4th of July
Follow the latest 4th of July news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
10 months ago

9/11 survivor who died in drowning incident on July 4 remembered as 'hero'

Luke Laidley, a 9/11 survivor and dad of three, died on July 4 after jumping into Lake Michigan to help kids struggling in the water.
10 months ago
Lauren Laidley poses with her husband, Luke Laidley, who passed away on July 4, 2023.
10 months ago

Fatalities reported in 2 separate fireworks incidents

Authorities in Michigan and Texas are investigating separate fatal incidents involving fireworks that exploded.
10 months ago
Fireworks explode over the harbor during Boston Harborfest's Fourth of July weekend celebrations, Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Boston.
10 months ago

Record number of Americans expected to pack highways after July 4th

AAA is forecasting a record 43.2 million Americans will be packing up the car, a 4% jump from 2019.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Record number of Americans expected pack highways after July 4th
10 months ago

Joey Chestnut wins 8th consecutive hot dog eating contest

The victory in the annual hot dog eating competition marked eight consecutive wins for Chestnut.
10 months ago
Defending champion Joey Chestnut cheers after finishing in first place in the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
10 months ago

The history behind the celebration of the Fourth of July

Presidential historian Mark Updegrove discusses the significance of the holiday and how it came to be.
10 months ago
VIDEO: The history behind the celebration of the Fourth of July
10 months ago

Towns opt for drone shows over 4th of July fireworks

Salt Lake City officials said the city chose drones to be “conscientious of both our air quality and the potential for wildfires.”
10 months ago
VIDEO: Towns opt for drone shows over 4th of July fireworks
10 months ago

Police departments on high alert ahead of July 4th celebrations

There are no specific threats to events but a security assessment from the NYPD says these celebrations are "attractive targets" for "violent extremists" and "malicious actors."
10 months ago
VIDEO: Police departments on high alert ahead of July 4th celebrations
10 months ago

Baltimore officials say 4th of July festivities will be safe following shooting

No arrests have been made following a mass shooting that left two dead and 28 injured.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Baltimore officials say 4th of July festivities will be safe following shooting
10 months ago

Severe storms threaten the East for Fourth of July holiday travel

Millions of Americans are at risk of experiencing severe weather Sunday as thunderstorms and extreme heat alerts are in effect for multiple states.
10 months ago
Emergency Medical Technicians help stock the Eagle Pass Fire Department with water and ice on June 29, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas.
10 months ago

Americans navigate chaotic holiday travel

Severe weather is causing delays at the nation’s busiest airports.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Americans navigate chaotic holiday travel
10 months ago

High-tech 4th of July displays ditch fireworks over fire and pollution concerns

Amid fire dangers and pollution concerns, some cities are turning to laser lights and drones to celebrate the Fourth of July without fireworks.
10 months ago
In this undated file photo, people watch fireworks during a Fourth of July celebration.
10 months ago

July 4th fireworks can be stressful for dogs: 6 tips can keep them calm and safe

The Fourth of July can be stressful for dogs, who can get anxious with the louder-than-usual noise. Here are some tips to keep them safe and keep them home.
10 months ago
10 months ago

Americans get ready for July 4 travel weekend

AAA estimates that 43 million Americans will travel on roads and highways for the holiday weekend.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Americans get ready for July 4 travel weekend
10 months ago

Best time to hit the road this holiday weekend

ABC’s Reena Roy joins us with a look at the best and worst times to drive and what you can expect to pay at the pump.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Best time to hit the road this holiday weekend
10 months ago

Air travelers on edge after thousands of flights canceled over the week

Plus, 13 people have died in Texas as the heat wave expands. What you need to know about the holiday weekend forecast.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Air travelers on edge after thousands of flights canceled over the week
10 months ago

Record number of Americans begin travel for July 4th weekend

The TSA is expecting to screen 17.7 million people over the holiday weekend, but the biggest number of travelers are expected on Friday.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Record number of Americans begin travel for July 4th weekend
10 months ago

Best times to hit the road for July 4th weekend

With 43.2 million Americans expected to hit the road for the holiday weekend, Trevor Ault shares the best and worst times to drive.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Best times to hit the road for July 4th weekend
10 months ago

