If there’s anything synonymous with the Fourth of July weekend, it’s definitely fireworks. And America’s 250th birthday is turning this weekend into a much bigger TV event than usual.
While the familiar New York City spectacle returns and PBS moves A Capitol Fourth to Friday night to launch the holiday weekend, Disney is adding a brand-new Nashville concert and drone-show special to the lineup. The only challenge is that the biggest Saturday broadcasts start at the same time.
I would plan ahead rather than expecting to channel-surf your way through the weekend. In this guide, I’ll outline exactly how to watch this year’s Fourth of July fireworks specials on TV, including full channel listings and a comprehensive broadcast schedule.
What channels show Fourth of July Fireworks?
With so many historic celebrations happening across the country, coverage is spread across several major networks and streaming platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the primary broadcasters in play for the weekend.
- ABC: Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, “Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash” is a major live TV event airing on ABC and its sister networks. You’ll also find the special on Freeform, FX, and National Geographic, as well as through ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu, and the ESPN app.
- NBC: Returning for its 50th edition, the “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” show is a two-hour special featuring fireworks launched from the Lower East River, the Lower Hudson River, and the Brooklyn Bridge. A Spanish-language simulcast will also air on Telemundo, with streaming available on Peacock.
- PBS: Rather than ending with the usual fireworks over the National Mall, “A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration” features a fireworks finale from George Washington’s Mount Vernon. It airs on public television stations nationwide and streams on the official A Capitol Fourth website.
2026 Fourth of July fireworks TV schedule
There are dozens of incredible fireworks broadcasts lighting up screens for this year’s America 250 celebration.
Keep this holiday weekend schedule handy so you don’t miss a single blast. To help you navigate your viewing marathon, I’ve bolded the main national fireworks shows, while the rest are premier regional spectacles that you can stream from anywhere.
| Event | Location | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration | Washington, D.C. | Friday, July 3 | 8:00 p.m. | PBS, ACapitolFourth.org |
| Addison Kaboom Town! | Addison, TX | Friday, July 3 | 10:30 p.m. | CW33 (locally), KDAF.com |
| Wawa Welcome America | Philadelphia, PA | Saturday, July 4 | 7:00 p.m. | NBC10 (locally), TeleXitos, Peacock |
| Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular | Boston, MA | Saturday, July 4 | 7:00 p.m. | CNN.com, CNN app, WHDH 7 (locally) |
| Macy"s 4th of July Fireworks | New York City, NY | Saturday, July 4 | 8:00 p.m. | NBC, Telemundo, Peacock |
| Nashville"s Star-Spangled Bash | Nashville, TN | Saturday, July 4 | 8:00 p.m. | ABC, Disney+, Hulu |
| H-E-B Austin Symphony 4th of July Concert & Fireworks | Austin, TX | Saturday, July 4 | 9:00 p.m. | KVUE (locally), KVUE.com |
| Go 4th on the River | New Orleans, LA | Saturday, July 4 | 10:00 p.m. | Go4thOnTheRiver.com |
| Big Bay Boom | San Diego, CA | Saturday, July 4 | 11:00 p.m. | FOX 5 KUSI Now, KUSI 51 (locally) |
| Seafair 4th of July | Seattle, WA | Sunday, July 5 | 1:15 a.m. | FOX 13 Seattle |
Best TV plans for watching Fourth of July fireworks
Use an antenna for free local coverage
For the most straightforward no-cable approach, I would start with an antenna. It can provide access to local NBC, ABC, PBS, and Telemundo affiliates in many markets without a monthly subscription.
That covers Macy’s on NBC, Disney’s Nashville special on ABC, “A Capitol Fourth” on your PBS station, and Macy’s Spanish-language telecast on Telemundo. Reception and channel availability depend on where you live, so it’s worth using Antennas Direct’s Transmitter Locator and scanning for local stations.
Stream Macy’s live on Peacock
For viewers who prefer streaming, Peacock Premium is the cleanest choice for Macy’s. The service costs $10.99 per month before taxes and will simulcast the NBC special live. Peacock is particularly useful if your local NBC signal is unreliable or if you want to watch on a phone, tablet, or streaming device rather than a traditional TV.
Try a dual-screen setup for competing broadcasts
The best option for catching both major Saturday-night broadcasts is a two-screen setup. I would put Macy’s on Peacock or NBC, then stream Disney’s Nashville special through Disney+ or Hulu on a second television, tablet, or laptop. Disney’s ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle is currently listed at $12.99 per month, though the service’s promotional and bundle pricing can change.
That split-screen strategy matters because both Saturday specials begin at 8:00 p.m. ET. Macy’s is the better pick for viewers who mainly want a New York City fireworks production.
Meanwhile, Disney’s three-hour Nashville special is the stronger fit for anyone who wants a concert-heavy show with fireworks, drones, and a wider America 250 theme. Performers include Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Nick Jonas, Boyz II Men, Brothers Osborne, Little Big Town, Lauren Daigle, NE-YO, Sublime, and The All-American Rejects.
How to watch Fourth of July fireworks FAQ
Can I watch the Fourth of July Fireworks replays on demand?
Yes, "A Capitol Fourth" will stream on demand and on YouTube from July 3 to 17. The NBC and Disney network broadcasts are available on demand if you use a live TV provider with a DVR. They may also become available for on-demand streaming on services like Peacock and Disney+.
How do I watch the Fourth of July Fireworks in Spanish?
Telemundo will air a Spanish-language telecast of "Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks" at 8:00 p.m. ET. Jessica Carrillo of "Al Rojo Vivo" and Carlos Adyan of "En Casa con Telemundo" will host the broadcast.
Who are the announcers for the Fourth of July fireworks?
Terry Crews will host "Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks" on NBC and Peacock, while Carrillo and Adyan host the Telemundo version. Ryan Seacrest will host Disney's Nashville special. Emily Ann Roberts will serve as its backstage correspondent, and comedian John Crist will appear as the broadcast's man-on-the-street reporter.
Can I watch the Fourth of July Fireworks outside of the US?
Not necessarily. The confirmed live options are U.S.-focused. But you can typically find several Fourth of July livestreams on YouTube if you tune in at the right time.
