8 Virtual Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July

8 Virtual Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Experience fireworks concerts other events from the comfort and safety of home

Getty Images The pandemic is shaping this year's Fourth of July celebrations to be unlike any other since 1776. However, there are a variety of festivities marking the United States’ birthday that can be enjoyed from home. We compiled a list of events and celebrations to help you observe the holiday from home or within your community. : The 40th anniversary presentation of A Capitol Fourth will be cohosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams. Artists such as Patti LaBelle, John Fogerty, Renée Fleming and the Temptations will appear in prerecorded performances. The broadcast will conclude with a live fireworks display. The 90-minute program will be available on PBS and NPR, online and on the American Forces Network on July 4 starting at 8 p.m. ET. : Join the folks at the Alamo, the historical site located in San Antonio, on its social media pages to celebrate America's independence with patriotic music, musket firings and living-history presentations.

Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. : The TotalAR app brings virtual fireworks displays to you, through your mobile phone. You can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store. In the app, tap on “GeoAR” at the bottom to see fireworks through your phone's camera, as if they are happening in your own backyard. City celebrations: Cities across the country are throwing virtual celebrations that include musical performances and fireworks. Even if you don't live close to one of these cities, you can still attend their events online: , , , and . : Find something that interests you on the event management website's listings of online events taking place over the weekend. There are more than 200 pages of events, including a virtual painting party, pet parade and virtual race. : To prevent large crowds from gathering, this year's Fourth of July fireworks will take place at various locations across New York City that won't be announced in advance. The fireworks displays, as well as performances by artists including Tim McGraw, John Legend and the Black Eyed Peas, will be broadcast on NBC during a two-hour special beginning at 8 p.m. ET. : Join an AARP-sponsored series of online programming, educational opportunities and a traditional reading ceremony of the Declaration of Independence narrated by Soledad O'Brien. Programming begins at 11 a.m. ET on July 4, with the final event starting at 4 p.m. Walks and runs: Many organizations and towns are creating events to get people moving and on their feet. Most have a fee, but some donate a portion of the money to charity. Since participants “join” independently, many of these walks have an app or hashtag to share the experience with others on social media. Simply search “Fourth of July virtual walk,” along with your community's name, to find a walk (or run) near you.

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