Virginia Capitol will host a Fourth of July celebration
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The Virginia State Capitol. Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images
Virginia's State Capitol grounds will host a Fourth of July celebration this year, its first since the 1800s.
Why it matters: The family-friendly and free event will also serve as the state's official kickoff for the U.S.' 250th birthday, coming in hot in 2026.
- And this will be the only year a Fourth of July celebration happens in Richmond as part of Virginia's 250th anniversary events.
State of play: On July 4, (a Thursday this year), Capitol Square will transform into a "grand festival," as envisioned by founding father John Adams more than 200 years ago, a spokesperson for the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission tells Axios.
Zoom in: The event will be divided into two sections. An old timey festival will take place from 5-7pm, with popup museums from more than 20 institutions across the state, dancing, spoken word and food trucks, including Gelati Celesti.
- The Richmond-based ice cream shop created an official flavor for the event, Apple Doodle Dandy, made from Virginia apples, and they'll be scooping it up on the Fourth.
- Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg's Kurt Smith) will be there, too. He designed the state Capitol, after all.
From 7-9pm, attendees will be treated to a trio of drum performances from Virginia's state-recognized tribes, West African drum and wellness group The DAY Program and Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums.
- Quantico Marine Band, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and the new Fellowship Gospel Choir will also perform.
- "PBS NewsHour" Co-Anchor Geoff Bennett will emcee the event, with keynote speeches from folks including VA250 National Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina.
Organizers hope the event reminds locals that "Virginia's story is America's story. "
If you go: The event is at the state Capitol on July 4 from 5-9pm. Admission, parking (at the lot at 14th and Main) and shuttle service are free. RSVPs are requested.