It’s Fourth of July weekend in the United States — and this one is special.

Saturday marked the nation’s 250th birthday, and Americans celebrated the milestone with cookouts, parades, fireworks and other traditions.

In the nation's capital, events culminated after a rain delay with a speech from President Donald Trump and a record-breaking fireworks show on the National Mall.

Across the country, the weather complicated matters with storms and a dangerous heat wave that forced many celebrations to be postponed or canceled.

A Secret Service member stands guard as President Donald Trump speaks during the Salute to America event on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on Saturday, July 4., after it was delayed due to severe weather. "There’s no way we can be deterred,” Trump said from the podium as the crowd cheered.
A Secret Service member stands guard as President Donald Trump speaks during the Salute to America event on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on Saturday, July 4., after it was delayed due to severe weather. "There’s no way we can be deterred,” Trump said from the podium as the crowd cheered.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Darnell James and his little brother, Jeremiah, light sparklers in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Darnell James and his little brother, Jeremiah, light sparklers in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Maansi Srivastava/CNN
People celebrate Independence Day at the FIFA Fan Fest in Miami.
People celebrate Independence Day at the FIFA Fan Fest in Miami.
Marco Bello/Reuters
People in Brooklyn watch fireworks explode over the New York skyline on Saturday, July 4.
People in Brooklyn watch fireworks explode over the New York skyline on Saturday, July 4.
Anna Connors/AP
Former NASA astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, left, joins Artemis II crew members Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen on stage during Trump's Fourth of July address.
Former NASA astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, left, joins Artemis II crew members Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen on stage during Trump's Fourth of July address.
Alex Brandon/AP
Attendees watch the fireworks during the Salute to America celebration on the National Mall on July 4.
Attendees watch the fireworks during the Salute to America celebration on the National Mall on July 4.
Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty Images
People watch the fireworks in Washington, DC, from outside the secured perimeter of the National Mall just after midnight.
People watch the fireworks in Washington, DC, from outside the secured perimeter of the National Mall just after midnight.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
People previously gathered on the National Mall for Fourth of July festivities take shelter in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on July 4.
People previously gathered on the National Mall for Fourth of July festivities take shelter in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on July 4.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
Lightning flashes near the National Mall in Washington, DC, as thunderstorms in the area affect Fourth of July celebrations.
Lightning flashes near the National Mall in Washington, DC, as thunderstorms in the area affect Fourth of July celebrations.
Kylie Cooper/Reuters
Law enforcement officers stand near a woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty as they ask attendees to evacuate the National Mall as stormy weather approaches Washington, DC, on July 4.
Law enforcement officers stand near a woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty as they ask attendees to evacuate the National Mall as stormy weather approaches Washington, DC, on July 4.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
Performers inside Philadelphia Stadium mark Independence Day before the start of the World Cup match between France and Paraguay on Saturday, July 4.
Performers inside Philadelphia Stadium mark Independence Day before the start of the World Cup match between France and Paraguay on Saturday, July 4.
Jeenah Moon/Reuters
A flag by the Washington Monument waves in the wind of an impending storm in Washington, DC, on July 4.
A flag by the Washington Monument waves in the wind of an impending storm in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Surya Vaidy/CNN
People exit the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, after it was closed due to extreme weather forecasts on July 4.
People exit the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, after it was closed due to extreme weather forecasts on July 4.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
Volunteers take down an American flag after the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta on July 4.
Volunteers take down an American flag after the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta on July 4.
Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP
People wait in the heat near the Salute to America stage on the National Mall on July 4.
People wait in the heat near the Salute to America stage on the National Mall on July 4.
Surya Vaidy/CNN
People watch a flyover above Washington, DC, on July 4.
People watch a flyover above Washington, DC, on July 4.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
Neel Brahmbatt covers his ears as fighter jets fly over the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Neel Brahmbatt covers his ears as fighter jets fly over the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Surya Vaidy/CNN
Nicole Overton, left, and her husband Devon Overton host a cookout with their family and friends at their home in Washington, DC, on July 4. Nicole’s sister Nakita, right, chats with them while holding a small fan to keep cool.
Nicole Overton, left, and her husband Devon Overton host a cookout with their family and friends at their home in Washington, DC, on July 4. Nicole’s sister Nakita, right, chats with them while holding a small fan to keep cool.
