ABC is marking America's 250th anniversary with 24 hours of unparalleled programming called "Disney Celebrates America."
The multi-platform broadcast, led by ABC News "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir, features coverage across all 50 states and runs through the night of July 4.
'Salute to America' event delayed due to weather conditions
Visitors file out of the "Salute to America 250" Fourth of July celebrations after officials instructed everyone to evacuate the area due to severe weather on the National Mall on July 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. Americans are celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary amidst an extreme heat wave bringing dangerous triple digit temperatures to much of the eastern United States.
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The "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" celebration in Washington, D.C., is being evacuated Saturday due to thunderstorms moving into the city.
The event was set to begin at 7 p.m., but the program has been delayed and attendees were asked to temporarily leave and seek shelter in nearby buildings.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to participate in the event with a rally and speech before fireworks.
ABC to host Star-Spangled Bash in Nashville with performances from iconic artists
On Saturday night, after a special edition of "World News Tonight," ABC will host the Star-Spangled Bash in Nashville, featuring performances from artists including Reba McEntire, Nick Jonas, Boyz II Men, Tim McGraw, Brothers Osborne and Lauren Daigle.
3:08
How Nashville is preparing for Ryan Seacrest-hosted July 4th bashRyan Seacrest previews how Independence Day parties have already started ahead of "Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash" airing July 4th on ABC.
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Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather in downtown Nashville for the bash, which is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and airs at 8 p.m. ET.
The event will also feature one of the largest fireworks and drone shows in the U.S., set to a live score by the Nashville Symphony.
Jul 04, 2026, 8:39 PM GMT
DC prepares for National Mall's largest fireworks display
Washington, D.C., is preparing for its largest fireworks display ever held on the National Mall Saturday night.
The fireworks are expected to begin between 10:30 and 11 p.m. and will launch from 10 sites around the National Monument, officials told ABC News. The show is expected to last approximately 35 minutes.
Officials said the secured viewing area on the Washington Monument grounds has a capacity of approximately 150,000 people and is expected to fill early.
The Secret Service is coordinating the broader security operation for the celebration, which has been designated as a National Special Security Event, bringing extensive coordinated federal, state and local security resources to D.C.
U.S. National Guard members provide security ahead of July 4th festivities on July 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
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“While we are confident in our planning, we recognize that we are in a heightened threat environment,” Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office Tara McLeese said.
“This weekend, hundreds of federal agents and officers, including Secret Service specialized tactical units, counter drone teams, National Guard members, and a variety of additional unseen resources will be used to disrupt any bad actor,” McLeese said.
National Guard members distribute water to people waiting in line for "The Great State Fair" on the National Mall, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, in Washington, D.C., July 4, 2026.
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-ABC News’ Beatrice Peterson
Jul 04, 2026, 7:46 PM GMT
Coast Guard surges resources to protect July 4 celebrations
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ABC News exclusive look as the military security preps for July 4th weekendABC News’ Pierre Thomas embeds with the U.S. Coast Guard as they work to secure air, land and sea in the Washington, D.C.-area ahead of July 4th celebrations.
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The Coast Guard is surging resources to help secure July 4 celebrations in Washington, D.C., and around the country, the head of the agency said.
"We've surged over 1,000 additional people, in addition to our regular Coast Guard forces, 79 boats to 13 cities to make sure we are prepared for any contingency, and we can prevent or respond to any threat," Adm. Kevin Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard told ABC News' Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas.
For the first time, a large swath of the Potomac around the D.C. monuments will be closed to boaters to make way for a larger than normal fireworks display on the Fourth.
