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.
The NYPD announced Friday that the upper level of the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge will be closed to traffic Saturday from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Police say it is in an effort to ensure public and traffic safety during the Sail4th 250 parade.
The lower level will remain open.
A special preview took place at Jones Beach on Friday as we count down to America's 250th birthday.
Eyewitness News reporter Krista McNally got a sneak peek at preparations for the FourLeaf Air Show, which is set to include performances from flight teams like the Blue Angels and the Golden Knights.
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed 17 New York State landmarks to illuminate red, white and blue on July 4, 2026 in observance of the 250th anniversary of America's founding.
Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation to commemorate the 250th Independence Day in the State of New York.
"America's fight for independence was shaped by the critical role that New York played in our nation's founding," Governor Hochul said. "We are excited to welcome the tens of thousands of people who will be visiting our state to celebrate this momentous occasion with us, and we look forward to writing the next chapter of our history together."
The following 17 landmarks will be lit red, white and blue in recognition of the 250th Anniversary of America's founding:
-1WTC
-Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
-Kosciuszko Bridge
-The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
-State Education Building
-Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
-Empire State Plaza
-State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
-Niagara Falls
-The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
-Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
-Albany International Airport Gateway
-Lake Placid Olympic Center
-MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
-Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
-Moynihan Train Hall
-Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
Mayor Mamdani is calling for unity as he reflects on the history of this country on Independence Day weekend.
The mayor spoke from behind the desk George Washington used when he was president to highlight the journey immigrants took to get to the U.S.
Mamdani also pointed out the divide he has seen across the nation. And behind the mayor was a group of recently naturalized citizens.
"Two-hundred and fifty years presents a rare opportunity for more than 340 million people to turn together, both towards one another and towards ourselves, to take measure of who we are as a nation, when we look at America, what do we see?" Mamdani said. "Here at City Hall as I sit behind George Washington's desk alongside new Americans who came to this country, I cannot see all of America, but like so many who came before, I can see New York City."
He also noted the problems he believes America is still dealing with -- including health care, housing and government spending.
