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 2025. 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. Friday, July 4, 2025, 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 Friday, July 4, 2025. 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 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 4, 2025. 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.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, co-sponsored by the National Park Service, is held near the July 4 holiday. In 2025, 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 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 49th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, July 4, 2025. Viewers at home can tune into NBC's national broadcast. See more details here.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4 Nashville
Celebrate Independence Day 2025 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.
Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns for its 51st anniversary on Friday, July 4, 2025, 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. with the Mugar Family Fireworks starting at about 9:40 pm. 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 Friday, July 4, 2025. Bring your lawn chairs, friends and boats to watch from one of several locations. See more details here.
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