This summer, celebrate America’s 250th birthday by experiencing the events that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  American Village and America 250 Alabama present The Road to Independence. Tuesday-Saturday, June 2 – August 1. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, experience The Pursuit of Happiness. Boston, March 1776. The King’s army controls the city, and the patriots outside its walls are determined to take it back. In this moment, everyone, from shopkeepers to soldiers, will be forced to pick a side. In this immersive program, you’ll go undercover in the streets and households of occupied Boston to uncover a plot that could change the war. Will you risk everything for the Patriots and the pursuit of happiness, or remain loyal to the Crown? Step into history and witness the birth of a nation! The Independence Hall Experience begins in the West Wing, where the tension of colonial unrest builds, and an original short film brings the chaos of revolution to life. Then, experience a one-of-a-kind encounter where voices from all walks of life passionately share their views on independence—in a way you’ve never seen before. Finally, take your seat with the 2nd Continental Congress and find yourself right in the middle of the heated debate that would shape a new nation. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a little lighter experience for young patriots with colonial games and a Continental Army encampment, called “Life and Liberty.” Learn more about these special summer programs and purchase tickets here: www.americanvillage.org/summer-season-2026/  

Buy Your Tickets Today at SweetHome250.com! On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. Nationwide celebrations will mark this historic milestone, and the official event for the State of Alabama is being organized by the America 250 Alabama Commission. The centerpiece of Alabama’s celebration will be held at American Village in Montevallo. Sweet Home 250: Where Freedom Feels Like Home is a two-day music, arts & food festival happening on July 3-4, 2026. Sweet Home 250 will honor Alabama’s rich musical heritage by featuring artists from across the state, while celebrating our history, visual arts, and culinary traditions. See more at SweetHome250.com. Music! Over two unforgettable days, Sweet Home 250 will showcase 18 musical acts from across Alabama—featuring some of the finest artists our state has to offer. From legendary performers to rising stars, this lineup celebrates the rich musical tradition that makes Alabama one of America’s most influential musical homes. Taylor Hicks The Blind Boys of Alabama Chuck Leavell Myles Morgan PJ Spraggins and the Alabama Jazz All Stars Rick Carter and the Loveland Orchestra Lolly Lee Will McFarland and the Muscle Shoals All Stars Roman Street Act of Congress Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee Michael Warren Cole Spain Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir The Montevallo Community Band Crimson Pride Chorus Charlie Mato-Toyela Expressions of Freedom original song contest winners Celebrity Chefs’ Kitchen Jonathan Harrison is a chef from Columbiana, Alabama obsessed with southern food and local ingredients. After a run on Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef in 2022, Jonathan has been all over the world cooking and spreading the gospel of southern cooking. See Jonathan and other Alabama chefs cooking their hearts out (and letting you sample their creations!) at the Sweet Home 250 Celebrity Kitchen. It all takes place on Friday only! Eating Contests Think you can handle the cold? Step up and prove it! Watch (or compete) in the Blue Bell Brain Freeze Challenge. Brave contestants race against the clock to devour as many Blue Bell Vanilla Mini Ice Cream Cups as possible in just five minutes. It’s fast, it’s freezing, and it’s guaranteed to have the crowd cheering—and shivering! How many Priester’s mini pecan pies can you eat in five minutes? Priester’s is an Alabama original known for handcrafted pecan treats since 1935. What began as a small roadside stop in Fort Deposit has grown into one of the South’s most beloved pecan brands—still family-owned and rooted in tradition. An Alabama classic takes center stage at the Conecuh Little Chief Challenge. Contestants will race to eat as many legendary Conecuh Little Chief Premium Franks as possible in five minutes — and with sausage this good, who needs a bun? Perondi’s Stunt Dogs As seen on the Tonight Show, Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, the Queen Latifah Show, the Today Show, NatGeo Wild’s “World’s Greatest Dogs”, top trick dog on