Independence Day Countdown

Fireworks, hot dogs, and 249 years of the Fourth.

How many days until Independence Day?

Live countdown to Independence Day 2027

About Independence Day

Independence Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is the biggest patriotic holiday in the United States: parades by day, fireworks by night.

The story behind Independence Day

July 4 is actually the anniversary of a vote, not a signature. The Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776; the final wording of the Declaration was approved two days later. John Adams was so sure July 2 would be the holiday that he refused to appear on the Fourth for the rest of his life, in protest.

The coincidence that haunts historians: Adams and Thomas Jefferson — the second and third presidents, drafter and champion of the Declaration — both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary. Adams's last words were "Thomas Jefferson survives," not knowing Jefferson had died hours earlier.

Three presidents have been born on the Fourth — Calvin Coolidge (1872) is the only president born on Independence Day — while fireworks for the day trace back to Philadelphia's first-anniversary salute in 1777: thirteen rockets, one for each colony.

Independence Day dates 2027–2030

Independence Day facts

• Independence Day marks July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
• Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson — signers and later presidents — died on July 4, 1826, its 50th anniversary.
• Americans light an estimated 16,000+ fireworks displays every July 4.
• The Liberty Bell is tapped (not rung) 13 times every July 4, once for each original colony.