As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the North Carolina Symphony joins in marking the occasion by reflecting on this nation’s founding ideals. We invite all North Carolinians to celebrate the ingenuity, heroism, hope, and resilience that define the American spirit. With America 250, we honor the voices—past and present—that contribute to this ongoing narrative, tracing a thread of reflection and relevance.
One State, One Score
Be part of One State, One Score—a statewide virtual performance video honoring America 250. Create your unique take on “America the Beautiful” in any artistic medium. We can’t wait to see your video!Submission deadline is April 30.
Your North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Concert in Your Community of Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250 with music from timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.
PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR: Bank of America CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation
The Western Residency is a multi-county initiative that brings the North Carolina Symphony’s free concerts, education programs, and musician-led workshops to communities across Western North Carolina, serving students from preschool through high school and audiences of all ages.
The Western Residency is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250
FRI, APR 17, 2026 | 7:30PM PORTER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, INDIAN TRAIL
Your North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Concert in Your Community of Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250 with music from timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.
CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation
The Western Residency is a multi-county initiative that brings the North Carolina Symphony’s free concerts, education programs, and musician-led workshops to communities across Western North Carolina, serving students from preschool through high school and audiences of all ages.
The Western Residency is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The North Carolina Symphony will perform timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.
The North Carolina Symphony Classical Favorites Concert Celebrating America 250 is made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Appalachian Spring
FRI, MAY 8, 2026 | NOON & 8:00PM SAT, MAY 9, 2026 | 8:00PM MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Join us for a FREE concert in Tarboro celebrating America 250 featuring patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”
PRESENTING SPONSOR: Furman-Mathewson Memorial Trust of Edgecombe County Memorial Library CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation CONCERT PARTNER: Tarboro Savings Bank CONCERT SPONSORS: LS Cable & Systems, Warren Accounting Group CONCERT SUPPORTERS: Southern Bank, Margaret Anne and Billy Wooten CONCERT FRIENDS: The Chafin Family, Medical Edge Day Spa, Ann & Carl Warren
The North Carolina Symphony Patriotic Pops Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250
THU, JUN 11, 2026 | 7:30PM SOUTH LAWN, TRYON PALACE, NEW BERN
This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required
Join us for a FREE concert in New Bern celebrating America 250 featuring patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”
PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR: Bank of America CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: Tryon Palace
The North Carolina Symphony Patriotic Pops Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Patriotic Pops at Summerfest
FRI, JUN 12, 2026 | 8:00PM KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE, CARY
Subscription packages including this concert are on sale now—individual tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00am.
The North Carolina Symphony will perform a Patriotic Pops concert celebrating America 250. This program includes patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”
PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR: Bank of America SUMMERFEST PRESENTING SPONSOR: UNC Health SERIES SPONSOR: First Citizens Bank CONCERT SPONSOR: CEI – The Digital Office PICNIC OF THE WEEK SPONSOR: Wegmans HOSTED BY: Town of Cary
Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250
TUE, JUN 16, 2026 | 8:00PM NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, JACKSONVILLE
Join us for a FREE concert in Jacksonville celebrating America 250 featuring patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”
CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation CONCERT SPONSOR: First Bank CONCERT SPONSOR: Seaside Arts Council
The North Carolina Symphony Patriotic Pops Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250
THU, JUN 18, 2026 | 8:00PM SOUTHERN VILLAGE GREEN, CHAPEL HILL
This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required.
Join us for a FREE concert in Chapel Hill celebrating America 250 featuring patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”
PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR: Bank of America CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation CONCERT PARTNER: Southern Village CONCERT SPONSOR: Southern Village Homeowners Association
The North Carolina Symphony Patriotic Pops Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Stars & Stripes Celebrating America 250
THU, JUL 2, 2026 | 7:30PM WILSON CENTER, WILMINGTON
Join your North Carolina Symphony in Wilmington for a Stars & Stripes celebration honoring America 250. This festive performance highlights the ingenuity, heroism, hope, and resilience that define the American spirit, featuring all of your favorite patriotic classics.
PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR: Bank of America
In partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Independence Day Concert Celebrating America 250
FRI, JUL 3, 2026 | 8:30PM LAKE BENSON PARK, GARNER
This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required.
The North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Independence Day Concert in Your Community that celebrates America 250.
Host: Town of Garner; also supported by CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation
The North Carolina Symphony Independence Day Concerts are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Independence Day Concert Celebrating America 250
SAT, JUL 4, 2026 | 7:30PM KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE, CARY
This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required.
The North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Independence Day Concert in Your Community celebrating America 250 with patriotic music and a fireworks display over Symphony Lake.
CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation SUMMERFEST PRESENTING SPONSOR: UNC Health SERIES SPONSOR: First Citizens Bank HOSTED BY: Town of Cary
The North Carolina Symphony Independence Day Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Your North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Concert in Your Community of Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250 with music from timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.