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America’s East Coast is the place the story of the USA began, and the place yearly on the Fourth of July, the story is retold with gusto. In New England cities, the streets are stuffed with the sounds of church bells ringing, fife-and-drum corps echoing off clapboard homes, and fireworks crackling over the sound of patriotic brass bands.
Alongside the Atlantic coast, boardwalks and seashores change into levels for coastal festivals stuffed with dwell music, meals vehicles serving shrimp boils and oysters, and the place bands and pyrotechnics echo by way of the night time.
There are various causes to journey the East Coast for July 4th yearly, however 2026 isn’t any atypical 12 months – it’s the semiquincentennial, America’s 250th birthday.
In the event you’re planning a visit for Independence Day and on the lookout for greater than only a fireworks show, listed below are the highest locations on the East Coast to have a good time America250, the place you may expertise a celebration of place, neighborhood, historical past, and every part Purple, White, and Blue.
After all, you may go to one in every of these locations for the Fourth of July this 12 months, however if you wish to have a good time America’s 250th birthday in a singular vogue, take a look at this Revolutionary Battle highway journey itinerary, which might take round 2-3 weeks to finish.
Philadelphia, PA
There are few locations in america that exit on Fourth of July as a lot as Philadelphia, so if you happen to actually wish to have a good time the semiquincentennial in huge celebratory vogue, that is your primary place on the East Coast.
Philadelphia is steeped in revolutionary historical past; it was as soon as the nation’s capital and the place the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 at Independence Corridor, and it’s the place the Liberty Bell is situated.
Independence Day right here is well known with one of many largest parades within the nation, the Salute to Independence Day Parade, which takes place on July third at 11:00 am. On the large day itself, head out to observe the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on the Independence Corridor’s entrance garden at 10:00 am, earlier than wandering across the Outdated Metropolis, the place you could bump into a number of pop-up occasions or block events.
Independence Day wouldn’t be celebrated if there weren’t a fireworks show, which in Philadelphia is held on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the place there can even be a free live performance.
In the event you can’t make it to Philadelphia for the Fourth of July itself, the Wawa Welcome America competition kickstarts two weeks earlier than the competition, so count on a sequence of occasions and programming occurring throughout the town within the lead-up to the Fourth.
Halifax, NC
Halifax is effectively value visiting for America 250 not just for its historic and neighborhood celebrations, however as a result of it had a pivotal function within the American Revolution – a lot that it’s been given the title “Birthplace of American Independence.” We solely discovered about this final 12 months on a weekend getaway to Halifax County from Raleigh.
In 1776, leaders assembly on the Fourth Provincial Congress in Halifax adopted the Halifax Resolves, making North Carolina the primary colony to formally authorize its delegates to vote for independence from Nice Britain, which helped pave the best way for the Declaration of Independence later that 12 months.
Halifax can have a giant three-day celebration, “Prelude to Revolution – Halifax Resolves Days“, from Fri, April 10 – Solar April 12. Immerse your self within the Revolutionary period as interpreters and historians carry 1776 Halifax to life. Find out how North Carolina’s decisive actions helped form the course of a brand new nation and uncover the braveness of its individuals. There’ll be historical past displays, excursions and demonstrations, musket firings, a army parade, ceremonies, particular dinners and extra.
NYC, NY
For one more metropolis that goes huge on the Fourth of July, head to the Huge Apple, New York Metropolis. NYC goes to tug out all of the stops for America’s 250th birthday this 12 months, with worldwide tall ship parades and explosive fireworks lighting up the night time, in addition to particular cruises on the Hudson and East Rivers.
For America250, New York Metropolis would be the backdrop for Sail4th 250, a competition that gathers the most important flotilla of 20 towering Class A worldwide tall ships from everywhere in the world. The convoy will sail below the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, previous the Statue of Liberty, and up the Hudson towards the George Washington Bridge, to have a good time the town’s function as a historic world port of entry.
Additionally celebrating NYC’s seafaring heritage for America 250 is the Worldwide Naval Evaluation 250 occasion, which takes place within the Port of New York and New Jersey between July third and eighth, and can function ships, plane, and personnel from the navies and coast guards. There will likely be greater than 30 tall ships from across the globe on show, in addition to an look from the Blue Angels roaring overhead on July 4th.
Additionally going down in NYC on the Fourth of July is the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, which welcomes big-name stars acting from the stage on The Rooftop at Pier 17, adopted by a blinding fireworks show over the East River close to decrease Manhattan. 2026’s lineup is but to be introduced, however earlier years have seen Lenny Kravitz, The Jonas Brothers, Keke Palmer, and extra carry out.
Right here’s a 3-day itinerary for New York, our favourite Lodge – the INNSIDE New York Nomad, and our favourite Aussie owned cafes in New York (i.e. the most effective espresso there’s!)
