Happy 250th 4th of July! Deals, TV Specials and Where to Celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial in Style

America’s 250th birthday is here and this Fourth of July is shaping up to be the biggest party in a generation. From free doughnuts and $2.50 burgers to star-studded concerts, record-breaking fireworks and one very special weekend in colonial Virginia, there’s a way for everyone to join the celebration—whether you’re heading out with the family or settling in on the couch. Here’s your friendly guide to making the most of a happy 250th 4th of July.

Sweet and savory deals to snag

Restaurants across the country are rolling out patriotic promotions, and you’ll want to plan ahead so you don’t miss out.

Krispy Kreme is celebrating in true red-white-and-blue style. Wear those patriotic colors on Saturday, July 4, and you’ll get one free Original Glazed doughnut. Even better, from July 2 through July 5, you can snag an Original Glazed dozen for just $2.50 with the purchase of any dozen or 16-count Minis at regular price. The offer is limited to two per in-person guest and one per online guest—just use the code “USA” when placing your online order.

Burger King Royal Perks members can grab a Whopper Jr. for $2.50 on the BK App or BK.com on July 4 only. The chain is also giving away limited-edition Firecracker Cookie Pies while supplies last, so act fast if you want a taste.

Freddy’s is serving up $2.50 All-Beef Hot Dogs along with a Mini Red, White & Blueberry Concrete—a festive twist on the chain’s classic frozen custard. Talk about Fourth of July fireworks!

Firehouse Subs is running a buy-one-get-one deal from June 29 through July 4. Purchase a small or medium sub and get a second for just $2.50.

Carl’s Jr. rewards members can score a Double Cheeseburger for $2.50 through the Carl’s Jr. app, at Carlsjr.com or by scanning the QR code at checkout in stores.

Cracker Barrel is thinking bigger. Rewards members have until July 26 to enter for a chance to win a $500 Cracker Barrel gift card and a $500 gas gift card with any eligible entree purchase. Buying All-American menu items—like the All-American Nostalgic Cherry Coke Float or All-American Kids Sundae—or American Heritage merchandise earns an extra raffle entry.

Checkers & Rally’s rounds it out with a classic burger-and-pie combo for just $2.50 on Saturday, July 4. The deal is good online and in stores, but it ends the moment the clock hits midnight.

Must-watch TV specials for the 250th

Even if fireworks-in-person aren’t in the cards this year, your living room can feel just as festive. Networks are pulling out all the stops.

Things kicked off June 29 with “Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness” on ABC (available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu), a coast-to-coast journey through Disney’s theme parks that celebrates American “firsts.” A press release described it this way: “From Main Street, U.S.A. and its turn-of-the-century nostalgia to Tomorrowland where the nation lifts its gaze to the future, each stop will play host to true tales of American ‘firsts.’ In this coast-to-coast event, Disney Parks and attractions are the portal through which America’s greatest stories, triumphs, and traditions are celebrated.”

On July 4 at 8 p.m., three big broadcasts go head-to-head:

• “Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star Spangled Bash” on ABC brings country royalty and pop favorites together in downtown Nashville, with Reba McEntire, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Lauren Daigle among the performers.
• “The Great American Block Party 250” airs live on CBS from the Washington Monument, featuring the Zac Brown Band, Goo Goo Dolls and more, capped by a spectacular fireworks display.
• Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks returns on NBC, Telemundo and Peacock with performances by Blake Shelton, Post Malone and Noah Kahan.

“This year’s broadcast will be especially meaningful as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America and the 50th anniversary of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials for NBC and Peacock. “This beloved live event creates a shared moment for viewers across the country while showcasing the powerful reach of both NBC and Peacock.”

And if you’re a history lover, FOX News Media has been running America 250 coverage since June 24, broadcasting from historic locations including the National Mall, Liberty State Park, Philadelphia, Mount Rushmore and Teddy Roosevelt’s Presidential Library through July 5.

Nashville throws the biggest party in its history

Music City is pulling out all the stops for a two-day free celebration, as reported by Woman’s World. Now in its 23rd year, Nashville’s “Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th” event kicks off Friday, July 3, with five entertainment stages spanning country, pop, R&B, blues, rock, Americana, salsa and hip-hop. Families can enjoy the free Amazon Family Fun Zone packed with games and inflatables.

The lineup is loaded with talent from Emily Ann Roberts and Brittney Spencer to MŌRIAH, Charlie Worsham and the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony. Later, the Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage hosts Boyz II Men, Brothers Osborne, Clint Black, Lauren Daigle, NE-YO, Nick Jonas and Sublime.

The televised finale, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, airs Saturday, July 4, from 7:00–10:00 p.m. CDT on ABC, Disney+, the ESPN App, Freeform, FX, Hulu and NatGeo. Then comes the grand finale: more than 1,000 drones dancing across the sky alongside thousands of fireworks exploding more than 1,000 feet up, choreographed to a live Nashville Symphony performance—the largest fireworks display in Nashville history.

“This broadcast is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything Nashville has built over the years and share the best of Music City with audiences across the country,” said Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “It’s especially meaningful to do so as our country marks America’s 250th anniversary, giving us the chance to celebrate our nation’s history while sharing the creativity and hospitality that define Nashville today and is fueling its future.”

Wherever you spend July 4, from a Krispy Kreme run in the morning to fireworks and drones lighting the sky at night, this happy 250th 4th of July is one worth savoring.