America 250 celebrations span from local art to global tributes
From Alabama to Italy, America 250 celebrations showcase art, drone shows, and innovation for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
It will be a Fourth of July like no other.
America’s 250th birthday is bringing on an unprecedented celebration as the nation gathers to mark the semiquincentennial of the United States. The typical barbeque fare and red-white-and-blue can be expected on Saturday, July 4, but many cities have big events planned for this historic Independence Day weekend.
Here are a few of the key events to know as the nation hosts one big birthday party.
Fireworks everywhere!
Perhaps the most iconic emblem of July 4 is a nighttime sky full of fireworks, and this year will be no exception. The nation’s capital expects a spectacular showcase of colorful fireworks on the National Mall. It’ll be a late start for Washington DC’s fireworks on what is expected to be an extremely hot day, with the show not expected to start until roughly 10:30 p.m. ET. Officials say 850,000 firework shells will be launched from 10 sites, with the president calling it the largest fireworks show in history.
See more local plans for major fireworks: New York City | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | Atlanta
America 250 ‘Block Party’
Think of a classic gathering of neighbors for hot dogs and face painting, but this time it’s communities across the country coming together. America’s nationwide “Block Party” is set for July 3 and 4 across Milwaukee, Boston, New York City, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Charleston, South Carolina; and a keystone event in Los Angeles hosted by Queen Latifah.
The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website. Tickets are $17.76 and free for first responders, veterans, and service members.
Don’t see a block party in your town? You can sign up to host your own and receive a hosting kit from America 250.
A presidential speech
President Donald Trump has promised to deliver a “really long speech” on July 4 at the National Mall despite triple-digit heat forecasts for Washington. Trump’s speech is scheduled to begin until 9:45 p.m. ET. Here’s how to watch.
A summertime ball drop
No, it’s not New Year’s Eve. But a ball drop is scheduled as part of CNN’s “Independence Eve Live with Anderson & Andy: Celebrating 250” event co-hosted by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
Throughout the night, the hosts will welcome special guests, including cultural icons and everyday Americans whose stories reflect the country’s history and diversity. CNN correspondents stationed across the nation will also provide live reports from local celebrations.
The patriotic ball drop is scheduled to air at midnight ET on CNN as July 3 turns into July 4 in Times Square. Watch on Thursday from 8 p.m. ET through 12:30 a.m. ET on CNN.
A Nashville-style throw down
Ryan Seacrest will help America celebrate its 250th birthday from the heart of Music City.
The Emmy Award-winning host is set to lead “Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash,” a live three-hour Independence Day special airing July 4 from downtown Nashville.
The special will air on July 4 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch on ABC, ABC News Live, the ESPN App, Freeform, FX and National Geographic. The special will also stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
World Cup fever
While the focus of the weekend is on all things America, the July 4 weekend will be packed with global energy as the U.S. continues to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Team USA won’t be on the pitch (here are all the matches set for July 4) but tune in as American cities welcome the world’s soccer fans.
How to find an event near you
Across the country, communities are hosting festivals, block parties, volunteer projects, exhibits and commemorative events as part of America250, the nationwide effort to mark the anniversary.
Anyone looking for July 3-4 celebrations can search the official America250 event calendar at America250.org/calendar.
Contributing: Mike Stunson, Anthony Thompson
