2026 'A Capitol Fourth' Concert Security, Weather, Prohibited Items & Road Info | USCP.gov

On Friday, July 3, A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol. The concert will be broadcast at 8:00 p.m. EST on public television stations (check local listings) and streaming online to honor our country's 250th birthday.

New this year, the concert will be on July 3, not July 4. There will be no fireworks at the Capitol. Instead, the fireworks finale will be livestreamed from Mount Vernon.

A large fireworks show will happen on July 4 with public viewing along the National Mall. There will be no public viewing from Capitol Grounds for the fireworks on July 4.

Excessive Heat

Due to expected excessive heat, public access to Thursday's West Front rehearsal will open at 6:00 p.m. Gates for Friday's July 3 concert will open at 5:00 p.m.Event timing is subject to change as the National Weather Service is forecasting an extreme heat watch.

Temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees. All guests should plan to bring an ample supply of water to ensure a safe concert. Plastic and metal water bottles are allowed.

Security Measures, Severe Weather, & Prohibited Items

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) and concert staff will closely monitor the weather. Any changes due to the weather will be announced to the public via the USCP's official social media sites and through the local press. Please follow the directions of the USCP if there is an evacuation.

To ensure everyone's safety, anyone who is attending events on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol must go through security screening before entering the area. This will include a search of all bags, coolers, backpacks, and closed containers.

For this event, food items and beach/camp chairs that sit low to the ground are allowed. Again, temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees. All guests should plan to bring an ample supply of water to ensure a safe concert. Plastic and metal water bottles are allowed.

The following items are prohibited:

• Weapons of any kind
• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass bottles
• Animals (other than service animals)
• Aerosol containers
• Balloons
• Ballistic items (ballistic body armor, tactical helmets)
• Bicycles, scooters, and motorized scooters of any kind (devices required for accessibility (ADA) will be accommodated)
• Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear substances
• Chemicals or damaging liquids
• Disabling chemicals (bear spray, tear gas, poisonous chemicals or gases, or other chemicals designed for self-defense)
• Drones, model rockets, remote or manually controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircrafts, model boats and/or cars, and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems
• Firearms and ammunitions (either real or simulated)
• Explosives of any kind, including fireworks
• Handcuffs, flex cuffs, or items that can be used as restraints
• Impact weapons (batons, blackjack, clubs, slingshot, etc.)
• Knives, blades or sharp objects of any length
• Laser pointers, signs, posters
• Mace, pepper spray
• Noise amplification devices (bullhorns and other sound amplifying devices)
• Structures of support for any signs and placards
• Realistic replicas of explosives, firearms, or other weapons to include toy weapons
• Sticks, poles
• Tasers and stun guns
• Umbrellas larger 36" in diameter (those smaller than 36" will be allowed)
• Pocket or hand tools, such as a "Leatherman"
• Sealed packages, large boxes, duffle bags, and suitcases
• Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the USCP

Road Closures, Parking Restrictions, & Tour Bus Relocation

Tuesday, June 30, at 8:00 p.m. - Sunday, July 5, at 7:00 a.m.

Road Closures & Parking Restrictions

• First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
• Pennsylvania Avenue between 3^rd Street, NW, and First Street, NW
• Maryland Avenue between 3^rd Street, SW, and First Street, SW

Tour Bus Relocation

• Tour buses will be rerouted to Union Station

Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3

ADA Parking - Starting at 6:00 p.m. on July 2 and starting at 5:00 p.m. on July 3

• Both sides of Louisiana Avenue between Constitution Avenue, NW, and First Street, NW
• Both sides of First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW

All road closures are expected to end Sunday, July 5, at 7:00 a.m.

NOTE : First Street between Peace Circle, NW, and Garfield Circle, SW, will have one lane of traffic in each direction during equipment assembly and disassembly. Brief traffic disruptions may occur until Thursday, July 9, to facilitate the use of heavy equipment.