Celebrating 250 Years of Independence
Jul 3rd - Jul 4th
Join Discovery Park of America in Commemorating America250
As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Discovery Park of America invites you to be part of a once-in-a-generation celebration.
This project is funded in part by a Tennessee America 250 Grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Through this statewide initiative, Tennessee communities are working together to honor the state’s role in shaping the nation’s history and future.
Through special exhibits, performances and community programming, Discovery Park will highlight the people, stories and spirit that have defined our state and our country. This yearlong celebration is part of America250, a national initiative recognizing 250 years of independence and progress. Discovery Park’s programming reflects Tennessee’s theme — “The Original Frontier” — and showcases our state’s deep roots in faith, innovation, agriculture and the arts.
Celebrate America 250 for Just $10 on July 3-4
Guests can enjoy admission to Discovery Park for $10 on July 3-4 during the museum’s America 250 Independence Weekend celebration. Discounted tickets must be purchased and redeemed at the gate and are not available online.
Independence Day Celebration
July 3–4, 2026
Celebrate freedom at Discovery Park’s biggest patriotic event of the year!
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$10 General Admission and extended hours until 7 p.m. on July 3-4
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The final night of Rhythm on the Rails on Friday, July 3
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Live concert by Hope MacGregor followed by headliner performer Mo Pitney, a nationally recognized country artist, FREE admission
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Living history demonstrations, reenactors, craftspeople and costumed performers bringing Tennessee’s story to life across the 50-acre heritage park
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Interactive scavenger hunt led by costumed actors, featuring immersive living-history storytelling and hands-on challenges for all ages
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Showcase of Student Creative Arts Contest finalists in partnership with Obion County, Union City and Lake County Schools, featuring patriotic works displayed throughout the weekend
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Fireworks promotion in partnership with the City of Union City at the Obion County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 4
This event blends art, music and storytelling for a family-friendly experience that celebrates the enduring values of freedom, faith and community.
Schedule of Events
Friday, July 3
11-11:30 a.m. | 52nd Regimental String Band perform | Liberty Hall Steps
12-12:20 p.m. | Eagle Riders Presentation: 13 Folds of the Flag | Freedom Square near Vietnam Memorial Monument
12:30-1:30 p.m. | Patriotic Sing-Along and Group Reading of the Declaration of Independence | Chapel
2-2:30 p.m. | Art Show Award Ceremony | Art Hall
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Conversation with James C. Harding, America’s Most-decorated Living Veteran | Military Gallery
3:45-4:15 p.m. | Conversation with Weston Watts, third-generation West Tennessee family entertainment entrepreneur who has reopened the Strand Theatre of Tiptonville, Tennessee | Military Gallery
5-6:30 p.m. | Historical Reenactor Academy | Chapel Lawn
5-9:30 p.m. | FREE Rhythm on the Rails concert featuring Mo Pitney | Train Depot Lawn
Saturday, July 4
12:30-1 p.m. | Living Historians “Rally for Liberty” | Freedom Square
1-1:20 p.m. | Eagle Riders Presentation: 13 Folds of the Flag | Freedom Square near Vietnam Memorial Monument
1:30-2 p.m. | Group Reading of Declaration of Independence | Liberty Hall
2-2:15 p.m. | Ringing of Liberty Bell | Liberty Hall
2:15-3 p.m. | Tea Party Reenactment and Living Historian Battle | Freedom Square and South Bridge
Friday-All Day
- American Flag, Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution giveaways while supplies last | Liberty Hall
- Vendors | Freedom Square
- Living Historians | Freedom Square
- Scavenger Hunt with costumed actors | Liberty Hall
- Signing of the U.S. Constitution | Liberty Hall
Saturday-All Day
- American Flag, Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution giveaways while supplies last | Liberty Hall
- Vendors | Freedom Square
- Living Historians | Freedom Square
- Scavenger Hunt with costumed actors | Liberty Hall
- Signing of the U.S. Constitution | Liberty Hall
- 52nd Regimental String Band performances | Freedom Square
About Col. James C. Harding
Col. Harding is America’s most-decorated living veteran. His long list of decorations and national recognitions includes the Air Force Cross, three Silver Stars, four Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit, nine Distinguished Flying Crosses and 40 Air Medals. His 23-year career included flying, teaching and command roles, including commander of the 1st Special Operations Squadron in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He flew 596 combat missions in Southeast Asia, including missions over North Vietnam in the O-1 Bird Dog and A-1 Skyraider. As a “Sandy” pilot and on-scene commander, Harding helped direct combat search-and-rescue missions for downed American aviators, including the famed rescue of Marine pilot Clyde Smith.
About Mo Pitney
Known for his neotraditional country sound and heartfelt lyrics, Mo Pitney brings authenticity, faith and family to the stage — values that resonate with Discovery Park’s audience. His music bridges generations of country fans and perfectly complements the patriotic spirit of the celebration.
With national recognition, a growing fan base and collaborations with artists like Ricky Skaggs and Jeff & Sheri Easter, Pitney is the ideal headliner for this Independence Day weekend.
Music Videos:
🎵 Boy & a Girl Thing (Official Music Video)
🎵 Old Home Place (Official Music Video)
🎵 Country (Official Music Video)
🎵Ain’t Bad for a Good Ol’ Boy (Official Music Video)
Special Exhibition
David Wright: Patriots to Pioneers — The First Tennessee Volunteers
June 30, 2026 – Feb. 1, 2027
Step back into the early days of our nation through the art of renowned historical artist David Wright.
This exhibition features original paintings and prints, including his recent collaboration with the Tennessee Daughters of the American Revolution, highlighting more than 370 men, women and children who supported the American Revolution and later became Tennessee’s earliest settlers.
The exhibition launches during Discovery Park’s Independence Day weekend celebration — setting the stage for a year of reflection, pride and discovery.
Free Admission for Veterans and Active Duty Military
Thanks to the Blue Star Museums initiative, currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families receive free admission this summer. The 2026 program will continue through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026.
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.
Reenactment Groups
Want to be part of this event? Whether you’re interested in becoming a vendor or participating as a living historian, reenactor or demonstrator we’d love to have you! Join us for Reenactor Academy on Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m. on the Chapel Lawn.
Honoring Tennessee’s Heritage
Throughout the year, Discovery Park’s Tennessee History Through the Years series will feature live performances by Masquerade Theatre actors portraying pivotal moments in American and Tennessee history.
These performances, along with exhibits and partnerships with schools and local organizations, reflect Discovery Park’s mission to inspire children and adults to see beyond while deepening civic pride and understanding of our shared past.
Our Celebrating 250 Years of Independence event is sponsored by Tech Plus, Walmart and Leaders Credit Union.
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