Tens of millions expected to hit the road ahead of July 4th weekend

AAA projects that 43.2 million people will drive and 3.36 million people will travel by bus, train or cruise during the holiday weekend.
10 months ago
VIDEO: Tens of millions expected to hit the road ahead of July 4th weekend
10 months ago

How to make star-spangled sangria for the 4th of July

A festive take on a classic summer sangria recipe that is perfect for July 4 from lifestyle blog Heart and Seam.
10 months ago
Red wine summer sangria perfect for a 4th of July party.
10 months ago

No more July 4 fireworks?

More cities are turning to drone and laser shows due to concerns that fireworks could worsen already poor air quality or trigger wildfires in drought-stricken areas. ABC News' Andrea Fujii reports.
10 months ago
VIDEO:  No more July 4 fireworks?
2 years ago

2 drown in separate incidents at Virginia Beach over July 4 weekend

A 12-year-old and 44-year-old drowned in two separate incidents at Virginia Beach on the same day.
2 years ago
A 12-year-old and 44-year-old drowned in two separate incidents at Virginia Beach on the same day.
2 years ago

Travel chaos as record number of Americans expected to return home after July 4

The TSA has screened more than 9 million people at U.S. airports since Thursday, while thousands experienced delayed flights and cancellations over the long weekend.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Travel chaos as record number of Americans expected to return home after July 4
2 years ago

Joey Chestnut wins 15th Coney Island hot dog eating contest

The competitive eating icon downed 63 franks and buns in his latest victory.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Joey Chestnut wins 15th Coney Island hot dog eating contest
2 years ago

Protecting your pet on July 4th

ABC News’ Will Ganss has tips on how to mitigate the stress of fireworks on your pets this Independence Day.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Protecting your pet on July 4th
2 years ago

Best entertainment for the 4th

Janai Norman fills us in on what to binge, starting with Nathan's annual hot dog eating contest, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and throwback “Air Force One.”
2 years ago
VIDEO: Best entertainment for the 4th
2 years ago

Nathan’s annual July Fourth hot dog eating contest tomorrow

ABC News' Megan Ryte reports on the buzziest stories of the day in "GMA" Pop News.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Nathan’s annual July Fourth hot dog eating contest tomorrow
2 years ago

How to save on July 4th grilling essentials amid inflation

Stew Leonard, Jr., CEO of Stew Leonard’s supermarkets breaks down how inflation is impacting Fourth of July barbecues and offers last-minute tips on ways to save on holiday foods.
2 years ago
VIDEO: How to save on July 4th grilling essentials amid inflation
2 years ago

Fourth of July sales tips

Becky Worley is back with more tips since Amazon prime day is coming up.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Fourth of July sales tips
2 years ago

Red flag warnings threaten fireworks displays in West

Residents in the Southwest are asked to be cautious with fireworks as dry conditions and gusty winds have created an increased risk of wildfire.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Red flag warnings threaten fireworks displays in West
2 years ago

Thousands of flights delayed for July 4th travel weekend

About 9,000 flights were delayed and nearly 1,000 were canceled Saturday and Sunday as airlines battled a string of staffing shortages from the pandemic and severe weather in parts of the country.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Thousands of flights delayed for July 4th travel weekend
2 years ago

Record number of travelers hit the road for 4th of July

About 42 million people are expected to have traveled by car for the holiday weekend, according to predictions by AAA.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Record number of travelers hit the road for 4th of July
2 years ago

Americans worry about travel nightmares on July Fourth weekend

Storms in the Northeast are one reason flights have been canceled and delayed.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Americans worry about travel nightmares on July Fourth weekend
2 years ago

Shopping for July Fourth sales

“GMA’s” Becky Worley brings us the best deals for this holiday weekend in swimsuits, home improvement and much more!
2 years ago
VIDEO: Shopping for July Fourth sales
2 years ago

Safety tips for a safe July Fourth BBQ

Firefighters offered tips on "GMA" for a safe holiday weekend, including warning Americans to not leave their grills unattended.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Safety tips for a safe July Fourth BBQ
2 years ago

BBQ swaps for 4th of July

There are ways to keep down the cost and still serve up a great spread amid high inflation.
2 years ago
VIDEO: BBQ swaps for 4th of July
2 years ago

Creative ways to save money on your Fourth of July barbecue

Barbecue staples such as ground beef, pork and beans and even potato salad are being hit with higher prices this season, but you can still have a good time without breaking the bank.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Creative ways to save money on your Fourth of July barbecue
2 years ago

How to keep your pets safe amid Fourth of July fireworks

Dr. Marina Tejada of the North Shore Animal League America shares tips to keep pets calm during noisy fireworks, including making sure pets are identifiable in case they run away.
2 years ago
VIDEO: How to keep your pets safe amid Fourth of July fireworks
2 years ago

Save on your 4th of July barbecue with these last-minute tips

Save on your backyard barbecue this Fourth of July, even with food prices soaring.
2 years ago
In this undated file photo hotdogs, sausages, hamburgers and cheeseburgers are seen on a barbeque.
2 years ago

July 4th travel chaos

Airlines have canceled or delayed thousands of flights ahead of the holiday. ABC News’ Mona Kosar Abdi reports on what could complicate things this weekend.
2 years ago
VIDEO:  July 4th travel chaos
2 years ago

Record number of drivers hit the road for 4th of July weekend

AAA expects a record 42 million people to travel by car this weekend as flight cancelations and delays continue.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Record number of drivers hit the road for 4th of July weekend
2 years ago

How to super-size your Fourth of July food, style and fun

An all-star squad -- "Heirloom Kitchen" author Anna Francese Gass, model Hayley Hasselhoff and While Entertaining magazine's Amber Mayfield -- shares tips to heat up your holiday celebration.
2 years ago
VIDEO: How to super-size your Fourth of July food, style and fun
2 years ago

What 4th of July sales to shop and skip

ABC News’ Becky Worley weighs in on the deals to grab now and others that consumers should pass on.
2 years ago
VIDEO: What 4th of July sales to shop and skip
2 years ago

4th of July weekend weather: What to expect

Rain, heat and fire are all in the forecast this 4th of July weekend.
2 years ago
Vacationers watch the ocean from the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Del., June 19, 2022.
2 years ago

4 early 4th of July mattress sales that are happening right now

This holiday weekend, find deep discounts on mattresses galore.
2 years ago
Modern Foam Mattress
2 years ago

4th of July travel: What to know before hitting the skies or the road

This Fourth of July is expected to be the second-busiest for travel since 2000, with 47.9 million Americans taking trips, according to AAA.
2 years ago
A crowd of travelers wait in line to check in for their flights at LAX in Los Angeles, May 28, 2021.
2 years ago

Easy to eat handheld foods for 4th of July

Easy to make and easier to eat with one hand recipes for fourth of July celebrations.
2 years ago
Frozen strawberry margarita popsicles are a perfect handheld treat for the 4th of July.
2 years ago

Experts reveal July 4th sales to shop now and which ones to wait on

Customers can score deep discounts on appliances and outdoor gear during the holiday weekend, but experts advise waiting for Amazon Prime Day and Target Deals Day to save on items like electronics.
2 years ago
VIDEO: Experts reveal July 4th sales to shop now and which ones to wait on
2 years ago

50 million Americans expected to travel for July 4 weekend

ABC News’ Stephanie Ramos shares the latest updates ahead of the busy holiday weekend and how recent flight delays and high gas prices could affect your travel plans.
2 years ago
VIDEO: 50 million Americans expected to travel for July 4 weekend
2 years ago

Must-know, last-minute DIY party hacks for your Fourth of July bash

It's not too late to get into the patriotic spirit with these easy party hacks.
2 years ago
Brit + Co shares a step-by-step guide on how to make a DIY Fourth of July pinata.
3 years ago

Firework displays across the country dazzle Americans

Cities across the U.S. celebrated a return to normal Fourth of July celebrations, including firework shows. A town in California celebrated with hundreds of feet of bubble wrap due to fire danger.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Firework displays across the country dazzle Americans