'A Capitol Fourth' 2020: Air date, time, where to watch, how to stream and all you need to know about the PBS concert

America's 244th birthday celebration will see celebrities perform from varied landmark locations across the country, including Washington, DC, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia
PUBLISHED JUL 3, 2020
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Typical Fourth of July gatherings might not be the norm this year, but worry not, the hour and a half long A Capitol Fourth is still airing. Broadcasting for the 40th year, the PBS special is definitely different from the other years with no live audience and pre-taped performances, but the essence and vibe of it are still intact. Here's all you need to know about it.

Air-date and time

The 40th annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth airs this Saturday, July 4 from 8:00 to 9:30 pm ET. 

Where to watch

The special feature will air on PBS. It will also be available for American troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

Vanessa Williams attends Sheen Center presents Vanessa Williams & Friends (Getty Images)

How to Stream

For those who don't have access to PBS, the program can also be heard in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide. Facebook, YouTube and www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth will also be streaming the special, along with Video on Demand making it available for a limited time only, July 4 to July 18.

Host

John Stamos and Vanessa Williams co-host this special 40th-anniversary presentation.

John Stamos attends MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Aerosmith (Getty Images)

Program

America's 244th birthday celebration will see celebrities perform from varied landmark locations across the country, including Washington, D.C, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Special highlights will include the concert’s forty-year history with its signature patriotic flavors. With the lockdown regulations in mind, this special was pre-taped without a live audience. Paying a tribute to all the frontline workers, the 90-minute special will also honor African American heroes from the past and present, and also salute wounded warriors and their families. A special segment will also cover the live fireworks display across the country's skyline from several locations. 

Performers:

Hosted by Stamos and Williams, the list of performers appearing in 2020's concert will include Patti LaBelle, John Fogerty, Renée Fleming, Trace Adkins, Andy Grammer, Yolanda Adams, Brantley Gilbert, Lauren Alaina, The Temptations, Chrissy Metz, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O'Hara, Mandy Gonzalez.

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