The Fourth of July — Independence Day — is the United States' national day, celebrated every 4 July with fireworks, parades and cookouts. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday, and it's an especially big one: 2026 marks 250 years of American independence. Here's the history behind the date.
See the Independence Day holiday page or the US holiday calendar.
Why is Independence Day on July 4?
It marks 4 July 1776, the day the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the Declaration of Independence — the document announcing that the thirteen American colonies considered themselves free and independent states, no longer under British rule.
The Declaration, drafted principally by Thomas Jefferson, contains the famous words that "all men are created equal" with the rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Why some say the "real" date is July 2
Here's a twist: the Congress actually voted for independence on 2 July 1776. It then spent two days editing the wording of the formal Declaration, which was adopted on 4 July.
John Adams — a future president — believed 2 July would be the date Americans celebrated forever. He was off by two days: it's the date on the document (July 4) that stuck.
2026: America's 250th (the Semiquincentennial)
Because independence was declared in 1776, the year 2026 is the 250th anniversary — known as the Semiquincentennial or "America250." Expect unusually large celebrations across the country, similar in spirit to the 1976 Bicentennial.
How the Fourth of July is celebrated
- Fireworks displays nationwide — the signature tradition.
- Parades, concerts and community festivals.
- Cookouts and barbecues, beach trips, and lots of red, white and blue.
- It's a federal holiday; when 4 July falls on a weekend, federal offices observe the nearest weekday.
Quick answers
Why is the Fourth of July celebrated? It marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, when the American colonies declared independence from Britain.
Was independence really declared on July 4? Congress voted for independence on 2 July 1776 and adopted the wording of the Declaration on 4 July — so the document is dated the 4th, which became the holiday.
Why is 2026 special? 2026 is the 250th anniversary of American independence — the Semiquincentennial, or "America250."
Is the Fourth of July a public holiday? Yes — Independence Day is a US federal holiday.