July 2, 2026Freedom 250

Heat Advisory Prompts Updates to Salute to America Celebration

Due to the active heat advisory, adjustments have been made to the Salute to America celebration to prioritize the safety and comfort of attendees, volunteers, performers, and staff.

Please see the following joint statement from Freedom 250, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

"The safety and well-being of every guest remains our top priority as we celebrate this historic 250th Independence Day. In light of current heat conditions, Freedom 250, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have coordinated closely to adjust event timing and expand cooling resources, water stations, and medical support across the grounds. We are proud to welcome the public to a safe, well-prepared, and truly memorable celebration of America's 250th birthday."

Salute to America Event Update and Heat Advisory Adjustments:

  • 10:00 AM - The Great American State Fair and the FIFA Fan Zone on the National Mall will open as scheduled and remain open until the end of the Salute to America programming.
  • 1:15 PM - Aircraft flyovers and demonstrations begin over the National Mall (every hour)
    • The following is recommended:
      • Utilize free hydration stations and continue drinking plenty of water.
      • Take breaks from the sun and utilize shade or indoor air conditioning at pavilions and booths.
      • Dress appropriately; lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; wide-brimmed hats
      • Pay attention to young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions. Consult a medical doctor for additional guidance.
      • Visit medical units on-site if experiencing any signs of heat or health issues.
  • 5:00 PM - Washington Monument Grounds for Salute to America open to reduce prolonged exposure to heat.
  • 7:00 PM - The Salute to America Live Program will begin as scheduled.
  • 9:45 PM - President Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks
  • 10:30 PM - World's Largest Fireworks Display

Flyovers and Demonstrations along the National Mall and Washington Monument Grounds include:

  • 1:14 PM - NASA F-5 Flyover
  • 1:24 PM - NASA Fleet Review
  • 1:44 PM - USCG Helo Flyover
  • 1:54 PM - USCG Fixed Wing Flyover
  • 2:09 PM - Golden Knights, Leap Frogs
  • 2:29 PM - Army Helo Flyover
  • 2:44 PM - USAF Fleet Review - Wave 1 - Heavies
  • 2:54 PM - USAF Fleet Review - Wave 2 - AFSOC
  • 3:04 PM - USAF Fleet Review - Wave 3 - Fighters
  • 3:29 PM - Executive Rotary Wing Airlift
  • 3:39 PM - USMC Fleet Review - Wave 1 - Rotary
  • 3:49 PM - USMC Fleet Review - Wave 2 - Fixed Wing
  • 3:59 PM - USN Fleet Review - Wave 1 - Rotary
  • 4:09 PM - USN Fleet Review - Wave 2 - Fixed Wing
  • 4:19 PM - USN Fleet Review - Wave 3 - Fighters
  • 4:21 PM - USN F-18F Demonstration
  • 4:59 PM - USN Blue Angels
  • 5:26 PM - USMC MV-22 Osprey Demonstration
  • 5:44 PM - USAF Fleet Review – Fighters
  • 6:02 PM - USAF Tri-Bomber Formation
  • 6:05 PM - USN F-35C Demonstration
  • 6:25 PM - USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration
  • 7:03 PM - Air Force One Flyover
  • 7:07 PM - USAF Thunderbirds Delta Break
  • 7:17 PM - HUGE 1 Flyover Led by the Newly Renovated Air Force One
  • 7:38 PM - U.S. Stealth Airpower Flyover
  • 7:39 PM - F-22 Raptor Demo
  • 7:53 PM - F-22 Raptor in Afterburner
  • 7:59 PM - B-1 Flyover
  • 8:07 PM - B-1's in Afterburner
  • 8:11 PM - HUGE ONE Fly Over Review
  • 8:22 PM - Golden Knights Twilight Jump
  • 10:36 PM - B-1 Afterburner Night Pass

Additional Information:

  • Guests are encouraged to arrive at the Washington Monument grounds no more than one hour prior to 5 PM when doors open to minimize unnecessary time in the heat.
  • Bring an empty reusable, non-metal water bottle to refill at complimentary hydration stations throughout the venue.
  • Multiple complimentary water stations, cooling stations, misting areas, shaded rest areas, cooling tents, and additional medical personnel will be available on the Washington Monument grounds on the interior and exterior of the event.
  • Food and Beverage will be available for purchase at the event.
  • Additional magnetometers and no-bag express entry lanes have been added to expedite admission.

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