the CW’s “World Dog Awards”, Animal Planet’s “Funniest”, “Amazing Pets”, and a winner on “Pet Star” with Mario Lopez. The dogs have also starred in commercials for Animal Planet, Suzuki, Stargate Studios in the Lucy Pet Foundation’s SuperBowl commercial and have performed for millions in the 2014 annual “Rose Parade”. They have also been featured in Sports Illustrated Magazine, Dog Fancy, Dogs for Kids, National Geographic Kids, in the USA Today, and 100’s of regional TV, radio and newspapers across North America! Catch 3 performances each day – Friday and Saturday. America’s Stories From the fiery echoes of Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” to the triumph of Olympic legend Jesse Owens, these 30-minute stories celebrate the people and moments that shaped our home and our nation. With more than 100 stories presented across the festival, history comes alive the way it was meant to be—one story at a time. Experience these powerful moments in remarkable settings, including replica venues of Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Church, and the East Room of the White House. Hear firsthand accounts from the giants of 1776—Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Abigail Adams—and discover the hidden Alabamian threads woven into the American story. From the soaring bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen to Gálvez and the Gulf—the Revolutionary War battle fought in Alabama Territory—these stories connect our state to the larger American tapestry. Short, powerful, and unforgettable—each story invites you to step into the moments that defined a nation. James Spann and the Weather That Shaped America (Saturday only) Theatre Huntsville presents scenes from “1776” Sloss Furnaces Vulcan Park & Museum The Clotilda Story Heart of Dixie Railroad Moundville Rick Burgess discusses the Black Robed Regiment American Servicemen Living History Museum The Shaping of Uncle Sam Building Independence: Recreating America’s Most Historic Room Freedom Friends children’s book author Cameron Marasco Author Betty Bolté highlights the life of pioneering Revolutionary-era printer Mary Katherine Goddard Author and historian Mike Bunn talks about The Fourteenth Colony Sports anchor Jeff Speegle conducts a panel on The Iron Bowl and MORE! Art Experiences Inside the Portrait Gallery of Independence Hall, visitors can experience a special exhibition honoring America’s 250th birthday. The gallery will feature the winners of the statewide Expressions of Freedom painting contest, newly created works inspired by the 250th, a commemorative quilt crafted by quilting guilds across Alabama, artwork on loan from museums across the state, and original pieces from the American Village collection. Kids’ Zone At Sweet Home 250, children won’t just watch the celebration — they’ll jump right into the action. The Kids’ Zone is packed with hands-on fun, interactive learning, and high-energy entertainment designed to spark imagination and excitement all day long. Young guests can enjoy: ★ A lively puppet show filled with patriotic storytelling ★ An action-packed, interactive reenactment of Paul Revere’s Ride ★ Classic festival games, including cornhole and giant Jenga ★ Thrilling stunt dog show that will have the whole family cheering ★ Up-close encounters with some incredible birds featuring the Auburn University Raptor Center From lively entertainment to larger-than-life games and live animal experiences, the Kids’ Zone blends fun, learning, and freedom

Step into history and witness the birth of a nation! This state-of-the-art, interactive experience uses cutting-edge technology and special effects to fully immerse visitors in the fight for independence. This docent-led experience begins in the West Wing of Independence Hall, where the tension of colonial unrest builds, and an original short film brings the chaos of revolution to life. Then, step into a one-of-a-kind encounter where voices from all walks of life passionately share their views on independence—in a way you’ve never seen before, but we won’t spoil the surprise. Finally, take your seat with the 2nd Continental Congress and find yourself right in the middle of the heated debate that would shape a new nation. Independence awaits… how will you decide? The Independence Hall Experience is offered at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm during regular operating hours. Total tour time is 1 hour and 20 minutes. The Independence Hall Experience is included in your regular admission to American Village. No separate ticket needed. You will receive a wristband when you pay admission, with the tour time of your choice.