As the United States prepares to mark its 250th birthday, a diverse range of events and celebrations are taking place across the country. From live broadcasts and TV specials to theme parks and fireworks displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the most exciting events planned for the America 250 celebrations:
TV Specials and Live Broadcasts
ABC is hosting a 24-hour, cross-platform broadcast led by David Muir, which will explore the people, places, and defining moments of the nation’s 250-year history. The broadcast will feature a range of programs, including ‘Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash,’ ’50 States in 50 Weeks: America The Beautiful,’ ‘Innovation and Invention,’ and ‘Wonders of America.’
NewsNation is launching ‘Spirit of America,’ a special multi-platform cross-country reporting series celebrating the people, places, and values that make the nation extraordinary. The series will run through July 4.
Fox Business Network is airing live from the New York Stock Exchange on July 1st and 2nd, with Mornings with Maria and The Claman Countdown.
PBS Distribution is launching a slate of free, 24/7 holiday marathons across multiple FAST channels over Independence Day weekend. This includes an immersive America’s 250th Anniversary Marathon on the PBS Documentaries and PBS Ken Burns FAST channels, a Taste of America Marathon on PBS Food, and a breathtaking America’s Best Destinations Marathon on PBS Travel.
NBC News, Telemundo, and NBCU Local are producing multiplatform English- and Spanish-language coverage of Sail4th 250’s marquee events featuring tall ships, naval vessels, and aircraft from 46 nations.
Theme Parks and Fireworks Displays
Disneyland Resort’s California Adventure Park is debuting Soarin’ Across America, a new attraction that takes guests on a virtual journey across the country.
Knott’s Berry Farm is hosting guests Open House style at its full-scale replica of Independence Hall on July 3 and 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At stations inside, staff will answer questions and provide historical information.
Universal Studios Hollywood is planning an elaborate fireworks display, live performances, and themed décor.
An America’s Block Party concert live at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature music from Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins and be hosted by Queen Latifah. Gates open at 3 p.m. Show starts at 6 p.m.
Live Events and Performances
CBS has Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil and ET co-host Nischelle Turner hosting The Great American Block Party 250, a three-hour live primetime broadcast that will take viewers coast to coast for concerts and performances, culminating in what organizers are calling the largest fireworks show in history over the skies of Washington, D.C. Performers include Zac Brown Band, Jon Batiste, Goo Goo Dolls, and The War and Treaty.
ESPN.com is launching ‘America 250 Road Trips,’ a five-day series of stories.
Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier, Harris Faulkner, Sean Hannity, Brian Kilmeade, and Dana Perino will host America 250: Celebrating Freedom from 7-11 p.m. ET. All programming will be live from Liberty State Park with special extended weekday editions of Fox & Friends, America’s Newsroom, and Outnumbered.
Other Events and Celebrations
Knott’s Berry Farm is offering fireworks to celebrate the holiday.
Fox & Friends and Fox News Sunday are broadcasting live on Fox News Channel from the National Mall.
NBC’s Kristen Welker is anchoring a special edition of Meet the Press examining America’s founding and the future of American democracy with Doris Kearns Goodwin, Ken Burns, and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III.
SportsCenter is celebrating ‘the people, moments, and stories that have shaped American sports culture’ on July 3rd, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m.-7 p.m. ET.
Universal Studios Hollywood is planning an elaborate fireworks display, live performances, and themed décor.
Knott’s Berry Farm is hosting guests Open House style at its full-scale replica of Independence Hall on July 3 and 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At stations inside, staff will answer questions and provide historical information.
