Celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial – its 250^th birthday! – with a day of fun, food, and reflection as America 250-Ohio 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.

This event is presented by America 250-Ohio in partnership with the City of Columbus, Ohio Statehouse, Ohio History Connection, Columbus Symphony, Columbus Commons, and CAPA.

Activities on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse and in the Ohio Theatre will begin at 11 am.

The Statehouse grounds will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, live musical entertainment including Columbus-based soul/funk supergroup HooDoo Soul Band, swing/hot jazz combo the Whirlybirds, artisan vendors, food trucks, historical reenactors, and more. Other highlights include an Ohio Village Muffins vintage baseball game, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The Ohio Theatre will host free screenings, live performances, and historical and educational installations throughout the day. Screenings include Cars at 11 am and Forrest Gump at 4:30 pm. American Musical Productions will perform Beautiful Ohio: Music by Ohioans 1896-1926 at 2:30 pm. Tickets are not required for these free engagements.

The day’s activities will continue at 6 pm on Columbus Commons. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for an evening of performances, capped by Columbus Symphony Celebrates America at 8 pm, a free concert of patriotic music by the Columbus Symphony, followed by a fireworks show. This is a free concert, but tickets must be reserved by visiting www.capa.com/america250.

An outdoor bar and food trucks will be available on the Commons, as well.

“”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. “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. Our July 4 event will honor American history and Ohio history through music, art, exhibits, film and food. This is a once-in-a-generation experience you won’t want to miss!”

This event is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Cenovus Energy and Supporting Sponsors The Worthington Companies Foundation, Columbus City Council, The Marzetti Company, and Ohio’s 529 Savings Plan, CollegeAdvantage.