'A Capitol Fourth' 2026 concert: Guide to America’s Independence Day celebration
WASHINGTON - JULY 3: The general view at the dress rehearsal for the Capitol Fourth 2006 Holiday Concert at the U.S. Capitol July 3, 2006 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Stephen J. Boitano/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the nation celebrates 250 years of independence, the annual "A Capitol Fourth" concert is set to bring star power and patriotic fanfare to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Here's everything you need to know about the live, free concert this year.
When is the concert?
By the numbers:
"A Capitol Fourth" concert will be held on Friday, July 3, on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The broadcast begins at 8 p.m.
Who is performing?
What we know:
The event will feature the national television debut of country music star Trace Adkins' new song "American Made," along with fireworks live from George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
These iconic groups will provide the patriotic soundtrack leading up to the massive fireworks display over the National Mall:
- The National Symphony Orchestra will anchor the evening's music.
- The Choral Arts Society of Washington and Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music will provide backing and lead choral performances throughout the night.
- The event will feature precise and powerful performances from the U.S. Army Band "Pershing’s Own," the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
- United States Army Presidential Salute Battery will fire live cannons in time with the NSO's traditional rendition of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture during the grand finale.
Can you attend?
What you can do:
The public can attend "A Capitol Fourth" concert on July 3, as well as a dress rehearsal on July 2.
Entry for both performances begins at 3 p.m. through the southwest Capitol grounds gates. There is no early admission to the West Lawn, and all guests must pass through checkpoints with bag inspections and metal detectors.
Food and low-profile beach/camp chairs are permitted, but several items are prohibited from the grounds.
Prohibited items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass bottles
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Bicycles and motorized scooters of any kind (devices required for accessibility (ADA) will be accommodated)
- Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
- Explosives of any kind, including fireworks
- Knives, blades or sharp objects of any length
- Laser pointers, signs, posters
- Mace, pepper spray
- Sticks, poles
- Electric stun guns
- Martial arts weapons or devices
- Umbrellas larger than 36" in diameter (umbrellas smaller than 36" will be allowed)
- Pocket or hand tools such as a "Leatherman"
- Sealed packages, large boxes, duffle bags, suitcases
- Drones, model rockets, remote or manually controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircraft, model boats and/or cars, and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems
Concert travel
Local perspective:
It is recommended to take the Metro to the concert due to high traffic volume and street closures. The nearest stations are Federal Center SW (Orange/Blue lines) and Union Station (Red Line).
How to watch
What's next:
You can watch a livestream of the "A Capitol Fourth" concert on Facebook, the PBS YouTube channel and PBS app.