About Independence Day (US) — America 250
The Fourth of July marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 — and the next one is historic: July 4, 2026 is America 250, the semiquincentennial, celebrating 250 years of the United States. This live countdown tracks the days, hours and minutes until the biggest Independence Day in a generation, which falls on a Saturday.
America 250 has been years in the making, with celebrations planned across all fifty states: heritage festivals, tall-ship gatherings, county-by-county commemorations and what is expected to be the largest fireworks season in US history. It is a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary — the bicentennial in 1976 remains one of the most celebrated moments in American memory, and 2026 aims higher.
The traditions themselves are beloved staples: backyard barbecues and block parties, parades down Main Street, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Macy's fireworks over the East River, and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. Around 45,000 fireworks displays light up the American sky every Fourth — multiply that for the 250th.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Saturday, July 4, 2026next |
| 2027 | Sunday, July 4, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, July 4, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, July 4, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, July 4, 2030 |
FAQ
How many days until July 4th?
The live countdown above shows the time remaining until the next Independence Day in your timezone.
What is America 250?
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the Declaration of Independence — a milestone celebrated nationwide throughout 2026.
What day of the week is July 4, 2026?
Saturday — setting up a full holiday weekend for the 250th anniversary celebrations.
Why fireworks on the Fourth of July?
John Adams wrote in 1776 that independence should be celebrated with "illuminations" — fireworks have marked the day since the very first anniversary in 1777.