On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year, Americans celebrate this historic date in a variety of ways.
The following is a list of events offered for Independence Day 2026. Check our Base Guide to find your local installation and see what events may be planned near you for July 4th.
Washington, D.C. and Environs
The National Independence Day Parade returns at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, 2026, along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW. For additional information, visit july4thparade.com. The parade starts at 3rd St. NW and Constitution Ave., runs south along 3rd St. SW to Independence Ave., heads west at Independence Ave., and ends at 12th St. SW.
The National Park Service will host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration, weather permitting, on the National Mall beginning at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Viewing areas on the National Mall near the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool will be accessible only through secure access points. Click here for more details and see a list of other viewing areas here.
The 45th annual edition of A Capitol Fourth, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on PBS, begins at 8 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2026. The star-studded salute to Independence Day includes all-star musical and patriotic performances from pop, country, R&B, classical and Broadway artists. The program will be streaming on YouTube and on PBS here.
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, co-sponsored by the National Park Service, is held near the July 4 holiday. In 2026, the event runs from July 2-7. The theme for this year is “Youth and the Future of Culture.” For more information, visit festival.si.edu.
Related: The History of the Fourth of July
Other Events
Billed as “the nation’s biggest party,” the 50th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Viewers at home can tune into NBC’s national broadcast. See more details here.
Celebrate Independence Day 2026 with one of the largest fireworks shows in the country, the free family-friendly Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in downtown Nashville. It will feature pyrotechnics synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. Get details here.
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns for its 51st anniversary on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with fireworks over the Charles River. The event, which is free and open to the public, includes favorites from the Boston Pops, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and the Mugar Family Fireworks. Admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis. The live concert will start at 7 p.m. See more details here.
Celebrate the nation’s birth on historic Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg. On tap are a full day of patriotic festivities, including public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, and a fireworks display in the evening. More details here.
California’s largest fireworks show is displayed from four barges on San Diego Bay beginning at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 4, 2026. Bring your lawn chairs, friends and boats to watch from one of several locations. See more details here.
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