What is the America250 Block Party? Dates, cities and how to watch
As a historic Independence Day weekend kicks off, communities across the country are preparing for their own celebrations.
Hosted by the official America250 organization, America's Block Party is a collection of community-led Fourth of July gatherings that aim to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary through live music, food and drink and family-friendly activities. America's Block Party is not a singular event but rather an umbrella for local events throughout the United States.
A portion of America's Block Party is dedicated to Giving 4th, an initiative to make July 4th a "permanent fixture on the American giving calendar." The America250 website lists nonprofit organizations, including those that focus on civic engagement, education, housing, conservation and veterans, that people can donate to.
Interested in learning more about America's Block Party? Here's what to know about the nationwide celebration.
When is America's Block Party?
America's Block Party officially kicks off on Friday, July 3, and continues, in some cities, through Sunday, July 5.
Stream America's Block Party on Paramount+
Who is hosting America's Block Party?
America's Block Party is a nationwide initiative in which communities are encouraged to host their own July 4th events. While there are many block parties being held throughout the country, here are the eight official host locations:
- Historic Giving 4th Benefit Show at One Times Square in New York City (livestream only on July 3)
- America's Block Party in the Sky on the Times Square Skywalk in New York City (July 4-5)
- July 4th Benefit Show at the LA Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles (July 4)
- Boston Pops Firework Spectacular at Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston (July 4)
- Waterfront Independence Day Celebration at Waterfront Park in Charleston, South Carolina (July 4)
- Fort Campbell Festival at Fort Campbell, Kentucky (July 4)
- Summerfest in downtown Milwaukee (July 2-4)
- One Philly: Unity Concert for America at Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia (July 4)
What is the music lineup for America's Block Party?
There is not a singular lineup for America's Block Party. There are several events being held throughout the country. For a full list of communities hosting events, visit the America250 website at america250.org/americas-block-party.
How to watch America's Block Party from home
Each block party event may host livestreams on their sites and social media channels.
The Historic Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show, to be livestreamed from One Times Square on Friday, July 3, will be available to watch on the America250 website.
CBS will broadcast "The Great American Block Party 250" on Saturday, July 4, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET and is scheduled to include several performances including:
- Queen Latifah from the America250 Benefit Show in L.A.
- The Roots and Jill Scott from the One Philly Unity Concert.
- Zac Brown Band in Atlanta.
- Jon Batiste (Montclair, New Jersey).
- Goo Goo Dolls (Irvine, California).
- The War and Treaty (Nashville, Tennessee).
The program will also be streamed on Paramount+, CBS News 24/7, CBSNews.com and YouTube.com/CBSNews. Paramount+ will also stream the full One Philly Unity Concert for America via the ET Live Channel.
Stream America's Block Party on Paramount+
Find a block party near you
Interested in finding an official America's Block Party event near you? Check out the interactive map on the America250 website. There is also a free America's Block Party mobile app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store where you can look up events in your area.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the America250 Block Party? Dates, cities and how to watch
Reporting by Greta Cross, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 2:07 AM.