New York City will witness a historic patriotic celebration as Times Square announces a special ball drop on July 3, 2026, marking the first time in 120 years that such an event will not occur on New Year’s Eve. This patriotic event will serve as a precursor to the extensive nationwide celebrations planned for the United States’ 250th birthday.
The iconic crystal ball will sparkle in red, white, and blue as it rises to usher in the new year, setting the stage for a year-long series of events leading up to the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. According to Rosie Rios, Chair of the America250 Commission, the upcoming celebrations are designed to be both inspiring and inclusive, with events tailored to engage all Americans.
“Whatever you’re imagining, it’s going to be much more than that,” Rios stated, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the planned festivities. The America250 Commission, established by Congress in 2016, has collaborated with the Times Square Alliance and One Times Square to enhance this year’s New Year’s Eve ceremonies, adding a second confetti drop to the traditional countdown.
July Ball Drop to Kick Off Independence Day Celebrations
The ball drop on July 3 will occur the evening before the nation’s birthday, in a style reminiscent of the New Year’s Eve celebrations that have captivated audiences for over a century. Rios highlighted the significance of this event, noting, “It will mark the first time in 120 years there will be a ball drop in Times Square that doesn’t occur on New Year’s Eve.”
The original New Year’s Eve ball drop began in 1907, created by immigrant metalworker Jacob Starr. The first ball weighed 700 pounds and measured five feet in diameter. Today, the latest iteration, the Constellation Ball, is the ninth version, measuring approximately 12 feet in diameter and weighing nearly 12,000 pounds.
The only interruptions to the ball drop tradition occurred during World War II in 1942 and 1943, when a nightly “dimout” was imposed in New York City to protect it from potential attacks. Instead of the usual celebrations, the public observed a moment of silence, followed by chimes from One Times Square.
This year, the stroke of midnight will also mark the launch of America Gives, a national service initiative aimed at mobilizing volunteer efforts across the country. Organizers are striving to make 2026 the most significant year for volunteerism in the United States.
On New Year’s Day, America250 will participate in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, featuring a float themed “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years,” showcasing three larger-than-life bald eagles symbolizing the nation’s past, present, and future. Rios remarked, “We want to ring in this new year from sea to shining sea, going from New York to California.”
Engaging the Nation in Celebration
The upcoming celebrations will not only focus on grand events but will also include community-driven initiatives across the nation. Rios expressed her vision for a diverse array of activities, from statewide potluck dinners to student contests and oral history projects, all aimed at fostering a sense of unity in a politically divided country.
President Donald Trump has also announced the “Freedom 250” initiative, which aims to coordinate further events for the 250th anniversary. Rios believes that by providing a menu of options for participation, America250 will engage a broad spectrum of the population, stating, “If we can find something for everyone, that’s how we’re going to get to engaging 350 million Americans.”
As preparations unfold, the anticipation for these historic celebrations builds, promising to create a memorable and unifying experience for the nation.
