A look at celebrations leading up to 250th anniversary in US — and around the world
From the National Mall in Washington, DC, to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, here’s a look at preparations and festivities for the United States’ 250th birthday.
A couple takes a selfie in front of a large «USA» installation in Huntington Beach, Calif., Friday, July 3, 2026, ahead of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Jae C. Hong/AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
The Eiffel Tower is illuminated in the colors of the US flag to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ declaration of independence, in Paris, France, July 3, 2026.
Tom Nicholson/Reuters
People sit on the steps of the Romanian Athenaeum, a 19th century built concert hall, as the US flag is projected on it’s facade ahead of United States Independence Day, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, July 3, 2026.
Andreea Alexandru/AP Photo
People wait in a long line to enter the Florida tent at The Great American State Fair after it was reopened following an earlier closure due to extreme temperatures on July 03, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Freedom 250-backed Great American State Fair celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States closed from 1PM until 5PM due to high temperatures. The fair runs through July 10th.
Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images
Peru’s BAP Union tall ship sails near Sandy Hook, New Jersey, ahead of the upcoming US 250th anniversary celebrations, July 3, 2026.
Vincent Alban/Reuters
Guests encouraged to prepare for heat at concert at US Capitol
Due to the extreme heatgates will open at 7 pm Friday for the 8 pm Capitol Fourth Concert at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, police said.
The heat index — what temperature it feels like with humidity — was forecast to hit a scorching 113 degrees in DC on Friday.
«To ensure a safe concert, all guests are strongly encouraged to bring an ample supply of water,» Capitol police said. «Non-glass water bottles and coolers are allowed.»
A girl cools off during extreme heat in the Washington region as The Great American State Fair is temporarily closed due to heat on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 3, 2026.
Cheney Orr/Reuters
In Philadelphia, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade set for Friday has been canceled due to the dangerous heat wave, according to Philadelphia ABC station WPVI.
What to expect
The coverage kicks off at 10 pm ET on Friday, July 3 with an unforgettable landmark, artistic event transforming the public’s experience of the Statue of Liberty with the Consulate General of France and Muir taking viewers along for a rare look inside of Lady Liberty.
As the clock strikes midnight on Saturday, July 4, ABC News will bring audiences to the first parade in the nation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Disney celebrates America 250.
ABC News
«Good Morning America» will have a special three-hour show which will include co-anchors Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan sharing their own American journeys.
After «GMA,» ABC News anchors and correspondents will welcome viewers to the 7 Wonders of America and cities across the country, showcasing the majestic geography, cultural heritage and pivotal moments that define 250 years of American history, along with celebrations, performances and interviews with leading newsmakers.
In the afternoon, ESPN will air the finals of The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, with champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo set to return to Coney Island to seek a new world record.
Great American State Fair postponed amid extreme temps
In Washington, DC, the Great American State Fair abruptly closed mid-day Friday due to the dangerous temperaturesorganizers said.
A woman is treated by DC Fire and EMS after collapsing while standing in line for the Ferris Wheel during the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, on July 3, 2026, in Washington, DC
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The heat index — what temperature it feels like with humidity — is forecast to reach a scorching 113 degrees in DC on Friday.
Organizers said the fair will reopen at 5 p.m.
Visitors stand under the arch for some shade from the heat, moments before being asked to leave, at the Great American State Fair, on July 3, 2026, in Washington, DC
Chris Cardno/ABC News
People walk past a sign announcing the temporary closure of The Great American State Fair due to heat on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 3, 2026.
Cheney Orr/Reuters
