NBC is planning an expanded Fourth of July television event this year as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The network will begin the evening with America’s 250th Birthday: A Celebration in New York, a live special highlighting Sail4th 250, a large scale maritime gathering that will bring tall ships, naval vessels and international participants to New York Harbor. The broadcast will showcase the historic Parade of Sail along with live entertainment and patriotic celebrations taking place throughout the city.
The special serves as a lead-in to the milestone 50th edition of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, creating a full night of programming centered on the country’s semiquincentennial celebration.
This year’s fireworks display promises one of the biggest productions in the event’s history, featuring 85,000 fireworks shells launched from multiple barges along with new visual effects, including a laser presentation from the Brooklyn Bridge. The celebration will also include performances by Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Salt-N-Pepa, Noah Kahan, Bebe Rexha and Shaboozey.
NBC and Peacock will carry both live broadcasts, giving viewers nationwide front row access to one of the largest Independence Day celebrations ever staged. The expanded programming combines history, music and one of television’s longest running holiday traditions as America marks a landmark birthday.
