Plot Synopsis

Each year since 1981, PBS has broadcast the Independence Day celebration on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, with fireworks, a live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra, and musical numbers by world-renowned guest musicians and singers. The celebration ends with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery.
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In 2024, PBS aired A CAPITOL FOURTH live on Thursday, July 4 from 8-9:30pm ET (live)/PT (tape), with Alfonso Ribeiro hosting. Alfonso Ribeiro and DANCING WITH THE STARS' Britt Stewart kick off the celebration with a performance followed by A CAPITOL FOURTH lineup that also features:

- Legendary Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Smokey Robinson;
- Grammy Award-winning platinum-selling singer and award-winning actress Fantasia (THE COLOR PURPLE);
- Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning actor, singer and songwriter Darren Criss (AMERICAN CRIME STORY; GLEE);
- Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Grammy & Emmy Nominated music legend and "Queen of Percussion," Sheila E.;
- Multi-platinum-selling neo-soul pop band Fitz & Noelle from Fitz and The Tantrums;
- Musical powerhouse, composer and producer Chloe Flower;
- Grammy Award-nominated disco sensations Sister Sledge, now featuring Sledgendary -- They are STILL family!;
- Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and recording artist Loren Allred (THE GREATEST SHOWMAN);
- Olympic Gold medal-winning gymnast, entrepreneur and best-selling author Shawn Johnson East;
- The National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

A Tribute to Team USA: Hosted by Shawn Johnson East, a special send-off for our athletes competing in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris will feature several Olympians and Paralympians, and a musical performance by the National Symphony Orchestra of John Williams' "Olympic Fanfare," composed for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and marking its 40th anniversary in 2024.

A celebration of Motown's 65th anniversary and its iconic sound with a special performance by music legend Smokey Robinson.

A Salute to American Heroes Past and Present will celebrate the service of Americans from 1776 to today, and our military families, with a special performance by The U.S. Army Chorus, and featuring representatives of the "Greatest Generation" including a WWII veteran from D-Day and an appearance by an original "Rosie the Riveter" Mae Krier, who will be in attendance.

A performance of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by Chloe Flower will mark the 100th anniversary of this American classic.

A stirring rendition of the "1812 Overture" accompanied by live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an A CAPITOL FOURTH tradition, kicks off a musical and fireworks finale.

Rousing patriotic favorites performed by The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets will cap off the musical finale and the dazzling fireworks display, presented by the National Park Service, over the National Mall and Memorial Parks and the iconic skyline of our nation's capital.