Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is extra special this year because it will be marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence which signifies the birth of the United States as an independent nation.
The Declaration of Independence announced that the 13 American colonies were no longer subject to British rule under King George III. The Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia voted to declare independence two days earlier on July 2, 1776. But July 4 was selected as the celebrated date because it was the date when delegates formally adopted the final written text of the Declaration of Independence.
President Thomas Jefferson was the first U.S. president to celebrate the Fourth of July at the White House in 1801. He hosted a public reception and festival in the Executive Mansion. The U.S. Marine Band performed during the daytime events. The north grounds of the President’s Park hosted horse races, military militia parades, and food and drink for attendees.
The 2026 Fourth of July, as part of the America250 or the Semiquincentennial celebration, falls on a Saturday, so the official federal and state observed holiday for most government workers and many businesses is Friday, July 3.
A big celebration nationwide
Most citizens celebrate the holiday with community gatherings and mid-summer festivities such as parades with floats and bands, and picnics with family and friends, capped off by an evening of fireworks.
The most popular Fourth of July food includes hamburgers, hot dogs or barbecue ribs with sides of potato salad or macaroni salad, coleslaw, baked beans and corn on the cob. The preferred fruit for Americans on the Fourth of July include sweet watermelon and mixed fruit salads. And who can pass up desserts of ice cream, fruit pies, strawberry shortcake or festive layered cakes decorated with strawberries and blueberries? For the campfires at the fireworks display – s’mores of course.
Here are some of the activities planned around the area to celebrate America’s Independence Day 2026.
Meyersdale
Independence Day Community Celebration June 28 at the Meyersdale playground. 11 a.m. Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department’s chicken barbecue; 1-4 p.m. ATV, Side by Side, Motorcycles and Dirt Bikes Show; 1 p.m. registration for cornhole tournament; 2 p.m. bags fly for cornhole, DJ Music Express and Out of the Smoke food truck; 4 p.m. concession stand opens; 4:30-5:45 p.m. dunk tank; 5 p.m. Community Band concert; 6 p.m. flag ceremony, duck regatta, music by maple princess Kylee Haer; 6:30 p.m. Garrett School of Dance performance, dunk tank opens again; 6:30-7:30 p.m. music provided by Music Express Wayne Conklin; dusk, fireworks by Little Big Shots.
Boswell
“Washington Crossing the Que” event starts at 2 p.m. June 28 at the Boswell Lions Community Park. Live music, food trucks, historical and conservation displays, 18th century reenactors, a car show and more. Fireworks display begins at dark. For public entrance to park, turn onto Route 601 north at the traffic light at Route 30 in Ferrelton.
Windber
Windber Recreation Park, 160 Recreation Road. Night swim from 7-10 p.m. June 28 with music by DJ Hock and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Regular admission rates apply.
Friedens
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the Somerset Regional Volunteer Fire Department and Friedens Community 80th annual Friedens 4th of July parade, 10:30 a.m. July 4. Registration for participants is 9:45-10:20 a.m. Categories include bikes, tractors, walkers and floats. It starts at the old IXL building by the railroad tracks. Food and drinks for sale at the fire hall. Parade T-shirts for sale at the fire hall while supplies last.
Somerset
Ignite the Night 2026 July 3 at the Somerset football field. Fireworks, food and family fun.
Meadow View
Meadow View Nursing Center, 1404 Hay St., Berlin, invites the families of its residents and staff to the 4th of July Semi Quincentennial Celebration as they celebrate America’s 250th birthday, 2–4 p.m. July 3. Enjoy food, music, outdoor games, and family fun while spending time with loved ones. RSVP by June 26 with the receptionist at 814-267-4212.
Berlin
Berlin Community Grove’s 4th of July celebration, 11 a.m. to dusk July 4, Beulah Road, Berlin. Music schedule includes: 11 a.m. Centerfire Bluegrass; 11:45 a.m. Casselman Valley Travelers; 12:30 p.m. Ancient Flatulations; 1:15 p.m. JD & Cindy Ross; 2 p.m. Mountain City Grass; 2:45 p.m. Spring Time Hill; 3:30 p.m. Kingdom Sound; 4:15 p.m. Joe Faidley; 5 p.m. Bill Shawley & Friends; 5:45 p.m. Jade Hetz; 6:30 p.m. Paul & Loretta Holsopple. Grove picnic 39th annual 4th of July Car Cruise, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4. Registration 9 a.m. to noon. Dash plaques to first 75 cars. No judging. Open to all classes of vehicles. Other activities include chicken and ham barbecue, bingo, craft vendors, a kids’ zone and petting zoo and a basket raffle and door prizes.
Galleria Johnstown
Celebrate July 4 at the Galleria Johnstown. DJ all day. Fireworks show starts just after dark. The parking lot will fill quickly.
Cambria County
Celebrating 250 years of America in Cambria County. July 3: 6 p.m. parade in Downtown Johnstown; 7 p.m. Johnstown Mill Rats baseball game and special patriotic ceremony (free 4th of July souvenirs for attendees while supplies last) at Sargent’s Stadium; 7 p.m. Highmark free summer concert at Peoples Natural Gas Park. Fireworks following the conclusion of the Mill Rat’s game. July 4: 10 a.m. parade in downtown Ebensburg; 10:30 a.m. 4th of July Ceremony featuring the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra at Cambria County Veterans Park. Visitjohnstownpa.com.
