Six days. That is all that stands between today and one of the most significant moments in American history. On July 4, 2026, the United States turns 250 years old - and the celebrations planned for that weekend are unlike anything this country has seen in a generation.
Whether you are heading to Washington, watching from your living room, or hosting a backyard gathering, here is what you need to know.
The Big Stage: Washington, D.C.
The heart of the celebration is the National Mall, where the Great American State Fair - a 16-day event stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument - has been running since June 25 and continues through July 10, bringing together all 56 U.S. states and territories in a World's Fair-style gathering featuring a 110-foot Ferris wheel, a newly refurbished Smithsonian National Carousel, military demonstrations, and educational programming.
On the evening of July 4, the capstone celebration on the National Mall will feature spectacular flyovers, headline performances, and a fireworks finale - the official Salute to America: The Nation's 250th Birthday celebration.
The night before, on July 3, "A Capitol Fourth" - the star-studded concert on the National Mall - airs live on PBS and is open to the public in person.
New York City: A Ball Drop You've Never Seen Before
At 11:59 PM on July 3, the Times Square Ball will descend for the first time ever outside of New Year's Eve, lit in red, white, and blue with an America250 design. The historic drop will be followed by 2,000 pounds of confetti, fireworks, and the sound of Ray Charles' "America the Beautiful."
Then on July 4, Macy's fireworks will rise over the East River while tall ships anchor in the distance and the Blue Angels draw trails through the evening sky.
Los Angeles: America's Block Party
The America250 concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum features Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins, hosted by Queen Latifah - part of the national "America's Block Party" initiative encouraging communities everywhere to gather and celebrate.
How to Watch From Home
The July 3 Capitol Fourth concert streams live on PBS and the PBS app. The Times Square ball drop will be livestreamed nationally. The America250 Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show at One Times Square will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Find a Celebration Near You
America250's "America's Block Party" initiative has mapped local celebrations across all 50 states for July 3 and 4 - visit America250.org to find one near you or to register your own.
The Deeper Meaning
For the Christian community, this milestone carries a particular weight. Franklin Graham has been leading a 50-day national prayer initiative called "One Nation Under God," with a pastor from a different state leading a midday prayer every day from May 15 through July 4 - all 50 states, all 50 days, culminating on Independence Day itself.
America's founding documents speak of rights endowed by a Creator. Its best songs - from "This Land Is Your Land" to "America the Beautiful" - are prayers as much as they are anthems. As the fireworks go up on July 4, perhaps the most fitting thing any of us can do is exactly what Franklin Graham suggested: pause, give thanks, and ask for guidance for the next 250 years.
Related Articles: What Is Freedom 250? | Franklin Graham's 50-Day Prayer Initiative
