Independence Day celebrates the United States becoming independent of Britain. It is often referred to as the Fourth of July. It is a federal holiday, and celebrated everywhere in the United States.
Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated
Independence Day is July 4th. If the 4th of July is on a Saturday or Sunday, the celebration comes a day before, or a day after. Take a look at the observation dates for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations:
- Tuesday, July 4, 2017
- Wednesday, July 4, 2018
- Thursday, July 4, 2019
- Saturday, July 4, 2020 - Holiday observed on Friday, July 3, 2020
- Sunday, July 4, 2021 - Holiday observed on Monday, July 5, 2021
- Monday, July 4, 2022
- Tuesday, July 4, 2023
- Thursday, July 4, 2024
- Friday, July 4, 2025
Where Is Independence Day Considered A Holiday?
Independence Day is celebrated in every single state across America. It celebrates the Independence of the country, and is a federal holiday. Every government office will be closed, along with any educational facility. All public transportation will run on a holiday schedule, or not at all. Many businesses will be closed for observing the holiday as well. Make sure you get your shopping done ahead of time!
Festivities & Events During Independence Day
In a letter to his wife Abigail, John Adams explained how Independence Day would be celebrated across the land. He wrote of festivals and parades. He mentioned guns and bonfires and the illuminations. To this day, Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, time off work, parades and festivals. There are many adapted traditions in every single state. No matter where you are, there is something to do on Independence Day. There is fun for the whole family, especially when it comes to the impressive fireworks displays. So make sure your holiday planning for the long weekend includes catching those fireworks. You can even set off your own, as it is one of the legal days to set off fireworks in the United States. Although, you'll want to double check with your local state laws ahead of time! Since Independence Day will often fall on a long weekend, many people take the opportunity to travel. Make sure to book ahead, because many vacation destinations end up too busy.
A Brief History Of Independence Day
Independence Day (also known as the Fourth Of July) celebrates the day that America was declared independent from Britain in 1776. It honors the freedom of the United States and every citizen within. John Adams was the one who decided how Independence Day would be celebrated throughout the Unite States. Although, the term "independence day" was only first used in 1791.