Beat the Heat with PBS and Watch A Capitol Fourth Tonight!

Capitol Fourth 2024

Today, we celebrate America’s 248th Birthday at the 44th Annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth concert LIVE from the West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington D.C…and YOU’RE INVITED! Watch live today at 8:00 p.m. as host Alfonso Ribeiro and DANCING WITH THE STARS’ Britt Stewart kick off the celebration with a performance that is guaranteed to get you on your feet! (we all know how he loves to dance!)

Record-setting temperatures aren’t surprising for the hottest holiday of the year, and this year is no exception. So why not beat the heat with a star-studded line-up of your favorite performers and celebs?

Featured Performers

  • Legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Smokey Robinson;
  • Grammy Award-winning platinum-selling singer/actress Fantasia (THE COLOR PURPLE).
  • Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Grammy & Emmy Nominated music legend and “Queen of Percussion,” Sheila E.
  • Grammy Award-nominated disco sensations Sister Sledge, now featuring Sledgendary – (singers of the hit song “We Are Family”!)
  • ⁠Multi-platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and recording artist Loren Allred (THE GREATEST SHOWMAN).
  • And SO many more!!!

The 44th annual A CAPITOL FOURTH will also include the following featured segments:

A Tribute to Team USA

Shawn Johnson East will host a special send-off for our athletes competing in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. The event will feature several Olympians and Paralympians as the National Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare.”

A Salute to American Heroes Past and Present

A Salute to American Heroes Past and Present celebrates the service of Americans and our military families from 1776 to today! Pay attention to this one, folks, and you might just see an appearance by the original “Rosie the Riveter,” Mae Krier!

A Capitol Fourth is set to air LIVE at 8:00 EST, where hundreds of thousands will attend in person as they sit shoulder-to-shoulder and watch a fireworks display over our Nation’s iconic skyline in Washington D.C. Yet MILLIONS will be watching from the comfort of their air-conditioned homes! Not everyone can brave the heat today to attend a live fireworks display, but PBS has you covered, so check your local listings! Also, even our troops overseas and our fellow military families OCONUS will be able to watch, thanks to the American Forces Network!

Whether you’re looking to beat the sweltering heat or may be facing inclement weather this Independence Day, join this all-star cast on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from the comfort of your own home and have a Happy 4th of July!

By: MJ Boice