Alfonso Ribeiro talks A Capitol Fourth, America’s 250th & More

There are some television specials that have become traditions. But then there are the ones that have become part of America’s cultural fabric. For nearly half a century, A Capitol Fourth has managed to be both a massive concert and something much more meaningful - a celebration that feels less about spectacle and more about bringing people together, regardless of anything else.

That sense of unity was something host Alfonso Ribeiro kept coming back to when I caught up with him backstage ahead of this year’s A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration.

Standing inside the blissfully air-conditioned green room (a very welcome change from the Washington, D.C. summer heat outside), Ribeiro couldn’t hide his excitement about returning to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

“There’s no greater place to have a concert and have it be as patriotic, and as warm, and inviting for everyone to come and enjoy,” he told me. “It’s an incredible way to kick off America’s 250th birthday celebration.”

And let’s be one hundred percent honest, here - he’s not wrong.

This year’s special carries a little extra weight as it officially launches the nation’s Semi-quincentennial celebration. That’s a word I still have to slow down to pronounce correctly, by the way. (And had to have spell check make sure I wasn’t an insane person.)

But beyond the milestone anniversary, Ribeiro believes the enduring success of A Capitol Fourth comes down to something surprisingly simple.

“It’s first, recognizing that it’s a party,” he said. “And it’s a party for all. Everyone’s invited.”

And in a world of division, anger and fear, that’s something we can all get behind.

Rather than focusing on divisions, Ribeiro sees the annual PBS special as a celebration everyone can find themselves in. From country to rock, pop to Broadway, the musical lineup reflects the country’s diversity just as much as the tributes woven throughout the evening.

“We have such a diverse group of musicians,” Ribeiro explained. “Our tributes this year to the Artemis II crew… our veterans, our men and women of the Armed Forces, and our Olympians and Para-Olympians. It’s just an uplifting show that happens every year… It’s a party, it’s a great time, and it’s a celebration. (It’s) not just a show.”

That’s really what has allowed A Capitol Fourth to endure for 46 years.

Some may think of it as “the Fourth of July fireworks concert.” But the performances are really just one piece of a much larger picture. Every year, the special balances entertainment with stories of service, achievement, exploration and community. It’s epic without losing its heart. And yes it’s true, there are spectacular fireworks.

After wrapping this year’s hosting duties, Ribeiro is looking forward to something a little less high-energy for July 4th itself.

“I’ll probably be sleeping,” he laughed. “But spending it with the family… enjoying the Fourth of July festivities from home and watching all of the stuff on television.”

The break won’t last long, though. He’ll soon be back on our screens this fall for both  Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos. 

As for A Capitol Fourth, this year’s edition feels particularly significant. Yes, it’s a concert. Yes, it’s a fireworks spectacular. But as America begins celebrating its 250th birthday, it’s also a reminder that some traditions stick around because they continue to give people a reason to gather - whether it’s from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, the National Mall, a living room couch, or somewhere in between.

And in a world that often feels determined to remind us what separates us, that’s a tradition that’s absolutely worth holding onto.

A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration airs live Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m. ET from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Ribeiro hosts the annual special, which features an all-star lineup including Alfonso Ribeiro, Trace Adkins, Chicago, Patti LaBelle, Kool & The Gang, Carly Pearce, Alan Jackson, Angel Blue and more!