America 250 celebrated in New York City and beyond
Last updated: Sunday, July 5, 2026 11:24AM GMT
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NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Fourth of July marks a major milestone for America as we mark 250 years.
From spectacular fireworks to special exhibits and patriotic parades, we have everything you need to know to mark the momentous occasion.
ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."
The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, features coverage across all 50 states, continues all day on the Fourth of July.
Key Headlines
Jul 05, 2026, 2:15 PM GMT
Jul 02, 2026, 6:31 PM GMT
Jul 02, 2026, 6:31 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
Jul 03, 2026, 1:32 PM GMT
New York City's Times Square ball to drop 8 times for July 4 celebration
The iconic Times Square Ball is dropping on a day other than New Year's Eve for the first time in its history.
The special series of ball drops on Friday is part of the nationwide celebration marking America's 250th birthday.
The festivities begin at 10 a.m. Eastern, when the first ball drop commemorates midnight in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Throughout the day, the ball will drop a total of eight times, marking midnight across every U.S. time zone and inhabited territory as Independence Day begins around the country.
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The special series of ball drops on Friday is part of the nationwide celebration marking America's 250th birthday.
ByEyewitness News 
Jul 03, 2026, 3:25 AM GMT
NYPD mobilizes for America250 festivities
With millions expected to celebrate America250, NYPD's Harbor Unit is mounting a massive security operation on New York's waters.
Eyewitness News got to see the Harbor Unit up close on Thursday. They enforce laws recreational boaters need to follow and help them when they need it.
Protecting New York Harbor is a shared responsibility between the NYPD and U.S. Coast Guard. There is always a lot of commercial traffic there - and this year, there's the added presence of visiting Navy ships.
Sonia Rincón got an inside look at NYPD preparations.
Jul 02, 2026, 6:31 PM GMT
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.
Jul 02, 2026, 6:31 PM GMT
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.
