July 4th fireworks 2025: How to watch & stream live

WASHINGTON - Parades and fireworks are the highlight of the day today as Americans celebrate Independence Day, and you can watch it all right here.

Want to keep the fireworks up on your smart TV all evening? Just look for LiveNOW from FOX on your channel guide or on the free FOX Local app for your TV.

July 4th parades 2025

Up first:

The festivities start at 10 a.m. ET with the Celebration of Freedom ceremony in Philadelphia, followed by the Salute to Independence Parade. Then, the focus moves to our nation’s capital for the National Independence Day Parade. 

After that, we’ll get coverage of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump participating in the Military Family Picnic at 5 p.m. ET.

July 4th fireworks 2025

The big shows:

In New York, the massive fireworks display will launch from the East River once again after last year's display on the Hudson. Organizers promise four barges' worth of pyrotechnics featuring 11 new effects and 30 different colors.

A number of other shows are on the schedule, from Florida to Minnesota and out to California – and, of course, the big fireworks show in Washington, DC.

Here’s a look at the streaming schedule for LiveNOW from FOX, pending breaking news coverage. You can watch in the live player above or on the FOX Local app for your phone and smart TV.

Note: We may not be able to show each event in full or even at all, especially while simultaneous events are underway. And of course, each event is dependent on local weather.

Live parade and fireworks schedule

• 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT: Philadelphia, PA: Salute to Independence Parade
• 11:45 a.m. ET / 8:45 a.m. PT: Washington, DC: National Independence Day Parade
• 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT: New York, NY: Fireworks over East River
• 9 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT: St. Petersburg, FL: St. Pete Pier fireworks
• 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT: Washington, DC: Fireworks on the National Mall
• 9:25 p.m. ET / 6:25 p.m. PT: Jersey City, NJ: Fireworks over the Hudson
• 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT: Philadelphia, PA: Fireworks at the Museum of Art
• 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT: Houston, TX: Freedom Over Texas
• 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT: Fort Worth, TX: Fort Worth’s Fourth fireworks
• 12:30 a.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. PT: San Francisco, CA: Fourth of July fireworks
• 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT: Seattle, WA: Lake Union fireworks

What is Independence Day?

The backstory:

Independence Day, informally called July 4th, marks America’s independence from England. It was on July 4, 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was signed, announcing the United States of America as its own country – no longer 13 British colonies.

RELATED: What's open and closed on July 4th

The Revolutionary War followed, culminating with Lord Cornwallis's surrender at the siege of Yorktown in 1781, and Britain formally recognized the independence of the United States via the Treaties of Paris in 1782 and 1783.

Are personal fireworks legal in my state?

Local perspective:

In addition to the large civic displays, many Americans like to fire off their own fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. 

While they are mesmerizing to watch and just downright fun to light up, they can also be very dangerous, so some states have limited their use. For example, in New York state, only sparkling devices (or sparklers) are legal for residents to use; however, they are not legal in New York City or on Long Island. 

In California, depending on the city or county in which you reside, fireworks could be illegal, especially since there is a risk of sparking a wildfire.

RELATED: Are fireworks legal in your state?

Check your local town and state’s ordinances, and be sure to follow fireworks safety tips.

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