Maansi Srivastava/CNN
US Marine Sgt. Diakaria Sangare from Guinea salutes during the playing of the national anthem at a naturalization ceremony on Independence Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
US Marine Sgt. Diakaria Sangare from Guinea salutes during the playing of the national anthem at a naturalization ceremony on Independence Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP
A participant rides around the arena at the Prescott Frontier Days World's Oldest Rodeo on July 4, in Prescott, Arizona.
A participant rides around the arena at the Prescott Frontier Days World's Oldest Rodeo on July 4, in Prescott, Arizona.
Evelio Contreras/CNN
People watch a flyover on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4.
People watch a flyover on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Surya Vaidy/CNN
Partners Sam Millar, left, and Shayon Moradi, third from left, host friends at their home after their Fourth of July plans changed due to the rain in Washington, DC. "This is clarity and a reminder of what America is really like," Millar said of the gathering. "Celebrating this country is for everyone, and that won't change."
Partners Sam Millar, left, and Shayon Moradi, third from left, host friends at their home after their Fourth of July plans changed due to the rain in Washington, DC. "This is clarity and a reminder of what America is really like," Millar said of the gathering. "Celebrating this country is for everyone, and that won't change."
Maansi Srivastava/CNN
Members of the National Guard patrol the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Members of the National Guard patrol the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
A resident watches the a Fourth of July parade in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on July 4.
A resident watches the a Fourth of July parade in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on July 4.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
A member of the US Navy Leap Frog Parachute Team makes an aerial jump over Washington, DC, on July 4.
A member of the US Navy Leap Frog Parachute Team makes an aerial jump over Washington, DC, on July 4.
Eric Lee/Reuters
People watch as the national anthem is sung before a baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays on July 4 in Seattle.
People watch as the national anthem is sung before a baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays on July 4 in Seattle.
Lindsey Wasson/AP
Young spectators are seen during the "O Say Can You See!" event on July 4 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Young spectators are seen during the "O Say Can You See!" event on July 4 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jon Cherry/AP
Crowds gather near the Salute to America stage on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Crowds gather near the Salute to America stage on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Surya Vaidy/CNN
Tex Perry of the Al Bahr Shriners Clowns applies makeup as he gets ready for a Fourth of July parade in Coronado, California.
Tex Perry of the Al Bahr Shriners Clowns applies makeup as he gets ready for a Fourth of July parade in Coronado, California.
Gregory Bull/AP
The Riesterer family hosts cousins and friends at their home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC, on July 4. Next week the Coast Guard family is moving to Alabama for a new station. “This was a big bucket list item for our last week here,” Jessica Reisterer said.
The Riesterer family hosts cousins and friends at their home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC, on July 4. Next week the Coast Guard family is moving to Alabama for a new station. “This was a big bucket list item for our last week here,” Jessica Reisterer said.
Maansi Srivastava/CNN
Julia Sargent, 2, waves an American flag as she's carried by her mother during the Fourth of July parade in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Julia Sargent, 2, waves an American flag as she's carried by her mother during the Fourth of July parade in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer/AP
Sisters Nilufar and Sadaf Sizdahkhani blow bubbles while celebrating Independence Day in Washington, DC.
Sisters Nilufar and Sadaf Sizdahkhani blow bubbles while celebrating Independence Day in Washington, DC.
Maansi Srivastava/CNN
The French Air Force's Patrouille de France aerobatic team perform a flyover near the Statue of Liberty during the Sail 250 parade of ships in New York Harbor on July 4.
The French Air Force's Patrouille de France aerobatic team perform a flyover near the Statue of Liberty during the Sail 250 parade of ships in New York Harbor on July 4.
Carlos Barria/Reuters
People cheer on runners participating in the final stretch of the inaugural Relay For America on July 4 in Washington, DC. The relay of 250 runners crossed 15 states over 20 days and nights, bringing one American flag from coast to coast.
People cheer on runners participating in the final stretch of the inaugural Relay For America on July 4 in Washington, DC. The relay of 250 runners crossed 15 states over 20 days and nights, bringing one American flag from coast to coast.
Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images
Terecita Dean poses for a portrait during the annual Independence Day Parade in Alameda, California, on July 4. She has lived in Alameda since 1985.
Terecita Dean poses for a portrait during the annual Independence Day Parade in Alameda, California, on July 4. She has lived in Alameda since 1985.
