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Disney Celebrates America live updates: Fireworks light up New York City skyline

Follow along as ABC celebrates with 24 hours of programming.

ByEmily Shapiro and Jon Haworth
Last Updated: July 4, 2026, 9:27 PM EDT

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.

Key Headlines

Follow along with the celebrations:
1 hour and 53 minutes ago

Fireworks light up New York City skyline

An incredible fireworks display lit up the New York City skyline on America’s 250th anniversary.

PHOTO: The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day in New York City
Macy's Fourth of July fireworks explode as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day in New York City, U.S., July 4, 2026.
Carlos Barria/Reuters

PHOTO: The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day in New York City
Macy's Fourth of July fireworks explode as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day in New York City, U.S., July 4, 2026.
Carlos Barria/Reuters

PHOTO: The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day in New York City
Macy's Fourth of July fireworks explode as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day in New York City, U.S., July 4, 2026.
Carlos Barria/Reuters
1 hour and 59 minutes ago

National Mall reopening at 9:45 p.m., Trump to speak at 11 p.m.

After the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" event in Washington, D.C., was delayed Saturday night amid thunderstorms, Freedom 250 officials announced that the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 p.m. “at President Donald J. Trump's direction.”

Trump will deliver remarks at 11 p.m., followed by fireworks, organizers said.

PHOTO: US-POLITICS-ANNIVERSARY-250
People wait outside the event perimeter after being evacuated due to thunderstorms in the area during the "Salute to America" Independence Day celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2026. The nation is marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty Images

PHOTO: A Tribute To America On The National Mall In D.C. Celebrates America's 250th
U.S. National Guard troops move visitors 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.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

PHOTO: America 250 Independence Day Washington
People evacuate because of incoming storms that will delay the program at a Salute to America Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP Photo

-ABC News’ Beatrice Peterson

2 hours and 43 minutes ago

Salute to America cancels remaining flyovers amid storms

The remaining flyovers at the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" in Washington, D.C., have been canceled amid thunderstorms, event officials said Saturday evening.

Guests at the celebration have been ordered to evacuate and seek temporary shelter. It is not yet clear what time Salute to America will resume.

PHOTO: America 250 Independence Day Washington
Chairs are empty as the area was evacuated due to incoming storms at an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP Photo
3 hours and 17 minutes ago

ABC's Star-Spangled Bash underway in Nashville

ABC’s Star-Spangled Bash is underway in Nashville!

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the celebration features performances from artists including Reba McEntire, Nick Jonas, Boyz II Men, Tim McGraw, Sublime, Brothers Osborne and Lauren Daigle.

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.

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