Skip to main content

Nation’s capital puts on massive fireworks spectacle for America’s 250th

By WTOP Staff

Stay with WTOP for coverage of America’s semiquincentennial Fourth of July, including fireworks, ‘A Capital Fourth’ concert, and other celebrations. Tune in to 103.5 FM on air, online or via the WTOP app.

A massive fireworks display is planned for Saturday night in the District as the nation celebrates 250 years of independence on the Fourth of July.

Related stories

President Donald Trump has said this year’s fireworks will be the “LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY.”

Trump is making a speech, and the fireworks show will start after that, according to Freedom 250. The show will feature 850,000 fireworks shells launched from 10 sites.

Check out the livestream of the dazzling show below. It follows Friday night’s A Capitol Fourth concert.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

National Museum of the American Latino to be housed in historic Smithsonian building

By Neal Augenstein
The Smithsonian Institution has decided to put the National Museum of the American Latino into an existing, historic building, rather than constructing a new one. The Smithsonian Board of Regents on Monday designated the Arts and Industries Building, a 145-year-old redbrick Victorian structure located between the Smithsonian Castle and the Hirshhorn Museum, as the permanent site of the National Museum of the American Latino, which Congress authorized in 2020. In 2022, the Smithsonian narrowed its survey for permanent locations for the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women's History Museum to four locations near the National Mall on land owned by the National Park Service. The Arts and Industries Building, located at 900 Jefferson St. SW, was one of the four sites. New construction on National Park Service land would require congressional approval. However, since the Smithsonian already owns the Arts and Industries Building, the institution can place the National Museum of the American Latino in the existing building without additional legislation.
Read Next Story

Related stories

Robert C. Weaver Federal Building
Washington, DC
Proposal for housing and homeless services at former HUD headquarters scrapped
September 1, 2026
Robert C. Weaver Federal Building

Proposal for housing and homeless services at former HUD headquarters scrapped

East Potomac Golf Course

Controversial renovations may begin Tuesday at DC's East Potomac golf course