Virginia Capitol will host a Fourth of July celebration

Virginia's State Capitol grounds will host a Fourth of July celebration this year, its first since the 1800s.

Why it matters: The family-friendly and free event will also serve as the state's official kickoff for the U.S.' 250th birthday, coming in hot in 2026.

• And this will be the only year a Fourth of July celebration happens in Richmond as part of Virginia's 250th anniversary events.

State of play: On July 4, (a Thursday this year), Capitol Square will transform into a "grand festival," as envisioned by founding father John Adams more than 200 years ago, a spokesperson for the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission tells Axios.

Zoom in: The event will be divided into two sections. An old timey festival will take place from 5-7pm, with popup museums from more than 20 institutions across the state, dancing, spoken word and food trucks, including Gelati Celesti.

• The Richmond-based ice cream shop created an official flavor for the event, Apple Doodle Dandy, made from Virginia apples, and they'll be scooping it up on the Fourth.
• Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg's Kurt Smith) will be there, too. He designed the state Capitol, after all.

From 7-9pm, attendees will be treated to a trio of drum performances from Virginia's state-recognized tribes , West African drum and wellness group The DAY Program and Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums .

• Quantico Marine Band, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and the new Fellowship Gospel Choir will also perform.
• "PBS NewsHour" Co-Anchor Geoff Bennett will emcee the event, with keynote speeches from folks including VA250 National Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina .

Organizers hope the event reminds locals that "Virginia's story is America's story. "

If you go: The event is at the state Capitol on July 4 from 5-9pm. Admission, parking (at the lot at 14th and Main) and shuttle service are free. RSVPs are requested .