Times Square is known around the world for its legendary New Year's Eve Ball Drop. But in 2026, something historic is happening: for the first time ever, the famous ball will drop not only on December 31, but also on July 3, 2026.
What to expect
For the 250th anniversary of the United States, known as the Semiquincentennial, America250 returns to Times Square with a special celebration. The symbolic countdown is meant to kick off the nationwide Independence Day celebrations on July 4 and once again place New York City at the center of a national moment.
The Ball Drop on July 3 will be the central highlight of an entire weekend of celebrations.
Together with One Times Square, the center of Manhattan will turn into a major celebration zone with:
- special exhibitions
- live musical performances
- interactive experiences
- and additional programming around the 250th anniversary
The fact that the ball will drop outside of New Year's Eve is a first in Times Square history, making this moment a true piece of living history.
So if you are in New York in the summer of 2026, you can experience an extraordinary countdown right in the heart of the city.
