West Virginia Celebrates Freedom 2026
West Virginia is thrilled to announce a larger-than-life event to celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex July 2-5
America’s Night to Shine
Join us for two unforgettable nights of fireworks and fun at the Capitol City Celebration along the beautiful Kanawha Riverfront. We’re lighting up the skies in honor of America250, marking our nation’s milestone birthday. Bring your friends, your family, and your patriotic spirit as we celebrate America in spectacular style
Featured Artists
Headlining acts such as Alabama and The Marshall Tucker Band will take the stage for a weekend of jaw-dropping musical performances in front of our shining Capitol dome. This is a musical lineup you won’t want to miss, so find a spot under the stars and get ready to sing along to some Mountain Music.
America250 Big Wheel
The World’s Largest Portable Observation Wheel
At over 230 feet tall, the America250 Big Wheel is sure to provide stunning views of our home among the hills. Take a FREE ride to the top and enjoy those break-taking mountain views.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION
Thursday, July 2
🌭 5–10 PM | Midway Eats & Treats — Culture Center Lawn
🛍️ 5–10 PM | Artisan Market — Big Wheel Plaza
🖼️ 5–8 PM | State Capitol Tour — Lower Rotunda, State Capitol (enter from west wing; tours every half hour)
🎤 5 PM | Concert: The Local Honeys — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 6 PM | Concert: Bob Thompson — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 7 PM | Concert: Rylee Bapst — Big Wheel Stage
💡 9–10 PM | Liberty & Lights Show — Boulevard Stage (shows every 15 minutes)
Friday, July 3
🌭 10 AM–10 PM | Midway Eats & Treats — Culture Center Lawn
🛍️ 10 AM–10 PM | Artisan Market — Big Wheel Plaza
🖼️ 10 AM–8 PM | State Capitol Tour — Lower Rotunda, State Capitol (enter from west wing; tours every half hour)
🎤 12 PM | Concert: Matthew Malinoski — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 2 PM | Concert: Hot Jazz of Charleston — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 4 PM | Concert: Mark Price — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 6:30 PM | Concert: Philip Bowen — Boulevard Stage
🎤 7:30 PM | Concert: ALABAMA — Boulevard Stage
🎭 7:30 PM | 1776, The Musical — Culture Center Theater (Charleston Light Opera Guild; ticket required)
💡 9–10 PM | Liberty & Lights Show — Boulevard Stage (shows every 15 minutes)
🎇 10 PM | Fireworks Extravaganza — Boulevard Stage
Saturday, July 4
🌭 10 AM–10 PM | Midway Eats & Treats — Culture Center Lawn
🛍️ 10 AM–10 PM | Artisan Market — Big Wheel Plaza
🖼️ 10 AM–8 PM | State Capitol Tour — Lower Rotunda, State Capitol (enter from west wing; tours every half hour)
🎤 12 PM | Concert: Woodbine — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 2 PM | Concert: Two Roommates — Big Wheel Stage
🎭 2 PM | 1776, The Musical — Culture Center Theater (Charleston Light Opera Guild; ticket required)
🎤 4 PM | Concert: Been Fishin’ — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 5 PM | Concert: West Virginia National Guard Band — Boulevard Stage
🇺🇸 6 PM | America250 Ceremony — Boulevard Stage
🎤 8 PM | Concert: West Virginia Symphony Orchestra — Boulevard Stage
💡 9–10 PM | Liberty & Lights Show — Boulevard Stage (shows every 15 minutes)
🎇 10 PM | Fireworks Extravaganza — Boulevard Stage
Sunday, July 5
🌭10 AM–10 PM | Midway Eats & Treats — Culture Center Lawn
🛍️ 10 AM–10 PM | Artisan Market — Big Wheel Plaza
🖼️ 10 AM–8 PM | State Capitol Tour — Lower Rotunda, State Capitol (enter from west wing; tours every half hour)
🎤 12 PM | Concert: Jim & Valerie Gabehart — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 2 PM | Concert: Jordan Dyer Trio — Big Wheel Stage
🎭 2 PM | 1776, The Musical — Culture Center Theater (Charleston Light Opera Guild; ticket required)
🎤 4 PM | Concert: Bronco Junction — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 5 PM | Concert: Sasha Colette — Big Wheel Stage
🎤 6 PM | Concert: Brett Mahon — Boulevard Stage
🎤 7 PM | Concert: The Marshall Tucker Band — Boulevard Stage
💡 9–10 PM | Liberty & Lights Show — Boulevard Stage (shows every 15 minutes)