Southport, NC
For one thing slightly quieter, however nonetheless full of patriotic pleasure, head to Southport in North Carolina – a quaint small city the place the Cape Worry River meets the Atlantic Ocean and is understood for internet hosting the official NC 4th of July Competition, which encompasses a week-long celebration of occasions from June twenty sixth to July 4th.
Southport isn’t solely a timeless seaside city with historic allure and a close-knit neighborhood really feel, however it additionally has heartfelt patriotism. The annual NC 4th of July Competition is the oldest and most festive Independence Day celebration on the East Coast, and for America250 Semiquincentennial, Southport’s waterfront streets and parks will likely be stuffed with a vigorous mixture of parades, dwell music, historic ceremonies, enjoyable runs, household enjoyable actions, and the annual Freedom Flotilla occasion which sees the boats within the harbor adorned in crimson, white and blue fare.
For extra recommendations on Southport, learn our information on spend 4 weeks within the Brunswick Islands.
Boston, MA
One other metropolis on the East Coast that performed an vital function within the beginning of American independence is Boston. It served because the epicenter of resistance in opposition to the British, and the well-known Siege of Boston was one of many first main battles within the American Revolutionary Battle after the Battles of Lexington and Harmony. With a lot Revolutionary historical past, Boston guarantees to mark America’s 250th birthday with grand impact.
The massive occasion is the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, a free occasion on the Charles River Esplanade, which will likely be opened up with a efficiency by the world-famous Boston Symphony Orchestra and crescendoed by a fireworks show over the Charles River.
There can even be a studying of the Declaration of Independence on the Outdated State Home on the Fourth of July, a poignant custom held yearly, in addition to the Metropolis of Boston Independence Day Parade, which kicks off the Fourth of July with a flag-raising at Metropolis Corridor Plaza within the morning, adopted by a traditional parade by way of the streets of downtown. There can even be a 21-gun salute on USS Structure, also called“Outdated Ironsides,” which can embark on her annual turnaround sail round Lengthy Wharf.
Boston Harborfest is one other Fourth of July competition unfold over the vacation weekend with dwell music, historic displays, and family-friendly sights.
The Boston freedom path tour is likely one of the finest issues to do in Boston, and excellent for America’s 250th birthday because it’s all concerning the combat for Independence from its Boston Tea Get together beginnings.
Washington D.C.
If there’s one place on the East Coast the place America’s 250th birthday will really feel unmistakably monumental, it’s in Washington, D.C. Celebrating Independence Day in Washington, D.C. is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise for a lot of, and for the semiquincentennial, these individuals won’t be disenchanted.
The Fourth of July is well known with pageantry, parades, and pleasure set in opposition to the backdrop of iconic monuments, world-class museums, and the greens of the Nationwide Mall.
A spotlight occasion is the Nationwide Independence Day Parade down Structure Avenue, which sees a vibrant procession of marching bands, historic army items, cultural contingents, and floats from all 50 states and territories.
The Nationwide Archives can be internet hosting some particular occasions for America’s 250th birthday, in addition to opening the vault to among the most beneficial objects in its assortment, and you can even see the unique Declaration of Independence in a glass case within the Nationwide Archives Rotunda.
Additionally occurring on the Fourth of July is a star-powered live performance within the U.S. Capitol’s West Garden, A Capitol Fourth, which has world-renowned artists and the Nationwide Symphony Orchestra performing. There can even be fireworks within the night over the Nationwide Mall.
Don’t miss these Fascinating Museums In Washington D.C. To Go to! and here’s a two-day itinerary for Washington DC.
Windfall, RI
Rhode Island’s capital of Windfall turns up the cultural aptitude on Independence Day with iconic native traditions, riverfront celebrations, and fireworks.
One among Windfall’s most evocative annual occasions, the Independence Day Celebration, is a three-day occasion that can function dwell music, meals distributors, and a fireworks show over the water one night (both the 2nd or third).
As a part of this celebration, WaterFire, an annual occasion that sees braziers lit alongside the three rivers that wind by way of downtown all through the hotter months, will likely be providing a spellbinding glow of Independence Day-themed firelight, music, and reflection on the Fourth of July this 12 months. The braziers keep lit into the night time, however there won’t be fireworks on the Fourth whereas the braziers are lit.
Past riverfront illuminations and fireworks, Windfall’s Fourth of July vacation week often brings a lineup of family-friendly actions, out of doors live shows, parades, and cultural programming full of New England traditions, reminiscent of floating wine tasting experiences and meals truck nights.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk is one other metropolis that provides a distinctly maritime technique to ring in America’s 250th birthday. Whereas this historic port metropolis is already recognized for its naval heritage, the semiquincentennial provides an additional layer of celebration to its traditional Fourth of July traditions.
