United States calendar countdown
Independence Day is getting closer.
On 4th July, the United States marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, often with community events and fireworks.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Independence Day in the United States
The date marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
About Independence Day in the United States
Congress voted for independence on 2 July 1776, and John Adams expected that date to be celebrated, but the Declaration was adopted on 4 July. Celebrations began almost immediately, and Congress made the day a federal holiday in 1870. Parades, barbecues and fireworks are customary, and Coney Island hosts a famous hot dog eating contest, while large cities stage major shows.
When is Independence Day in the United States?
Independence Day is fixed on 4 July, and when it falls on a weekend, federal employees are given the nearest weekday off, as with Friday 3 July 2026.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Saturday 4 July 2026 | Sunday 4 July 2027 | Tuesday 4 July 2028 |
| Canada | Wednesday 1 July 2026 | Thursday 1 July 2027 | Saturday 1 July 2028 |
| Australia | Monday 26 January 2026 | Tuesday 26 January 2027 | Wednesday 26 January 2028 |
| China | Thursday 1 October 2026 | Friday 1 October 2027 | Sunday 1 October 2028 |
| Japan | Wednesday 11 February 2026 | Thursday 11 February 2027 | Friday 11 February 2028 |
Planning around Independence Day
The 250th anniversary in 2026 means larger events, so book accommodation and fireworks viewing spots well in advance, and check local rules because some areas restrict private fireworks. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Independence Day questions
How many days until Independence Day in the United States?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Independence Day in the United States, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Independence Day in 2027 in the United States?
In the United States calendar, Independence Day falls on Sunday 4 July 2027. The date is different in some other countries, so check the table above for your calendar.
Why is Independence Day on 4 July, not 2 July?
Congress voted to declare independence on 2 July 1776, but the final text of the Declaration of Independence was approved on 4 July, and that date is printed on the document, so the holiday follows it.