America’s 250th birthday celebration is getting the Disney treatment.
“Disney Celebrates America,” a massive 24-hour multiplatform special honoring the nation’s 250th birthday, begins at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 3 and continues through Saturday, July 4, on ABC and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Led by World News Tonight anchor David Muir, the special features live events from all 50 states, celebrity interviews, musical performances, fireworks shows, and special reports highlighting moments in American history.
Cord-cutters can watch live and on demand for free on Fubo (free trial), DIRECTV (free trial), and more streaming services listed below.
Where to watch ‘Disney Celebrates America’ live and on demand for free
Viewers without cable or an over-the-air antenna can watch “Disney Celebrates America” live and on demand using free trials from streaming services that carry ABC, including Fubo and DIRECTV. These trials allow viewers to stream the series at no cost. Cancel anytime.
Sling also carries ABC in select markets, but does not offer a free trial.
The special will also stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
Comparing streaming services
Fubo – Fubo offers one of the widest selections of channels among live TV streaming services. More than 220 channels, including all the sports and entertainment you love, plus sports add-ons for those niche networks you rely on. Plans start at $73.99/month, and it all starts with a free trial and up to $20 off the first month of service.
Fubo
Free Trial
Stream your favorite shows free for up to 5 days, and enjoy up to $20 off your first month.
DIRECTV – Watch live TV from major broadcast and popular cable networks. Enjoy local and national live sports, breaking news, and must-see shows the moment they air. Included: unlimited cloud DVR storage space so you can record as many shows as you want and stream them from wherever you go. DTV starts as low as $19.99/month after a 5-day free trial when you shop their customizable genre packs.
DIRECTV
5-day free trial
Stream your favorite shows free for 5 days, with new promotional pricing on subscriptions.
Sling – With plans starting at $45.99/month, Sling offers customizable channel lineups for sports, news, and entertainment. Now, Sling adds even more value with passes that let you stream live TV without a subscription: just $4.99 for a day, $9.99 for the weekend or $14.99 for a full week. These one-time payments are perfect if you just want to watch a single show, live game or special event. No commitment, no auto-renewal, just affordable access when you need it.
Sling
Starting at $45.99
Bundle Sling’s Blue and Orange plans for $60.99, or get Sling Blue with USA Network for $45.99.
With so many streaming platforms and ever-changing subscription prices, it’s always worth checking the latest free trials and promo deals to make sure you’re getting the best value when tuning in.
What to expect from ‘Disney Celebrates America’
“Disney Celebrates America” is a sweeping, coast-to-coast tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary, blending history, culture, entertainment, and live celebrations into a 24-hour television event. Guided by ABC News anchor David Muir and a roster of ABC, ESPN, and Disney personalities, the special will take viewers across all 50 states, highlighting the people, places, and moments that have shaped America over the last two and a half centuries.
The celebration begins Friday, July 3, with a primetime special from the Statue of Liberty, including rare access inside the iconic monument and a first-of-its-kind illumination event called “Liberty Lights.” Throughout the overnight hours and into Independence Day, viewers can expect live reports from major cities, parades, fireworks displays, and cultural landmarks, along with interviews featuring notable figures including MrBeast, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, and Nick Jonas.
July 4 programming includes a special edition of “Good Morning America,” where Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan will share personal stories about their families’ American journeys. Other segments will explore everything from immigration and military service to national parks and iconic landmarks.
One of the day’s marquee features is “7 Wonders of America,” which pairs ABC News personalities with National Geographic explorers for journeys through some of the country’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Niagara Falls, the Everglades, and Hawaii’s volcanoes.
The special will also spotlight American innovation, sports, music, and entertainment, including ESPN’s coverage of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and a special Independence Day edition of SportsCenter.
The celebration culminates with “Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash,” airing live at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 4. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the concert event will feature performances from Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Nick Jonas, Boyz II Men, Lauren Daigle, Little Big Town, NE-YO, and several other artists.
The evening will conclude with one of the country’s largest fireworks and drone shows, synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony.