Disney Celebrates America live updates: Fireworks light up skies over DC, New York City

Follow along as ABC celebrates with 24 hours of programming.

ByEmily Shapiro and Jon Haworth
Last Updated: July 5, 2026, 12:37 AM 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:
2 hours and 13 minutes ago

Fireworks light up DC skyline

Fireworks lit up the skies over Washington, D.C. on Saturday night, illuminating the National Mall.

The fireworks display came as part of the "Salute to America" for the 250th anniversary celebration featuring remarks from President Donald Trump.

PHOTO: A Tribute To America On The National Mall In D.C. Celebrates America's 250th
Fireworks burst in the skies during "Salute to America 250" Fourth of July celebrations 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.
Win Mcnamee/Getty Images
PHOTO: America 250 Independence Day Washington
People watch fireworks at Salute to America, an Independence Day event honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, Sunday, July 5, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo
PHOTO: A Tribute To America On The National Mall In D.C. Celebrates America's 250th
ARLINGTON, VA - JULY 4: Fireworks celebrating America's 250th over Washington, DC are seen from behind the Marine Corps Memorial on July 4, 2026 in Arlington, VA.
Pete Marovich/Getty Images
2 hours and 47 minutes ago

Trump delivers Fourth of July remarks after storm delay

President Donald Trump delivered July Fourth remarks from the National Mall on Saturday evening, hours after the event was evacuated due to weather conditions.

Read more and see photos.

PHOTO: A Tribute To America On The National Mall In D.C. Celebrates America's 250th
President Donald Trump is seen on the jombo screens as he walks on stage with U.S. First Lady Melania Trump during "Salute to America 250" Fourth of July celebrations 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.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds Fourth of July rally, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, in Washington
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hold hands as they attend a Fourth of July rally, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 4, 2026.
Evan Vucci/Reuters
PHOTO: US-POLITICS-ANNIVERSARY-250
Retired US Army Colonel and Medal of Honor recipient Paris D. Davis (R) salutes Revolutionary-era "First American" flags displayed on stage as US President Donald Trump (off frame) speaks 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.
Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images
Jul 04, 2026, 9:26 PM EDT

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
Jul 04, 2026, 9:20 PM EDT

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

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola