Celebrations Marking America’s 250th Anniversary

Organizers of Independence Day events focus on unity in a politically divided country. With grander displays and extended programs, celebrations mark the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.

The events start on Friday with festivities across the nation. Fireworks are planned at South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore. In Washington D.C., performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and Choral Arts Society of Washington will occur in front of the Capitol. In Times Square, the famous ball will drop multiple times to commemorate the anniversary.

Major Events

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

Macy’s 4th of July fireworks will light up over the Brooklyn Bridge, East River, and Hudson River. This show celebrates both the event’s 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250th.

The Boston Harborfest spans three days, highlighting re-enactors and musical performances and culminating with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Philadelphia hosts the Unity Concert for America featuring performers like Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Will Smith, and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

A Capitol Fourth kicks off with events on the Capitol’s West Lawn, including performances by notable groups and a fireworks display, airing on PBS.

The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island will feature Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo defending their titles. Festivities start at noon on Friday.

In Charlottesville, Virginia, a naturalization ceremony at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic estate, will include a keynote speech by Governor Abigail Spanberger and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The event streams live on Monticello’s YouTube channel.

On Saturday at 8 p.m., PBS will broadcast “America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together” from Colonial Williamsburg. Broadway star Kelli O’Hara and singer-songwriter Judy Collins, among others, will perform, complemented by a major fireworks display.

The Trump-supported group Freedom 250 will stream a Washington fireworks show at 10:30 p.m., launching 850,000 shells from ten sites, including along the Potomac River.

For the first time, the Times Square Ball will drop eight times, celebrating midnight in each U.S. time zone. Festivities start at 10 a.m. Eastern on Friday with the first drop for the Chamorro Time Zone. The final drop is scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday for American Samoa.