Yalonda M. James/San Francisco Chronicle/AP
Attendees check out the museum at Washington's Headquarters at the Ford Mansion in Morristown, New Jersey, on July 4.
Attendees check out the museum at Washington's Headquarters at the Ford Mansion in Morristown, New Jersey, on July 4.
Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network/Imagn Images
A Peruvian tall ship crew stands on the masts while sailing through New York Harbor during the Sail 250 parade of ships o July 4, 2026. The parade included historic tall ships representing 40 nations celebrating America's Independence Day.
A Peruvian tall ship crew stands on the masts while sailing through New York Harbor during the Sail 250 parade of ships o July 4, 2026. The parade included historic tall ships representing 40 nations celebrating America's Independence Day.
Anthony Behar/SipaUSA/AP
Isaiah Swiger, 10, from Florida, plays outside while wearing a temporary tattoo that reads "Kiss me I'm American" at his relatives' home in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Isaiah Swiger, 10, from Florida, plays outside while wearing a temporary tattoo that reads "Kiss me I'm American" at his relatives' home in Washington, DC, on July 4.
Maansi Srivastava/CNN
Members of the US Navy watch a helicopter carry an American flag over the New York Harbor during the Sail 250 parade of ships on July 4.
Members of the US Navy watch a helicopter carry an American flag over the New York Harbor during the Sail 250 parade of ships on July 4.
David Dee Delgado/Reuters
A commuter sits as masked members of the White nationalist group Patriot Front ride the metro in Washington, DC, on July 4. Patriot Front later <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2026%2F07%2F04%2Fus%2Flive-news%2Fjuly-4-trump-speech-america-250%3Fpost-id%3Dcmr6n9ius0000356rrjqebowd">marched through the nation's capital</a>, injecting a display of extremism into celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday.
A commuter sits as masked members of the White nationalist group Patriot Front ride the metro in Washington, DC, on July 4. Patriot Front later marched through the nation's capital, injecting a display of extremism into celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday.
Cheney Orr/Reuters
President Trump speaks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial near Keystone, South Dakota, on Friday, July 3.
President Trump speaks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial near Keystone, South Dakota, on Friday, July 3.
Matt Gade/AP
A child waves an American flag while waiting for Trump to speak at Mount Rushmore on July 3.
A child waves an American flag while waiting for Trump to speak at Mount Rushmore on July 3.
Matt Gade/AP
Flyovers are performed over Washington, DC, on July 3.
Flyovers are performed over Washington, DC, on July 3.
Surya Vaidy/CNN
People take a break from the heat at the American State Fair in Washington, DC, on July 3.
People take a break from the heat at the American State Fair in Washington, DC, on July 3.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
Attendees line up to enter air-conditioned areas at the Great American State Fair on July 3.
Attendees line up to enter air-conditioned areas at the Great American State Fair on July 3.
Surya Vaidy/CNN
A trash can overflows with water bottles at the Great American State Fair on July 3.
A trash can overflows with water bottles at the Great American State Fair on July 3.
Allison Robbert/AP
Lex Randall, 10, competes in a soap box derby race in Council, Idaho, on July 3.
Lex Randall, 10, competes in a soap box derby race in Council, Idaho, on July 3.
Loren Elliott/The New York Times/The New York Times/Redux
People line up for food at the Prescott Frontier Days World's Oldest Rodeo on July 3 in Prescott, Arizona.
People line up for food at the Prescott Frontier Days World's Oldest Rodeo on July 3 in Prescott, Arizona.
Evelio Contreras/CNN
People walk near the fencing at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 3, 2026.
People walk along the fencing surrounding the National Mall on July 3.
Tristen Rouse/CNN
Guests move around the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on July 3.
Guests move around the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on July 3.
Surya Vaidy/CNN
Caleb, left, and Joshua Fendrick, who are visiting from Florida, gather for a group photo after an Independence Day parade in Philadelphia was canceled on July 3 due to extreme heat.
Caleb, left, and Joshua Fendrick, who are visiting from Florida, gather for a group photo after an Independence Day parade in Philadelphia was canceled on July 3 due to extreme heat.
Rachel Wisniewski/The New York Times/Redux
A man sleeps on the steps outside Moynihan Train Hall in New York as decorations marking the 250th anniversary of the country are displayed on Thursday, July 2.
A man sleeps on the steps outside Moynihan Train Hall in New York as decorations marking the 250th anniversary of the country are displayed on Thursday, July 2.
