American Independence Weekend

American flags at the folk park
Date
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2026
Time
10:00 to 17:00
Event type
Free for members
This year, on the 4th July, marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence took place. Discover how those who called Ulster home helped influence the creation of a new and independent America. 

Family Fun 

A day for all the family, enjoy games and activities including traditional swing boats, a mobile shooting range, face painting and crafts. Listen to live music at the Frontier and hear a re-enactment reading of the Declaration of Independence by one of our costumed characters. We'll also be joined by Paula McIntyre for 'Hamely Kitchen', a modern interpretation of classic Appalachian dishes inspired by Ulster migrants. Enjoy a BBQ in the Park or go for lunch in the museum café, plus pick up a souvenir of your visit in our Gift Shop. 

A man dressed in period costume reading a script

 

Historical Displays 

Watch firing displays by the Minstrel Boys Living History Group as they perform re-enactments throughout the day. Find out more about the American Revolutionary War as the group exhibits uniforms and weapons from the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. Explore the weapons table and learn about the progression of firearms from the 1600s, all the way to the 1900s. 

A man dressed in period costume doing a firing re-enactment display

 

Curator Talk 

Talk to our Curator of Emigration about the impact American Independence had on Indigenous and African Americans and whether Independence Day is really a cause for celebration. View the Presidential Portraits display in the Emigrants exhibition - a brand new display coming to the Ulster American Folk Park, especially for this year.

American Flag

Independence Day: A Cause for Celebration?

The fourth of July is when many Americans across the world celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. But is it a cause for celebration?

Book Tickets

Come along to the Folk Park on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July for our American Independence Weekend

A lady in costumed dress sitting beside a spinning wheel
Images shown are from past events and give a general idea only. The set‑up for this event may differ.
A male costumed guide at the Ulster American Folk Park. He's dressed in indigenous clothes from the time of American Independence 250 years ago.
 
Kids playing in a grassy area, throwing bean bags onto a red, white and blue painted wooden board, aiming for the hole in the board. All three kids are wearing shorts and sun hats.
 
A lady in costumed dress sitting beside a spinning wheel
Images shown are from past events and give a general idea only. The set‑up for this event may differ.

Everything you need to know

about American Independence Weekend at the Ulster American Folk Park

This event will take place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July from 10:00 to 17:00.

For all ages, and a great day out for families!

Maker Café will be putting on a 'BBQ in the Park' or the museum café will be open.

We recommend pre-booking tickets for this event through the ticket link.

This event is in partnership with US-NI 250 and the Department for Communities.

Related content

Our STORIES OF US programme is part of the wider USA-NI250 commemorations and made possible thanks to funding from: 
Logos for USANI, DFC and FODC