The 4th of July is America's birthday, celebrated with fireworks, parades, and backyard barbecues from coast to coast. This live countdown shows exactly how many days are left until Independence Day.
4th of July at a glance
- Next date
- Sunday, July 4, 2027
- Day of the week
- Sunday
- How the date is set
- Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 4
- Category
- Holidays
4th of July dates for the next 5 years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Sunday | |
| 2028 | Tuesday | |
| 2029 | Wednesday | |
| 2030 | Thursday | |
| 2031 | Friday |
Why we celebrate on July 4
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of Great Britain. The vote for independence actually happened on July 2, and John Adams expected that date to be celebrated, but July 4, the date printed on the Declaration, is the one that stuck.
Americans celebrated the day with bonfires, bells, and fireworks from the very first anniversary in 1777. Congress made Independence Day a federal holiday in 1870.
Classic 4th of July traditions
Fireworks are the centerpiece of the holiday, from small-town shows to the Macy's display over New York City. Daytime brings parades, picnics, baseball games, and grilled hot dogs and burgers, plus the famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island.
Plan ahead
The 4th of July is one of the busiest travel holidays of the summer. Book lake houses and campsites early, check your city's fireworks schedule, and if you plan to use fireworks at home, review local laws, since rules vary widely from state to state.
Frequently asked questions
When is 4th of July 2027?
4th of July 2027 is on Sunday, July 4, 2027. Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 4.
How many days until 4th of July?
The live countdown at the top of this page shows exactly how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds are left until 4th of July, calculated for your local time zone.
Is the 4th of July a federal holiday?
Yes. Independence Day is a federal holiday. When July 4 falls on a Saturday, the holiday is observed on Friday, July 3; when it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5.
How old is the United States?
The United States declared independence on July 4, 1776. July 4, 2026 marked the country's 250th anniversary, known as the Semiquincentennial.