Andres Kudacki/AP
People watch a fireworks show from the back of a pickup truck in Mansfield, Texas, on July 2.
People watch a fireworks show from the back of a pickup truck in Mansfield, Texas, on July 2.
Desiree Rios/The New York Times/Redux
250 people pose while forming the shape of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia on July 2.
250 people pose while forming the shape of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia on July 2.
Hannah Beier/Reuters
Guests pose for pictures atop a tank during the III Armored Corps and Central Texas Freedom Ball at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center near Fort Hood in Texas on July 2. Soldiers, military families and Texas leaders gathered to commemorate Independence Day.
Guests pose for pictures atop a tank during the III Armored Corps and Central Texas Freedom Ball at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center near Fort Hood in Texas on July 2. Soldiers, military families and Texas leaders gathered to commemorate Independence Day.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
People sit in front of air conditioner vents to cool down at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 2.
People sit in front of air conditioner vents to cool down at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on July 2.
Allison Robbert/AP
Hay bales wrapped in an American flag pattern sit in a field near Melbourne, Iowa, on July 2.
Hay bales wrapped in an American flag pattern sit in a field near Melbourne, Iowa, on July 2.
Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times/Redux
Members of a dance studio from Claymont, Delaware, prepare to march in the Red, White and Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade in Philadelphia on July 2.
Members of a dance studio from Claymont, Delaware, prepare to march in the Red, White and Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade in Philadelphia on July 2.
Al Drago/Getty Images
People arrive to participate in the Independence Day rodeo on July 2 in Sutherland, Nebraska.
People arrive to participate in the Independence Day rodeo on July 2 in Sutherland, Nebraska.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Members of the Filipino American Alliance Church gather for a potluck ahead of a fireworks show in Mansfield, Texas, on July 2.
Members of the Filipino American Alliance Church gather for a potluck ahead of a fireworks show in Mansfield, Texas, on July 2.
Desiree Rios/The New York Times/Redux
A member of the honor guard sweats as he stands guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 1.
A member of the honor guard sweats as he stands guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 1.
Craig Hudson/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Trump gestures from a ceremonial train during the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, on July 1.
Trump gestures from a ceremonial train during the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, on July 1.
Evan Vucci/Reuters
Molly Collins, front, and Tiffany Couch perform a baptism for Laura Oxendine during the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on July 1.
Molly Collins, front, and Tiffany Couch perform a baptism for Laura Oxendine during the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on July 1.
Tyler M. Andrews/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Vice President JD Vance speaks at an event marking 250 years of the American military at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on July 1.
Vice President JD Vance speaks at an event marking 250 years of the American military at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on July 1.
Ken Cedenoe/Pool/AP
A star is added to an American flag mural project at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Houston on July 1.
A star is added to an American flag mural project at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Houston on July 1.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images
People ride the Ferris wheel at the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, June 30.
People ride the Ferris wheel at the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, June 30.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
A light show illuminates an American flag on the Hoover Dam at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada on June 30.
A light show illuminates an American flag on the Hoover Dam at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada on June 30.
John Locher/AP
The Great American State Fair on the National Mall is seen through an American flag on June 30.
The Great American State Fair on the National Mall is seen through an American flag on June 30.
Jen Golbeck/AP
The Statue of Liberty in New York is illuminated to mark America 250 on June 30. Behind it, the Empire State Building is lit up in the colors of the flag of France to mark its World Cup victory over Sweden. France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886.
The Statue of Liberty in New York is illuminated to mark America 250 on June 30. Behind it, the Empire State Building is lit up in the colors of the flag of France to mark its World Cup victory over Sweden. France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886.
Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
Eyaska Taylor, 9, center, of the Ponca and Rosebud Sioux Tribes, waits to go on stage during the "All of US 250" protest in Washington, DC, on Saturday, June 27.
Eyaska Taylor, 9, center, of the Ponca and Rosebud Sioux Tribes, waits to go on stage during the "All of US 250" protest in Washington, DC, on Saturday, June 27.
Rod Lamkey Jr./AP
A performer swings a lasso during the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on Thursday, June 25.
A performer swings a lasso during the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, on Thursday, June 25.
Jabin Botsford/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Great American State Fair kicks off on Wednesday, June 24. The fair is taking place on the National Mall through July 10.
The Great American State Fair kicks off on Wednesday, June 24. The fair is taking place on the National Mall through July 10.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images