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 2023. 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
July 4th Fireworks on the National Mall
The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to more than a dozen memorials that commemorate great Americans and significant events in our nation’s history. The display will be held on Tuesday, July 4, starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Click here for more details.
National Independence Day Parade
Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America's birthday. The event will take place from 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW. For additional information, visit july4thparade.com.
A Capitol Fourth Concert
This star-studded salute to Independence Day is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol and is free and open to the public. The performers for 2023 include Chicago, Boyz II Men, Belinda Carlisle, Babyface and many more. See the full lineup here. Gates open at 3 p.m. Livestream the event beginning at 8 p.m. ET here or check your local listings.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, co-sponsored by the National Park Service, highlights the culture of the Ozarks and "Creative Encounters." On Independence Day the festival will be open on the National Mall from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. between 12th and 14th streets, in front of the National Museum of American History. 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 47th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, July 4. The pyrotechnics will be launched from barges stationed on the East River centered around Midtown Manhattan. Viewers at home can tune into NBC's national broadcast or stream the show on Peacock beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The 25-minute spectacle is synchronized to a musical score and will feature effects in various colors and shapes. See more details here.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4 Nashville
Celebrate Independence Day 2023 with headliner Brad Paisley along with Ben Rector, The War And Treaty, Langhorne Slim, Tiera Kennedy, and more during the FREE Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in Downtown Nashville. The evet will feature one of the largest fireworks show 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 to the Charles River Esplanade in 2023 with headliner En Vogue. The concert will be broadcast and streamed live nationally on Bloomberg TV and radio, and locally in Boston on WHDH-TV Channel 7, on Tuesday, July 4 from 8-11 p.m. ET. 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. ET on Tuesday, July 4. Bring your lawn chairs, friends and boats to watch from one of several locations. See more details here.
