See photos from Raleigh’s celebration of July Fourth and America’s 250th birthday
By Robert Willett ,
Ethan Hyman and
Ben Pennington
North Carolina Sec. of State Elaine Marshall, waves her flag during the First in Freedom Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C.
Robert Willett
rwillett@newsobserver.com
America turned 250 on July 4, and revelers attended celebrations in Raleigh, despite the record heat.
Celebrations kicked off Saturday with the First in Freedom Parade that made its way through downtown. U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Caper was the grand marshal. He’s a Vietnam War veteran who was recently awarded the Medal of Honor.
Freedom Fest was held at the North Carolina State Capitol as part of the country’s Semiquincentennial, offering music, historic exhibits and food trucks.
Check back through the day and evening for more photos.
David Capen, from the North Carolina Department Labor, waves the American Flag, during the First in Freedom Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The First in Freedom Parade makes its way down Fayetteville Street on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Parade attendees watch the Wake & District Pipe Band as they march along Salisbury Street in front of the State Capitol, during the First in Freedom Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Yoshihiro Lincourt sweats in his wagon during the during the Freedom Fest, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, at the North Carolina State Capitol, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Ice cold water was in abundance during the Freedom Fest gathering, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, at the North Carolina State Capitol, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Stetson Salestron of Wendell, NC uses a handheld fan to keep cool during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, at the North Carolina State Capitol, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Kevin Cherry stands for the Pledge of Allegiance during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
With temperatures nearing the triple digit mark, Johnathan Thatcher fans Joseph Gavazzi during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, at the North Carolina State Capitol, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Dan Nelson works on his painting of the North Carolina State Capitol during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Tintin Fu of Chapel Hill, displays this patriotism with his American Flags, during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Courtney Reid and her eight-year-old daughter Adaline Reid of Vass, NC stand for the National Anthem during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The Carolina Hurricanes provided a popular attraction for festival attendees, a bounce house, during the Freedom Fest 250, celebrating the country’s Semiquincentennial, at the North Carolina State Capitol, on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
