Big July 4 Celebration in Columbus Set for Nation’s 250th Birthday

Our capital city celebrates the Fourth of July in style this year with its Signature Homecoming & Picnic Event, a day of fun, food and patriotism that will include gatherings at the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Commons and Ohio Theater.

Presented by America 250-Ohio in partnership with the city of Columbus, Ohio Statehouse, Ohio History Connection, Columbus Symphony and CAPA, the July 4 event will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Activities on the Ohio Statehouse grounds and in the Ohio Theatre begin at 11 a.m., while the events at Columbus Commons begin at 6 p.m.)

“We are excited to invite the Columbus community and all Ohioans to come together for a special celebration in our capital city,” America 250-Ohio Commission co-chair Doug Preisse said in an April 10 press release. “This milestone is more than a birthday — it's an opportunity to shine a light on the amazing contributions Ohio has made to the nation and the world.”

Visit the Ohio Statehouse grounds for family activities, live music, food trucks, historical reenactors and artisan vendors. An Ohio Village Muffins old-time baseball game, a performance by the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and a reading of the Declaration of Independence are among the day’s highlights.

The Ohio Theatre hosts free movie screenings, live performances and historical and educational installations all day. Enjoy the movies “Cars” (11 p.m.)or “Forrest Gump” (4:30 p.m.). Or check out American Musical Productions’ performance of “Beautiful Ohio: Music by Ohioans 1896-1926” at 2:30 p.m. (Tickets are not required for these free events.)  

As evening arrives, the Columbus Commons welcomes hosts evening of free live music performances capped by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Celebrates America at 8 p.m. the free concert of patriotic music will be followed by a fireworks show. (This is a free concert, but tickets must be reserved by visiting capa.com/america250.)

Visit america250-ohio.org/picnic or capa.com/america250-ohio for more information.

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