Independence Day Events

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 2024. 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

National Independence Day Parade

The National Independence Day Parade returns from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 2024, along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW. For additional information, visit july4thparade.com.

July 4th Fireworks on the National Mall

The National Park Service will host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration, weather permitting, on the National Mall beginning at 9:09 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2024. 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.

A Capitol Fourth Concert

The 44th annual edition of A Capitol Fourth, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on PBS, welcomes back iconic actor and television host Alfonso Ribeiro to host and perform beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 2024. 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 also feature “A Salute to American Heroes Past and Present” to celebrate military veterans throughout U.S. history. This special program will honor a WWII veteran from D-Day; as well as an original “Rosie the Riveter,” Mae Krier, who received the Congressional Gold Medal in April 2024. The party will be capped off with a fireworks show over our nation’s capital. It is free and open to the public. The program will be streaming on YouTube and on PBS here.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, co-sponsored by the National Park Service, is held near the July 4 holiday. In 2024, the event runs from Wednesday, June 26, through Monday, July 1. The theme for this year is “Indigenous Voices of the Americas: Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian,” highlighting the living traditions of Indigenous peoples. This year is the 20th anniversary of the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit festival.si.edu or call 202-633-6440.

Related: The History of the Fourth of July

Other Events

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks

Billed as "the nation's biggest party," the 48th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Viewers at home can tune into NBC's national broadcast. See more details here. In 2023, pyrotechnics were launched from barges stationed on the East River centered around Midtown Manhattan for a 25-minute spectacle synchronized to a musical score.

Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4 Nashville

​​​​​​Celebrate Independence Day 2024 with headliner Chris Young along with YOLA, Girl Named Tom, Blessing Offor, and more at the free family-friendly Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in downtown Nashville. The event features one of the largest fireworks shows in the country, with the pyrotechnics synchronized to a live performance by the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony. Get details here.

Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns for its 50th anniversary on Thursday, July 4, 2024, with fireworks over the Charles River. The event, which is free and open to the public, includes performances by Darlene Love, The Mavericks, and Kelli O’Hara, as well as a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812. Admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis. The concert and its television broadcast begin at 8 pm. The fireworks display is scheduled for 10:30-11 p.m. See more details here.

Colonial Williamsburg Fourth of July Celebration

Celebrate the nation's birth on historic Duke of Gloucester Street. 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.

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom

California's largest fireworks show is displayed from four barges on San Diego Bay beginning at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Bring your lawn chairs, friends and boats to watch from one of several locations. See more details here.