As summer kicks into full swing, many Americans are rethinking how and even whether they'll celebrate the 4th of July. With inflation tightening budgets and emotional ties to the holiday shifting, traditions like fireworks, barbecues, and patriotic décor are no longer a given.
A new survey of 1,000 U.S. adults reveals how people are balancing rising costs with the desire to connect, relax, and celebrate. From skipping celebrations altogether to finding creative ways to cut expenses, this snapshot highlights how economic and emotional realities are affecting summer gatherings in 2025.
As the country prepares for another Independence Day, not everyone is eager to join in. Shifting personal values and regional differences are shaping whether and how Americans celebrate July 4th this year.
Baby boomers are the most likely to skip the 4th of July celebrations this year, with 38% saying they are opting out. Gen X follows closely at 36%, while around 31% of both millennials and Gen Z say they don't plan to celebrate.
Southerners are the most likely to skip celebrating the 4th of July this year, with nearly 40% opting out. In contrast, just 26% of Midwesterners plan to sit out the holiday, making them the most likely to participate. The West (31%) and Northeast (31%) fall in between.
How Americans' Feelings About the 4th of July Have Shifted in Recent Years:
With rising prices top of mind, many are reevaluating how much they're willing—or able—to spend on patriotic festivities. Generational differences in spending habits reveal how inflation is hitting some harder than others.
| How Much Each Generation Is Spending by Category on the 4th of July | ||||
| Category | Baby Boomers | Gen X | Millennials | Gen Z |
| Food | $70 | $85 | $90 | $70 |
| Drinks | $45 | $50 | $45 | $60 |
| Decorations | $30 | $45 | $45 | $35 |
| Fireworks | $0 | $120 | $115 | $90 |
| Travel | $50 | $275 | $105 | $225 |
As Americans prepare for the 4th of July, it's clear that many are approaching the holiday differently this year. Rising costs and changing feelings about the occasion are leading some to scale back or skip celebrations entirely. From spending less on fireworks to choosing not to travel, people are adjusting their plans in practical ways. Still, the desire to enjoy summer and connect with others remains strong, even if it looks a little different this time around.
We surveyed 1,000 Americans to investigate how emotional and economic pressures are reshaping America's summer celebrations. The average age was 40; 50% were female, and 50% were male. Generationally, 6% were baby boomers, 29% were Gen X, 46% were millennials, and 19% were Gen Z. The survey data was collected in May 2025.
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