For the first time in its history, New York City’s iconic Times Square Ball will drop on a day other than New Year’s Eve as part of nationwide celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The special event, taking place on July 3 and 4, features eight ceremonial ball drops, each marking midnight across different U.S. time zones and inhabited territories as Independence Day begins around the country.
The celebrations kicked off at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, with the first ball drop marking midnight in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Additional drops will follow throughout the day, culminating with the traditional midnight countdown in New York City.
Organizers say the final drop in Times Square will serve as the centerpiece of the nationwide America 250 celebrations, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The event marks a rare break from the Times Square Ball’s long-standing New Year’s Eve tradition, giving visitors another chance to witness one of New York City’s most iconic symbols in action during the historic July 4 celebrations.