NYC's America 250 Celebration: Fireworks, Parades and Festivals
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 and community festivals to special exhibits and patriotic parades, we will show you the events, traditions, and celebrations that mark America's birthday.
New York City played a major role in the founding of America. It was not only at the center of the revolution, but it is also geographically at the center of America's path to independence.
Our special will show you some easy road trips you can take this summer to celebrate our nation's birth.
And all eyes across the country will be on NYC as the iconic Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show marks its 50th year. The show will be live from the Brooklyn Bridge, the Hudson River and the East River.
The city is offering 100,000 tickets to the fireworks celebration through a lottery.
And for the first time ever, the Times Square ball will drop not once, but eight times, marking midnight in every U.S. time zone.
The first drop, at 10 a.m. on July 3, will be for the time zone covering Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
It will build up to a signature New York City countdown at 11:59 p.m. before continuing west through the various time zones. The final drop will be at 7 a.m. the next day for American Samoa.
Another big event is the Sail4th 250 Parade of Tall Ships on the morning of the 4th. It will be reminiscent of a similar parade in 1976 to commemorate the bicentennial.
The largest fleet of the world's most magnificent tall ships and gray hull ships will sail into New York Harbor and salute the Statue of Liberty.
And as part of the 250 celebrations, a giant time capsule will be buried in Philadelphia on the 4th with contributions from all 50 states. It won't be opened until 2276 -- 250 years from now.
ABC will mark America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America." The multi-platform broadcast led by David Muir will feature coverage across all 50 states, beginning July 3 and running through July 4.
ALSO READ | Where to See Fourth of July Fireworks in 2026: New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
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