Independence Day
Independence Day 2027 falls on Sunday, July 4. In 2028, Independence Day falls on Tuesday, July 4.
The dates of Independence Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Independence Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, July 4, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, July 4, 2026Day off: Friday, July 3, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, July 4, 2027Day off: Monday, July 5, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, July 4, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, July 4, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, July 4, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, July 4, 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays. More about our sources
Why do Americans celebrate the Fourth of July?
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, in which the thirteen American colonies declared themselves independent from Great Britain. The vote for independence actually took place two days earlier, but July 4 is the date on the Declaration and became the national birthday.
Two signers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4, exactly fifty years after the Declaration.
Fireworks, parades and barbecues
The day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, concerts and family barbecues, and red, white and blue decorations everywhere. Large fireworks shows take place in many cities, such as New York and Washington, D.C., and many towns hold their own parade. Hot dogs, hamburgers and apple pie are classics on the menu.
It is also one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.
When July 4 falls on a weekend
Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 falls on a Saturday, federal employees get Friday, July 3 off; if it falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on Monday, July 5. Fireworks and celebrations usually still take place on the Fourth itself.
In 2027, July 4 falls on Sunday, July 4.
Frequently asked questions
When is Independence Day 2027?
In 2027, Independence Day falls on Sunday, July 4.
Is Independence Day a day off?
Independence Day is a federal holiday: federal offices are closed and federal employees have the day off. Whether state offices, schools and private businesses close depends on the state and the employer; private employers are not required to give the day off.
What happened on July 4?
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the thirteen colonies independent from Great Britain.
What happens if July 4 falls on a weekend?
For federal employees, a Saturday holiday is observed on Friday, July 3, and a Sunday holiday on Monday, July 5.