NEW YORK — In an unprecedented move, the iconic ball will make a second descent in 2026, commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Since its inception on New Year’s Eve in 1907, this marks the first occasion for a second ball drop in Times Square.

The historic event is set to take place on July 3, the eve of Independence Day 2026.

During the New Year’s Eve celebrations, after the midnight drop, the ball will illuminate in red, white, and blue, showcasing an “America 250” design. This will serve as a preview for the upcoming July event.

Attendees of this year’s Times Square event will also witness a second confetti drop, hinting at the array of nationwide events and programs planned to celebrate the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The night will wrap up with a pyrotechnics display to Ray Charles’ version of “America the Beautiful.” 

“I’m telling you right now, whatever you’re imagining, it’s going to be much more than that,” said America250 Chair Rosie Rios, who oversees the bipartisan commission created by Congress in 2016 to organize the semiquincentennial anniversary. “It’s going to be one for the ages, the most inspirational celebration this country and maybe the world has ever seen.”

Rios and her group worked with the Times Square Alliance business district and One Times Square, the building from where the ball is dropped, to make the changes to this year’s ceremonies. They’re also planning the second ball drop event on July 3, the eve of the nation’s birthday, “in the same beautiful style that Times Square knows how to do it,” Rios said.

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