Watch the Flagship Concert from LA
The centerpiece of the national celebration is 'America's Block Party,' a massive benefit concert broadcast live from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Hosted by Queen Latifah, the show features a star-studded lineup including Chris Stapleton, The Smashing
Pumpkins, and Chaka Khan. The concert is designed to anchor celebrations happening nationwide and will culminate in a spectacular fireworks and drone show. You can stream it live on America250.org, the America's Block Party mobile app, and Twitch starting at 9:30 p.m. ET on July 4th. For those who prefer audio, iHeartRadio will carry the broadcast, making it accessible from anywhere.
Tune Into the New York Ball Drop
Kicking off the holiday, New York's Times Square is hosting a special 'Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show' on the evening of July 3rd. In a historic first, the iconic Times Square Ball will drop eight times to mark the arrival of midnight and July 4th in every U.S. time zone, from Guam to American Samoa. The event, featuring various performers, will be livestreamed on America250.org and the official mobile app. While there won't be public viewing in Times Square itself, the broadcast brings the unique energy of a New Year's Eve-style countdown to the nation's birthday celebration.
Experience History from Philadelphia
As the birthplace of the nation, Philadelphia is a hub of historical significance. On July 4th, a dedication ceremony for the official America250 Time Capsule will be held at Independence Hall. While physical attendance might be difficult last-minute, numerous local broadcasts and national news programs will feature live check-ins from the city. For those in the area, the city is buzzing with the Wawa Welcome America festival and the reopening of the First Bank of the United States. Check local listings for streams of the city's many celebratory events.
Catch a Classic TV Special
For a more traditional viewing experience, PBS is airing two major specials. On July 3rd, 'A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration' broadcasts live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, featuring Patti LaBelle, Kool and the Gang, and the National Symphony Orchestra. On July 4th, PBS will air 'America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together,' with narration by actor Richard Thomas and a special greeting from Ken Burns. Additionally, major networks like CBS, NBC, and CNN have scheduled extensive primetime coverage with live reports from celebrations across the country.
Find a Celebration in Your Own Backyard
America250 is a nationwide event, with an emphasis on local participation. The official America250.org website and its companion mobile app feature a 'Block Party' section where you can find officially registered local events in your state and community. State-level commissions in places like Alabama, Ohio, and Florida have calendars packed with parades, fireworks, historical reenactments, and community gatherings. The goal is to create the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in U.S. history, meaning there's likely a festive event happening closer to you than you think.
Go Digital with Online Exhibits and More
If you prefer a quieter day, you can still engage with the anniversary from home. Many of the major events, including the concerts in New York and Los Angeles, are available via free livestreams on platforms like America250.org, YouTube, and Twitch. The National Endowment for the Arts is partnering with libraries for reading lists and sponsoring virtual events, while the Smithsonian is launching new online exhibits. You can also explore the 'America's 250' storytelling initiatives from local news stations, which highlight community heroes and local history.
