Approximately 850,000 fireworks were launched in Washington, D.C., for America250.
The display began at midnight on July 5, 2026, following the July 4 anniversary celebrations. Fireworks were launched from several locations, including the National Mall, West Potomac Park, and eight barges on the Potomac River. The show lasted about 40 minutes.
The total was described as a world record, surpassing the previous record of nearly 811,000 fireworks. That earlier record had been set in 2016 by a megachurch in the Philippines. The America250 display therefore became one of the most numerically significant fireworks shows ever staged.
The timing can cause confusion: the main anniversary date was July 4, but the fireworks began just after midnight at the start of July 5. Fireworks were also used in other America250 celebrations around the country, so the figure refers specifically to the large Washington, D.C., display.