Fourth of July 2025 celebrations promise fireworks, parades, and patriotic programming across the US
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 04, 2025, 00:12 IST
Small Town Fireworks Celebration
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
Get ready for a grand Fourth of July celebration in 2025. American networks are set to broadcast a variety of shows. CBS will air a special 'The Price Is Right' episode. C-SPAN will launch 'America 250'. CNN will present 'The Fourth in America' with fireworks and musical performances. ESPN will cover the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year, Americans are gearing up for a long weekend packed with celebrations, entertainment, and national pride. The 2025 Independence Day festivities include a wide array of televised events, star-studded performances, historical tributes, and vibrant fireworks shows set to illuminate skies across the country.
For those staying in, major networks and streaming platforms are rolling out special programming to mark the occasion. CBS will air a dedicated episode of “The Price Is Right” at 11 a.m. ET (10 a.m. PT), honoring first responders, including firefighters and paramedics who were on the front lines during the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Contestants from these groups will compete for prizes including cash, cars, and camper trailers. The episode will also stream on Paramount+.
C-SPAN is launching its “America 250: Exploring the American Story” initiative ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The programming kicks off July 3 with a speech by former President Donald Trump from the Iowa State Fairgrounds at 8:30 p.m. ET. On July 4, C-SPAN will broadcast a full day of historical content, beginning at 9 a.m. ET with a live “Washington Journal” segment from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Highlights include a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives at 10 a.m. ET, a tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill, a parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, and additional features covering the Revolutionary War.
C-SPAN2 will continue its weekly “America 250” series throughout July with Saturday specials at 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET. Upcoming segments include a Revolutionary War reenactment at Mount Vernon (July 5), a retelling of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech (July 12), and in-depth commentary from historians on key battles and events.
Fireworks shows remain the centerpiece of Independence Day, and several major networks will deliver live coverage of displays from coast to coast. CNN’s “The Fourth in America” special will air from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET, featuring fireworks from New York City, Boston, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Nashville, San Diego, and Niagara Falls. The music lineup includes performances by Noah Kahan, Sting, Dierks Bentley, Lainey Wilson, Counting Crows, Timbaland, The Fray, Ice Cube, Sublime, and more. The show is hosted by Dana Bash, Boris Sanchez, Victor Blackwell, and Sara Sidner and will be available live on CNN, CNN International, and via CNN.com and mobile apps for cable subscribers.
The annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest also returns to Coney Island, airing live on ESPN platforms. The women’s contest begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3, followed by the men’s event at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with additional replays throughout the day. Joey Chestnut is set to compete again, aiming to defend his title.
NBC’s “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” show will be broadcast live from 8 p.m. ET, hosted by Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose. The show will feature performances from The Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, Trisha Yearwood, and others. The fireworks will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, accompanied by a custom musical score curated by Questlove and James Poyser. The program will also stream on Peacock, with a Spanish-language version airing on Telemundo at 9 p.m., and an encore presentation on NBC at 10 p.m.
Meanwhile, PBS will present its annual “A Capitol Fourth” celebration at 8/7c, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro. The event includes performances by The Beach Boys, The Temptations, Lauren Daigle, Josh Turner, Yolanda Adams, Trombone Shorty, Abi Carter, and LOCASH. Musical support will come from the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band, and the Choral Arts Society of Washington.
With parades, concerts, historical reenactments, and fireworks displays planned nationwide, Independence Day 2025 promises a memorable weekend of patriotic pride and shared celebration across America.
For those staying in, major networks and streaming platforms are rolling out special programming to mark the occasion. CBS will air a dedicated episode of “The Price Is Right” at 11 a.m. ET (10 a.m. PT), honoring first responders, including firefighters and paramedics who were on the front lines during the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Contestants from these groups will compete for prizes including cash, cars, and camper trailers. The episode will also stream on Paramount+.
C-SPAN is launching its “America 250: Exploring the American Story” initiative ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The programming kicks off July 3 with a speech by former President Donald Trump from the Iowa State Fairgrounds at 8:30 p.m. ET. On July 4, C-SPAN will broadcast a full day of historical content, beginning at 9 a.m. ET with a live “Washington Journal” segment from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Highlights include a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives at 10 a.m. ET, a tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill, a parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, and additional features covering the Revolutionary War.
C-SPAN2 will continue its weekly “America 250” series throughout July with Saturday specials at 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET. Upcoming segments include a Revolutionary War reenactment at Mount Vernon (July 5), a retelling of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech (July 12), and in-depth commentary from historians on key battles and events.
Fireworks shows remain the centerpiece of Independence Day, and several major networks will deliver live coverage of displays from coast to coast. CNN’s “The Fourth in America” special will air from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET, featuring fireworks from New York City, Boston, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Nashville, San Diego, and Niagara Falls. The music lineup includes performances by Noah Kahan, Sting, Dierks Bentley, Lainey Wilson, Counting Crows, Timbaland, The Fray, Ice Cube, Sublime, and more. The show is hosted by Dana Bash, Boris Sanchez, Victor Blackwell, and Sara Sidner and will be available live on CNN, CNN International, and via CNN.com and mobile apps for cable subscribers.
The annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest also returns to Coney Island, airing live on ESPN platforms. The women’s contest begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3, followed by the men’s event at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with additional replays throughout the day. Joey Chestnut is set to compete again, aiming to defend his title.
NBC’s “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” show will be broadcast live from 8 p.m. ET, hosted by Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose. The show will feature performances from The Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, Trisha Yearwood, and others. The fireworks will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, accompanied by a custom musical score curated by Questlove and James Poyser. The program will also stream on Peacock, with a Spanish-language version airing on Telemundo at 9 p.m., and an encore presentation on NBC at 10 p.m.
Meanwhile, PBS will present its annual “A Capitol Fourth” celebration at 8/7c, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro. The event includes performances by The Beach Boys, The Temptations, Lauren Daigle, Josh Turner, Yolanda Adams, Trombone Shorty, Abi Carter, and LOCASH. Musical support will come from the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band, and the Choral Arts Society of Washington.
With parades, concerts, historical reenactments, and fireworks displays planned nationwide, Independence Day 2025 promises a memorable weekend of patriotic pride and shared celebration across America.