Kentucky Celebrates America250

Schedule

Sat Jul 04 2026 at 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

UTC-04:00
Location

Kentucky Historical Society Campus & Capital Plaza Hotel Green Space, Downtown Frankfort, KY | Frankfort, KY

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Celebrate Kentucky: A Day of History, Culture & Community
Start your weekend celebration on Friday, July 3rd, in downtown Frankfort at Liberty Hall-er America250 Music Festival! https://visitfrankfort.com/america-250-music-festival/
Join the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission for a full day of free family fun in historic downtown Frankfort! From the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library to the Old State Capitol grounds, this celebration brings Kentucky's rich heritage to life through tours, talks, performances, and activities for all ages.
Explore History — Dig into Kentucky's past with genealogy workshops, gallery talks on topics ranging from the Civil War to Kentucky fashion, and guided tours through historic cemeteries and downtown landmarks. Visit the Oral History Listening Booth, pick up a free copy of the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, or try your hand at a scavenger hunt.
Discover the Collections — Drop into the Keeneland galleries for expert-led talks on Daniel Boone, the Burgoyne Cannon, and the Weight of Old Glory. Explore A Kentucky Journey and the Civil War Governors of Kentucky exhibitions with special tours running throughout the day.
Fun for the Whole Family — Head to the Cralle Day Garden for dancing lessons with the Capital City Historic Dancers, kids' activities, historic games, giant checkers, Jenga, and cornhole. Collect stamps in your Hands on History Passport while enjoying a myriad of activities in both galleries and Commonwealth Hall.
Step Back in Time — Join us on the Old State Capitol Lawn to watch KY Corp of Longriflemen firing demonstrations and enjoy a free hot dog while supplies last! Experience living history through Chautauqua performances featuring Henry Clay, Charlotte Dupuy, Abraham Lincoln, and Loretta Lynn. Chautauqua programs are funded in part by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
End the Day with a Bang — The evening culminates in an unforgettable celebration on the Capital Plaza Hotel Green Space. First, enjoy a mainstage performance by Walker Montgomery. The night closes with a stirring program featuring The Louisville Orchestra. Dr. Everett McCorvey will sing the National Anthem and "America the Beautiful," and Ben Sollee will perform "My Old Kentucky Home." Governor Andy Beshear will give welcoming remarks, followed by orchestral selections and a grand fireworks finale set to music.
PLEASE NOTE
• No coolers permitted
• No tents or canopies allowed
• Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome—please bring your own seating
• No pets allowed
• No glass containers allowed
Food & Beverage Options
Food Vendors
Fistful of Tacos – Serving hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, tacos, and stir-fried noodles.
Free hot dogs starting at 11:30 on the Old State Capitol Lawn (while supplies last).
Full menu service opens around 2:00 PM in the Green Space
FarmCut Kitchen – Serving BBQ beginning at 2:00 PM.
Mr. Tea – Fresh iced teas and lemonades beginning at 2:00 PM.
Beer Garden
The Beer Garden opens at 2:00 pm. Beer service provided by Sig Luscher.
All daytime activities are free and open to the public. EVENT LINEUP SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Events take place across the KHS Campus and the Capital Plaza Hotel Green Space in Downtown Frankfort, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. Visit https://history.ky.gov/events/kentucky-celebrates-america250 for updated schedules and more information.
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Where is it happening?

Kentucky Historical Society Campus & Capital Plaza Hotel Green Space, Downtown Frankfort, KY, 420 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601-2837, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

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Kentucky Historical Society
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