24/7 LiveNew York CityNew JerseyLong IslandNorthern SuburbsConnecticut
Live

NYC celebrates America 250: Fireworks, events, service suspensions and more | Live updates

WABC logo
Last updated: Thursday, July 2, 2026 6:31PM GMT
ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Fourth of July marks a major milestone for America as we mark 250 years and New York City and the Tri-State will celebrate all week.

From spectacular fireworks to special exhibits and patriotic parades, we have everything you need to know to mark the momentous occasion.

And Disney is Celebrating America like never before, starting Friday night at 8 and then at 10, David Muir reports live from the Statue of Liberty. After Eyewitness News at 11-- the final countdown is on with "Party Across America," from Bourbon Street to the Vegas Strip to Times Square with Sam Champion as the ball drops to ring in July 4th.

Coverage continues all night and as day breaks on Saturday-- David Muir traces our nation's amazing history. After a special GMA, Hometowns and Heroes goes cross-country on America's westward expansion. Then ESPN covers Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating contest and ABC News and National Geographic present the Seven Natural Wonders of America.

At 5, ESPN's SportsCenter celebrates sports stories that shaped America and after a special edition of World News Tonight-- join Ryan Seacrest for "Nashville's Star Spangled Bash." Music's biggest stars will perform live and one of the largest fireworks celebrations in the nation. Again-- it all starts Friday night on Channel 7.

1 hour and 10 minutes ago

NYC Mayor Mamdani to deliver remarks marking America's 250th on Friday

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is set to deliver remarks on Friday to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America, and will be speaking from the desk used by George Washington in Federal Hall, the original capitol, according to the mayor's office.

Mamdani's office said that the speech will reflect "on New York City's role in our national history and its position as the nation's symbolic gateway."

The mayor, himself a naturalized citizen, will appear with recently naturalized citizens during the speech, according to his office.

1 hour and 10 minutes ago

Staten Island Ferry suspensions on July 4th

Due to Coast Guard regulations, Staten Island Ferry service will be suspended from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

During operating hours, the ferry will run every 30 minutes, with increased 20-minute service between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to accommodate crowds heading to the fireworks.

1 hour and 10 minutes ago

Rare copy of the Declaration of Independence on display at New York Public Library

A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence is on display at the main branch of the New York Public Library.

It is one of only four fair copies of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson after July 4, 1776 -- and it's unique because Jefferson condemns the slave trade.

Click here for more.

1 hour and 10 minutes ago

NYC's Parade of Ships will be largest maritime gathering in American history

The Sail4th 250 flotilla will enter New York Harbor in waves this week, with the main military might arriving July 3 for a two-day extravaganza to celebrate the American colonies' declaration of independence from King George III in 1776.

It will be the largest maritime and aerial gathering in American history.

About 80 vessels, more than 40 tall ships with white sails, about 32 warships and perhaps even the USS Nimitz, one of the Navy's limited supply of aircraft carriers, will be joined by nearly 200 military aircraft overhead.

And 20,000 sailors -- 10 times the number of the average Fleet Week -- will be greeted by July 4th crowds that will watch the ships arrive during the day and fireworks at night.

Kemberly Richardson has a preview of the Sail4th 250 flotilla that will enter New York Harbor in waves this week.
Watch Live
ON NOW