mean to you?” for its America 250 Art Exhibit.