The center of Norfolk’s Fourth of July festivities is the 43ᵗʰ Annual Nice American Picnic & Fireworks at City Level Park on the Downtown Waterfront. Collect on the luxurious riverfront garden for dwell patriotic music, family-friendly actions, and traditional Americana fare — from barbecue and seafood to cotton sweet and chilly lemonade.
Norfolk’s July celebrations are additionally half of a bigger East Coast celebration, because it’s the start line of Sail250® Virginia, an occasion that sees a fleet of 60 tall ships and naval vessels crusing for ten days in June throughout the Chesapeake Bay area — a prelude to Independence Day that underscores the area’s maritime heritage and world connections.
Larger Williamsburg, VA (+ Yorktown and Jamestown)
In Virginia’s Historic Triangle — Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown — the story of America’s basis involves life. On July 4, 2026, this trio of timeless colonial cities will supply a deeply immersive technique to mark America’s 250th anniversary by way of free living-history experiences, patriotic pageantry, and interpretive applications.
In Colonial Williamsburg, the festivities start on Duke of Gloucester Avenue, the place a full day of July 4 semiquincentennial programming is on the schedule, together with readings of the Declaration of Independence, spirited fife-and-drum corps performances, army drills, and storytelling.
Only a brief drive alongside the scenic Colonial Parkway, Historic Yorktown is throwing a Fourth of July occasion, starting with a city parade alongside Predominant Avenue and Riverwalk Touchdown, adopted by household actions, patriotic live shows, and a fireworks show over the York River.
On the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, July 4th is marked with a particular “Liberty Celebration,” that includes interpretive demonstrations, artillery and musket firings, and extra.
Learn extra: Greatest Historic Websites in The Historic Triangle, Larger Williamsburg
Lexington, MA
In the event you’re in search of a Fourth of July vacation spot with deep roots in American historical past, then why not go to the place all of it started and have a good time America’s 250th birthday in Lexington, Massachusetts?
Because the place the place the primary pictures of the Revolutionary Battle had been heard on April 19, 1775, this historic city will make for a uniquely significant place to commemorate the beginning of america. For the semiquincentennial 12 months, Lexington’s Lex250 initiative will host quite a lot of occasions that remember the city’s pivotal function within the nation’s founding with particular programming, interpretive shows, and community-driven occasions.
Most notable is the annual Lexington Lions Membership’s July 4th Carnival, which can have rides, video games, and household enjoyable, and naturally, fireworks, held yearly at Hastings Park.
Past the fairgrounds and fireworks, have a good time Independence Day in your go to by weaving in stops on the Battle Inexperienced and the Minuteman Nationwide Historic Park.
Valley Forge, PA
Simply outdoors Philadelphia, Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park is the hallowed panorama often called the Continental Military’s 1777-78 winter encampment, which performed a defining function within the story of American resilience and independence.
Whereas the nation marks 250 years, Valley Forge itself celebrates its fiftieth anniversary as a Nationwide Historic Park, which is honored with a three-day competition from July third–fifth, centered on the Fourth.
On July 4, festivities construct across the iconic Nationwide Memorial Arch, the place guests watch reenactments by costumed interpreters and revel in particular displays. One spotlight features a dwelling historical past presentation recreating the 1878 rally to save lots of Washington’s Headquarters.
All day lengthy, musket and cannon demonstrations carry the sights and sounds of 18th-century soldier life to life. Park-wide actions embrace alternatives to signal a “Pleased Birthday” card for the park itself, meet reenactors portraying figures from the encampment period, and discover new seminal America250 displays put in all through the grounds.
Gettysburg, PA
Lastly, the city of Gettysburg is one other historic city the place the echoes of historical past nonetheless rise from rolling fields. Gettysburg was recognized for the pivotal 1863 Civil Battle battle that helped outline the nation’s future, however for the Fourth of July, it blends patriotic celebration with dwelling historical past.
In downtown Gettysburg, the Fourth of July begins with Flutes on the 4th, a beloved custom the place roughly 70 flute gamers converge on Lincoln Sq. to carry out an uplifting morning live performance of patriotic and Civil Battle–period music.
All through the late morning, particular readings of the Declaration of Independence and commemorative applications happen on Steinwehr Avenue, and because the afternoon unfolds, the A Gettysburg Fourth celebration at Gettysburg Recreation Park will host meals distributors, dwell music, bingo, and raffles, and culminates in a fireworks show over the park with sounds of the Patriotic Pops performing patriotic music.
Learn extra: Understanding Peace and Honor With Gettysburg Battlefield Excursions and issues to do in Gettysburg
Learn extra over America250 thoughts on our Raleigh website: 13 High Locations Outdoors NC to Have fun America250 from Raleigh and The place to Have fun America’s 250th Birthday in North Carolina (Semiquincentennial Occasions To not Miss)
