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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 phases for coastal festivals stuffed with stay music, meals vehicles serving shrimp boils and oysters, and the place bands and pyrotechnics echo via the evening.
There are various causes to journey the East Coast for July 4th yearly, however 2026 is not any extraordinary yr – it’s the semiquincentennial, America’s 250th birthday.
For those who’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 fun America250, the place you’ll be able to expertise a celebration of place, group, historical past, and every thing Purple, White, and Blue.
In fact, you’ll be able to go to certainly one of these locations for the Fourth of July this yr, however if you wish to have fun America’s 250th birthday in a singular style, take a look at this Revolutionary Warfare highway journey itinerary, which might take round 2-3 weeks to finish.
Philadelphia, PA
There are few locations in the US that exit on Fourth of July as a lot as Philadelphia, so in case you actually need to have fun the semiquincentennial in huge celebratory style, 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 massive day itself, head out to look at 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of Freedom Ceremony on the Independence Corridor’s entrance garden at 10:00 am, earlier than wandering across the Outdated Metropolis, the place it’s possible you’ll come upon a number of pop-up occasions or block events.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 may also be a free live performance.
For those who can’t make it to Philadelphia for the Fourth of July itself, the Wawa Welcome America pageant kickstarts two weeks earlier than the pageant, so anticipate a collection of occasions and programming occurring throughout the town within the lead-up to the Fourth.
Halifax, NC
Halifax is properly value visiting for America 250 not just for its historic and group celebrations, however as a result of it had a pivotal position within the American Revolution – a lot that it’s been given the title “Birthplace of American Independence.” We solely realized about this final yr 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 yr.
Halifax may 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 convey 1776 Halifax to life. Learn the way North Carolina’s decisive actions helped form the course of a brand new nation and uncover the braveness of its folks. There’ll be historical past shows, 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 Massive Apple, New York Metropolis. NYC goes to drag out all of the stops for America’s 250th birthday this yr, with worldwide tall ship parades and explosive fireworks lighting up the evening, in addition to particular cruises on the Hudson and East Rivers.
For America250, New York Metropolis would be the backdrop for Sail4th 250, a pageant that gathers the most important flotilla of 20 towering Class A worldwide tall ships from all around 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 fun the town’s position 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 happening 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 stunning 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 a bit of quieter, however nonetheless filled with patriotic pleasure, head to Southport in North Carolina – a quaint small city the place the Cape Concern 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 appeal and a close-knit group 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 energetic mixture of parades, stay music, historic ceremonies, enjoyable runs, household enjoyable actions, and the annual Freedom Flotilla occasion which sees the boats within the harbor embellished in purple, white and blue fare.
For extra recommendations on Southport, learn our information on how one can spend 4 weeks within the Brunswick Islands.
Boston, MA
One other metropolis on the East Coast that performed an essential position within the beginning of American independence is Boston. It served because the epicenter of resistance towards the British, and the well-known Siege of Boston was one of many first main battles within the American Revolutionary Warfare 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 large 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 may also 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 via the streets of downtown. There may also be a 21-gun salute on USS Structure, often known as“Outdated Ironsides,” which can embark on her annual turnaround sail round Lengthy Wharf.
Boston Harborfest is one other Fourth of July pageant unfold over the vacation weekend with stay music, historic reveals, and family-friendly points of interest.
The Boston freedom path tour is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Boston, and ideal for America’s 250th birthday because it’s all concerning the struggle 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 folks won’t be disillusioned.
The Fourth of July is well known with pageantry, parades, and pleasure set towards 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 useful gadgets in its assortment, and you may as well 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 may also 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.
Certainly one of Windfall’s most evocative annual occasions, the Independence Day Celebration, is a three-day occasion that may function stay 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 via 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 yr. The braziers keep lit into the evening, 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 normally brings a lineup of family-friendly actions, out of doors live shows, parades, and cultural programming filled with New England traditions, comparable to floating wine tasting experiences and meals truck nights.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk is one other metropolis that gives a distinctly maritime approach 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 stay 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 place to begin 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.
Higher 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 provide a deeply immersive approach to mark America’s 250th anniversary via free living-history experiences, patriotic pageantry, and interpretive packages.
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 celebration, starting with a city parade alongside Fundamental 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: Finest Historic Websites in The Historic Triangle, Higher Williamsburg
Lexington, MA
For those who’re searching for 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 fun America’s 250th birthday in Lexington, Massachusetts?
Because the place the place the primary photographs of the Revolutionary Warfare had been heard on April 19, 1775, this historic city will make for a uniquely significant place to commemorate the beginning of the US. For the semiquincentennial yr, Lexington’s Lex250 initiative will host quite a lot of occasions that commemorate the city’s pivotal position 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 may have rides, video games, and household enjoyable, and naturally, fireworks, held yearly at Hastings Park.
Past the fairgrounds and fireworks, have fun Independence Day in your go to by weaving in stops on the Battle Inexperienced and the Minuteman Nationwide Historic Park.
Valley Forge, PA
Simply exterior Philadelphia, Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park is the hallowed panorama referred to as the Continental Military’s 1777-78 winter encampment, which performed a defining position 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 pageant 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 luxuriate in particular shows. One spotlight features a residing historical past presentation recreating the 1878 rally to avoid wasting Washington’s Headquarters.
All day lengthy, musket and cannon demonstrations convey the sights and sounds of 18th-century soldier life to life. Park-wide actions embrace alternatives to signal a “Blissful Birthday” card for the park itself, meet reenactors portraying figures from the encampment period, and discover new seminal America250 reveals 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 Warfare battle that helped outline the nation’s future, however for the Fourth of July, it blends patriotic celebration with residing 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 Warfare–period music.
All through the late morning, particular readings of the Declaration of Independence and commemorative packages happen on Steinwehr Avenue, and because the afternoon unfolds, the A Gettysburg Fourth celebration at Gettysburg Recreation Park will host meals distributors, stay 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 concepts on our Raleigh website: 13 High Locations Outdoors NC to Rejoice America250 from Raleigh and The place to Rejoice America’s 250th Birthday in North Carolina (Semiquincentennial Occasions To not Miss)
