Free Event
America 250-Ohio Signature Homecoming & Picnic
featuring the Columbus Symphony Celebrates America concert
Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 11 AM – 10 PM
Weather Notice: Event plans may be affected by weather. Please check CAPA’s website and social media for the latest event information and any schedule changes.
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.
Event Schedule
Signature Picnic & Activities | Ohio Statehouse
Festivities on the Ohio Statehouse lawn begin at 11 am and include a variety of family-friendly activities, live musical entertainment featuring Columbus-based soul/funk supergroup HooDoo Soul Band and 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.
Schedule:
● 11 AM – Cannon Fire
● 11 AM – Muffins Baseball
● 1 PM – Columbus Jazz Youth Orchestra second line parade
● 1:15 PM – Columbus Jazz Orchestra performs
● 2:20 PM – Captain America & Wonder Woman
● 2:30 PM – Momentum performs
● 3:30 PM – Whirlybirds perform
● 5:30 PM – Hoodoo Soul Band performs
Plan Your Visit – Ohio Statehouse Parking Garage: The Ohio Statehouse Parking Garage (1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215) will offer parking for $5 on the day of the event. Free on-street parking may also be available due to the holiday. Click here for more details.
Film Screenings & Performances | Ohio Theatre
The Ohio Theatre opens at 10 am and 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 PM – Mighty Morton Organ Playing
● 4:30 PM – Screening of Forrest Gump
Plan Your Visit – Parking and Directions: 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
● 6 PM – Whirlybirds perform
● 8 PM – Columbus Symphony Celebrates America concert, featuring beloved American classics and special guest performers
● Following the concert – Fireworks display
Admission is FREE, but a ticket is required. All online tickets have been claimed! A limited number of tickets will be available in person at the event.
Plan Your Visit – Columbus Commons Main Garage Parking: The Columbus Commons Main Garage (55 E. Rich St.) is available for event parking at $10. Click here for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the food & beverage policy?
No alcohol is permitted on or near the State House lawn during the event (11 am – 7:00 pm).
For the evening CSO performance, patrons may bring their own food, beverages, alcohol, and/or coolers to all performances. Food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) can also be purchased from on-site Columbus Commons vendors and food trucks. Soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages can also be purchased at any of the CAPA bar stands during the show. Concessions are available through intermission. No alcohol consumption is permitted outside the park area.
How do I access my tickets for the Columbus Symphony Celebrates America concert?
Digital Tickets is the default delivery option for all ticket purchases.
Three Simple Steps to Access Your CAPA Digital Ticket Wallet:
- Log into wallet.capa.com with the same username/email and password you use to purchase tickets from CAPA Ticket Center. A link to your wallet can also be found in your order confirmation and ticketing account.
We also offer Login without a Password. Just provide the email address used to create your account and a one-time code will be sent to you. - After logging in on your mobile device, your tickets and ticket add-ons for all upcoming performances will be displayed in “My Events.”
- Tap on a performance to see your digital tickets. Your ticket wallet will automatically update with a QR code prior to the performance, and the ushers will use that code to scan you in for the show. A ticket will not be valid for entry without a QR code.
What am I allowed to bring into the Columbus Commons?
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. Low tables and coolers are permitted but may not be larger than 32″L x 19″W x 16″H. Coolers may not contain beverages totaling 50+ quarts. Pets are not allowed on the property during the CSO performance. Skateboards, solicitation or unauthorized sales, handbills, weapons, plastic tarps, tents, and the use of stakes are not permitted. Patrons who wish to smoke are asked to do so outside any of the entrance gates. Vaporizers are strictly prohibited. Columbus ordinance forbids smoking near building entrances. Flash cameras, cell phones, laser pointers, and/or video and audio recorders of any kind are not permitted during the performance.
Accessibility Accommodations
Accessible seating: South lawn is accessible via ramps on south and north end. North lawn accessible via ramps on south end of north lawn. ADA-designated seating areas in the southern part of the north lawn.
Accessible entrances: All entrances accessible.
Accessible restrooms: Located behind Jeni’s Scoop Shop. Temporary ADA restrooms may also be added on the east entrance, by the Town and Damien intersection.
Audio description & ASL services: Available upon request, with reasonable notice by contacting access@capa.com.
Listening devices: At FOH green tent, ask technician for a device.
Braille Programs: Ask a volunteer for a copy. If you need a Braille program for another Symphony-related event, please email nhickman@columbussymphony.com
For more information on all the America250 activities happening throughout Ohio, visit www.america250-ohio.org.
Sponsored by:
Presented by:
