Free Event
America 250-Ohio Signature Homecoming & Picnic
featuring the Columbus Symphony Celebrates America concert
Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 11 AM – 10 PM
Event Details
Celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial – its 250th birthday! – with a day of fun, food, and reflection as America 250-Ohio, in partnership with the City of Columbus, Ohio Statehouse, Ohio History Connection, Columbus Symphony, Columbus Commons, and CAPA, hosts a Signature Homecoming & Picnic event from 11 am to 10 pm Saturday, July 4 at the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Commons, and the Ohio Theatre.
Activities and performance are FREE; however, registration is required for the Columbus Symphony Celebrates America concert.
Interested in participating as a vendor? Apply now—applications are open.
Event Schedule
Signature Picnic & Activities | Ohio Statehouse
The Statehouse grounds will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, live musical entertainment including Columbus-based soul/funk supergroup HooDoo Soul Band, swing/traditional jazz combo The Whirlybirds, artisan vendors, food trucks, historical reenactors, and more.
Other highlights include Ohio Village Muffins vintage baseball, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
11 AM – Homecoming picnic & activities begin
Plan Your Visit: Ohio Statehouse
Film Screenings & Performances | Ohio Theatre
The Ohio Theatre will host free screenings, live performances, and historical and educational installations throughout the day. No tickets are required for these free engagements.
Schedule:
● 11 AM – Screening of Cars
● 2:30 PM – Beautiful Ohio: Music by Ohioans 1896-1926 performed by American Musical Productions
● 4:30 PM – Screening of Forrest Gump
Plan Your Visit: Ohio Theatre
Concert & Fireworks | Columbus Commons
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in grand style with a free evening of music, community, and fireworks featuring the Columbus Symphony.
Schedule:
● 6 PM – Doors open
● 8 PM – Columbus Symphony Celebrates America concert, featuring beloved American classics and special guest performers
● Following the concert – Fireworks display
Admission is FREE, but tickets are required for entry and will be scanned upon arrival.
Plan Your Visit: Columbus Commons
For more information on all the America250 activities happening throughout Ohio, visit www.america250-ohio.org.
Sponsored by:
Presented by:
