There might be nowhere that gets more into the spirit of the Fourth of July than the United States capital, Washington D.C., and the big culmination of its Independence Day celebration is a fireworks display that takes place over the U.S. Capitol building, the home of Congress.
If you can’t make it to a live local fireworks display, or you’re just hoping for the most patriotic fireworks possible, you can tune into the “A Capitol Fourth” Independence Day celebration in a variety of ways. PBS is carrying the fireworks display and concert across the country, which starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time (5 p.m. Pacific) and runs until 9:30 p.m.
For cord-cutters and anyone who might not be close to a TV, though, there are several options for catching the fireworks display online as well. PBS is hosting the video for “A Capitol Fourth” on its website, PBS.org, which is the handiest way to tune in. You can also listen to the concert on National Public Radio stations across the country.
You can also find “A Capitol Fourth” on the PBS YouTube channel, and streamed on PBS’ Facebook page.
Actor John Stamos will serve as host for the festivities, and “The Voice” finalist Kyla Jade will sing the national anthem. Performers include Jimmy Buffett and the Broadway cast of “Escape to Margaritaville,” the Temptations, and the Beach Boys. Country singers Luke Combs and “American Idol” alumna Lauren Alaina, violinist Joshua Bell, singer-songwriter Andy Grammer, gospel singer CeCe Winans, soprano Renée Fleming of Broadway hit “Carousel,” and a cappella group Pentatonix also are on tap during the concert.
The festivities will also include a tribute to composer Leonard Bernstein, introduced by Broadway star Chita Rivera, and a video message from legendary composer John Williams in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the movie “Superman.” There will also be a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jack Everly.