DONALD Trump’s ‘Grand Military Parade and Celebration’ promises to be one of the most high-profile events of the summer.
Coinciding with both the 250th anniversary of the US Army and the president’s 79th birthday, it takes place in Washington DC on June 14, 2025.
“We’re gearing up for an extraordinary military parade in Washington, DC, like nothing seen before… it’s going to surpass any parade we’ve previously held,” announced President Donald Trump on Truth Social.
Here’s how you can watch and participate in the festivities — whether in person or from home.
How to follow Trump’s parade
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm after a day packed with military-themed events and public celebrations.
The main procession will roll down Constitution Avenue NW, stretching from 15th Street to 23rd Street, right through the heart of the National Mall.
Attendees can look forward to a showcase featuring nearly 7,000 troops, approximately 150 military vehicles — including M1 Abrams tanks and Stryker armored carriers — along with flyovers by around 50 helicopters and historic planes.
The Army’s Golden Knights parachute team will execute a jump near the White House Ellipse, with the night wrapping up in a dazzling fireworks display at 9:45 pm.
If you want to attend in person, you don’t necessarily need a ticket.
The US Army encourages the public to line Constitution Avenue or gather on the grounds of the Washington Monument for a view of the spectacle.
However, those wishing for the best vantage points — especially near the main viewing area in front of the White House — can register for tickets via the Army’s official event website.
Ticket holders will be granted access to special viewing zones, but general admission along the parade route is open to all, space permitting.
Entry for parade viewing attendees begins at 2 pm ET.
Security will be tight, with a significant law enforcement and military presence expected throughout the city.
In addition to the parade, the day’s festivities include a public festival on the National Mall running from 11 am to 6 pm ET, and an Army fitness competition that begins at 9:30 am.
Entry for the festival portion of the day will begin at 8 am on the Mall near the National Air and Space Museum off Seventh Street NW.
There will also be an enlistment ceremony led by President Trump after the parade.
Watch at home
For those unable to make it to Washington DC, the parade will be livestreamed on the US Army’s official YouTube and social media channels.
Although the event is unlikely to be broadcast directly on network TV, it will instead be shown on some channels’ streaming services.
According to Variety, major network TV affiliates for ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox are not expected to interrupt their regular programming to cover the parade, citing sources familiar with their plans.
Instead, these networks will provide coverage primarily through their streaming platforms: ABC News Live, NBC News Now, and CBS News 24/7 will carry the event live.
However, the event is expected to be widely covered on cable news, including CNN and Fox News, offering both live footage and commentary on the scale and significance of the celebration.
Donald Trump’s Army Celebration Schedule
Soldiers prepare an M1 Abrams tank for the Army’s 250th Birthday celebration in Washington DC (AFP)
8 am: Entry opens for the Army fitness competition and festival on the National Mall
8:15 am: Wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery
9:30 am – 12:30 pm: Fitness competition on the National Mall
11 am – 6 pm: Army birthday festival on the National Mall with military equipment displays and demonstrations, live music, and concessions
2 pm: Entry opens for parade viewing
6:30 pm: Parade begins on Constitution Avenue between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument (23rd Street NW to 15th Street NW)
8 pm: Post-parade presidential address, enlistment ceremony and concert on The Ellipse
9:45 pm: Fireworks at the National Mall over the Tidal Basin
