CELEBRATE AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY 2026!
Saturday, July 4, 2026 (event times shown in PST)
Independence Day marks the anniversary of the United States’ 1776 Declaration of Independence, and in 2026 the observance coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is one of the nation’s leading orchestras, and its lighter-repertoire ensemble, the Boston Pops, has performed Boston’s Fourth of July concert on the Charles River Esplanade for decades. The Pops’ annual Independence Day broadcast pairs patriotic music with a fireworks display over the Charles River.
Virtual Events & Meetings
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
An annual Independence Day concert and fireworks display performed live from the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade and streamed free to viewers nationwide.
Time: Saturday, 4:00–6:30 PM, PST
Date(s): Saturday, July 4, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Livestream — https://www.bso.org/boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the research library serving the U.S. Congress and the largest library in the world, holding millions of items including the original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. It regularly offers free public webinars drawn from its historical collections.
On-Demand Resources
Making the Declaration
Type: Recorded Webinar
Duration: per Section C default for webinars (1 hour)
A recorded webinar from the Library’s Manuscript Division exploring the drafting and revision process behind the Declaration of Independence.
Access: https://blogs.loc.gov/bibliomania/2026/06/09/upcoming-webinar-making-the-declaration/
National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration preserves and provides public access to the nation’s permanent historical records, including the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. It hosts an annual public reading of the Declaration each Fourth of July.
Virtual Events & Meetings
July 4th Declaration Reading Ceremony
A livestreamed public reading of the Declaration of Independence, part of the National Archives’ annual Fourth of July commemoration.
Time: Saturday, 7:00–8:00 AM, PST
Date(s): Saturday, July 4, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Livestream — https://www.archives.gov/calendar/event/july-4th-at-the-national-archives-5
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution in Philadelphia chartered by Congress to increase public understanding of the U.S. Constitution. It is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary with programming exploring the founding documents.
On-Demand Resources
Interactive Declaration of Independence
Type: Interactive Text, Audio & Video
Duration: Self-paced; per Section C default for audio recordings (45 minutes)
A self-paced, annotated presentation of the Declaration of Independence combining full text, audio narration, and video.
Access: https://constitutioncenter.org/america-at-250
The Constitution and the Courts at the 250th
Type: Recorded Webinar
Duration: per Section C default for webinars (1 hour)
A recorded panel discussion, produced with the Federal Judicial Center, examining the role of the courts in interpreting the Constitution 250 years after the founding.
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Oregon Public Broadcasting is Oregon’s PBS and NPR member station, producing and distributing public media across the state. Its documentary programming includes coverage of underrepresented histories tied to national commemorations.
On-Demand Resources
Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War
Type: Documentary
Duration: 55 minutes
A documentary examining the roles and experiences of Black Americans during the Revolutionary War era, streaming free on OPB’s platforms.
Access: https://watch.opb.org/
PBS / Capital Concerts
PBS is the United States’ public television network, and Capital Concerts is its longtime production partner for the national Fourth of July broadcast from Washington, D.C. Together they produce free, nationally distributed Independence Day programming.
Virtual Events & Meetings
A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration
America’s national Independence Day concert, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with an all-star musical lineup and fireworks over the Washington Monument.
Time: Friday, 5:00–6:30 PM, PST
Date(s): Friday, July 3, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Livestream, no registration required — https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/
America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together
A special broadcast marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, streamed live from Colonial Williamsburg with musical performances, narration, fireworks, and a drone display.
Time: Saturday, 5:00–7:00 PM, PST
Date(s): Saturday, July 4, 2026
Format: Virtual
Platform: Livestream — https://www.pbs.org/
On-Demand Resources
A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration (Video on Demand)
Type: Video
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
An on-demand recording of the live Capitol Fourth broadcast, available for two weeks following the concert.
Access: https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/
The American Revolution (Ken Burns)
Type: Documentary Series
Duration: 12 hours total across 6 episodes
A six-part documentary series from Ken Burns and Florentine Films tracing the American Revolution, streaming free on all PBS platforms through Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Access: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution