By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Highlights from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office
June 22, 2026
Idaho’s Once-in-a-Lifetime Fourth of July
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of men signed their names to a document that changed the world.
This Fourth of July, we get to celebrate what came next.
In less than two weeks, Idahoans will gather in downtown Boise for the Idaho America250 Capitol Celebration. It’s a free, all-day event marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and a milestone none of us will see again. I invite you to join us and make it one to remember.
The day begins with the Veterans Entrepreneur Alliance Pancake Breakfast, followed by the Fourth of July Parade and an A-10 flyover. Throughout the day, the Capitol grounds will be filled with activities, exhibits, food vendors, and live entertainment showcasing incredible talent from Idaho.
I’m especially excited that Idaho’s own Josh Ritter will headline a free afternoon concert alongside a terrific lineup of Idaho musicians. The Idaho State Museum will also offer free admission, and the Capitol will be open with special displays and exhibits highlighting Idaho’s role in our nation’s story.
Events like this don’t happen without the support of dedicated volunteers. If you’d like to help out and be part of this historic celebration, I encourage you to sign up through our volunteer interest form below. Volunteers will receive a complimentary event t-shirt and play a critical role in helping make the day a success.
Event Highlights
- Veterans Entrepreneur Alliance Pancake Breakfast (7:00–10:00 a.m.)
- Fourth of July Parade featuring an A-10 flyover (10:00 a.m.)
- Free admission to the Idaho State Museum
- Capitol tours and special exhibits
- Food trucks and family activities
- Free concert featuring Josh Ritter and other Idaho artists
- Free and open to the public
Concert Schedule
11:30 a.m. – 25th Army Band
12:00 p.m. – Chad Marvin & EllieMae
12:30 p.m. – Jeff Crosby
1:30 p.m. – Afrosonics
2:15 p.m. – Josh Ritter
If you can’t make it to Boise, Idaho Public Television will broadcast the concert live statewide so Idahoans everywhere can join the celebration.
And if you’re spending the holiday closer to home, communities across Idaho are hosting America250 events and commemorations throughout the year. You can find a full calendar of activities at america250.idaho.gov.
Thank you to the many community partners, volunteers, artists, and organizations helping bring this celebration to life. We look forward to commemorating this historic anniversary and celebrating with Idahoans from every corner of our great state.
See you on the Fourth!
Phil McGrane
About Phil McGrane
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022. McGrane holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
