North Carolina will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in a bold and patriotic way as the “First in Freedom” July 4th Parade.
North Carolina will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in a bold and patriotic way as the “First in Freedom” July 4th Parade marches through Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, July 4, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM.
Serving as North Carolina’s signature America 250 celebration, the parade will honor both the rich history of the state and the enduring spirit of the nation. The event will bring together communities from across North Carolina for a once-in-a-generation celebration of freedom, unity, heritage, and civic pride.
The approximately 1.4-mile parade route through Downtown Raleigh will feature a vibrant lineup of:
- Patriotic-themed entries
- Representations of North Carolina history and heritage
- Iconic and cultural themes
- Marching bands and musical performances
- Civic and community organizations
- Veterans and military participation
- Youth groups, local leaders, and special guests
- And more
Organizers are inviting participation from all one hundred North Carolina counties, along with community groups, cultural organizations, performers, schools, and civic leaders from across the state.
“This parade is an opportunity to celebrate the people, stories, and traditions that define North Carolina and America,” said Department of Labor Commissioner Luke Farley. “As we commemorate 250 years of independence, we are proud to support a unifying event that welcomes communities from every corner of our state.”
The event will be free and open to the public, with tens of thousands of spectators expected to attend throughout Downtown Raleigh.
The “First in Freedom” July 4th Parade is sponsored by the Celebrate America Foundation, with support from North Carolina General Assembly and the North Carolina Department of Labor.
Additional event details, volunteer opportunities, and spectator information will be announced in the coming weeks.