Although John Adams was the first president to occupy the Executive Mansion in November 1800, it was Thomas Jefferson who first celebrated the Fourth of July at the White House in 1801. Jefferson opened the house and greeted diplomats, civil and military officers, citizens, and Cherokee chiefs in the center of the oval saloon (today's Blue Room). July 1-3: Festivities last from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; July 4-6: Festivities last from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; July 7: Festivities last from 2-9 p.m.; Drone and Light Show + Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Family attractions, live entertainment, hike the one-mile trail to the top of Stone Mountain, explore the wooded trails throughout the park and see the The B-2 pilots will be in attendance on Friday at the White House Fourth of July celebrations, two White House officials shared with The Daily Wire. The White House celebration will also include a flyover by B-2 Spirit bombers, the jets that conducted the strikes on Iran earlier this month in Operation Midnight Hammer, according to CBS. Thomas Jefferson first to hold White House July 4th celebration Jefferson, the nation's third president, was the first to celebrate Independence Day at the White House in 1801. President Biden and the First Lady host a Fourth of July celebration for military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors, and deliver remarks to cele The Fourth of July is a historic occasion that’s been commemorated by various presidents over the centuries with celebrations and speeches at the White House in Washington, D.C. The celebrations Wilson County. City of Lebanon’s 4th of July Celebration will take place at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. Live music, games and events begin at 5 p.m. and fireworks are set to start around 9 p.m. The celebration on July 4, 1803, featured a history-making reveal, when Jefferson stood on the front steps to announce news of the Louisiana Purchase, which had just reached the White House. READ MORE: July 4 in DC: Parades, concerts, fireworks & more things to do. July 3rd Capitol dress rehearsal "A Capitol Fourth" dress rehearsal open to the public on July 3, 2025. Gates open at 3: According to the White House Historical Association, in 1801, "President Thomas Jefferson who first established the traditions of a Fourth of July celebration at the White House. While the first family often leaves town for the holiday, White House staff and guests are often permitted to celebrate on the South Lawn with picnics, games, and the fireworks display. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford celebrated the 200th anniversary of American independence. It was President Thomas Jefferson who first established the traditions of a Fourth of July celebration at the White House. President Jefferson opened the house and greeted the people along with diplomats, civil and military officers, and Cherokee chiefs. Since that time, the festivities have evolved to include parades, fireworks, and live music. Presidents have held Fourth of July celebrations at the White House for over 200 years. In honor of July 4th, 2015, the President and First Lady will commemorate the occasion with the company of military families, rejoicing in freedom and love for our country. Fourth of July events have evolved since former President Thomas Jefferson held the first Independence day celebration at the White House in 1801. Photo: Alamy President Donald Trump will honor the pilots who led the recent bombing mission on Iranian nuclear facilities during the Fourth of July festivities at the White House, his press secretary confirmed Monday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the seven U.S. Air Force pilots involved in the operation, along with other personnel According to the White House Historical Association, in 1801, "President Thomas Jefferson who first established the traditions of a Fourth of July celebration at the White House. President White House staff and guests enjoy the Fourth of July celebrations on the South Lawn, 2002. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch the fireworks over the National Mall from the White House on July 4, 2009. President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch Fourth of July fireworks at the White House on July, 4, 2018. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — B-2 pilots from Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri, will be conducting a flyover in Washington, D.C., for the White House’s Fourth of July celebration, the First Thursdays — Thursday, July 3 Downtown Arlington’s beloved First Thursdays returns with extra sparkle as it seamlessly blends into the Light Up Arlington festivities later that evening. From 5 to 8 p.m., explore interactive art activations, family fun and activities at your favorite local businesses. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. President Thomas Jefferson held the first Fourth of July event at the White House in 1801, and modern Presidents have continued the tradition. This year's festivities will honor America's armed forces with a first-of-its-kind celebration on the National Mall.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |