Times Square is planned as the location for an America250 countdown ball drop on July 3, 2026.
The special event is intended to count down to midnight at the start of July 4, the 250th anniversary date. It is associated with the famous Times Square Ball Drop, the New York City tradition held on New Year’s Eve.
The planned one-off anniversary edition connects a familiar public celebration with America250. Times Square is internationally recognized for its illuminated advertising, theaters, and annual New Year’s celebration.
This event should not be confused with the ordinary New Year’s Eve ball drop. The America250 countdown is scheduled for July 3, 2026, so that the countdown reaches July 4, 2026, rather than January 1.