The National Bell Festival invites bells and bell towers across America to ring out together on Independence Day, creating a canopy of sound over our nation. Cathedrals and churches, community organizations and historical structures, national parks and memorials, and people from coast to coast are encouraged to gather and contribute to the sound.
This symbolic gesture of ringing bells together celebrates our commitment to community, honors our nation's incredible past, and inspires the next generation of American patriots.
Join us on July 4, 2026, by ringing bells simultaneously with your neighbors across the nation. So that we can all ring together, the starting time for bells in your area will depend on your time zone. Nationwide ringing will begin at 2:50pm Eastern. Will you help us raise a patriotic clangor from sea to shining sea?
Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled a few helpful facts and suggestions for making the most of this once-in-a-generation American celebration.
Who is leading bell ringing for the U.S. Semiquincentennial?
The National Bell Festival established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Committee to plan the bell ringing contribution to our nation’s 250th birthday. As in celebrations past, like the centennial of 1876 and the bicentennial of 1976, bells will feature prominently in community celebrations and national moments of commemoration. The latest information and guidance will be made available at Bells.org.
When should I ring my bell(s)?
So that we can all ring together, the starting time for bells in your area will depend on your time zone. Nationwide ringing will begin at 2:50pm Eastern. Find the equivalent local time in your time zone from the chart below and ring along with us!
- 2:50pm Eastern Daylight Time (New York)
- 1:50pm Central Daylight Time (Chicago)
- 12:50pm Mountain Daylight Time (Salt Lake City)
- 11:50am Mountain Standard Time (Phoenix)
- 11:50am Pacific Daylight Time (Los Angeles)
- 10:50am Alaska Daylight Time (Anchorage)
- 9:50am Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time (Adak)
- 8:50am Hawaii Standard Time (Honolulu)
How many tolls should I ring or for how long should I ring?
All bells and bell towers are welcome and invited to participate, from a single handheld bell on a front porch to a grand carillon in a multistory tower. If you're looking for guidance on how many tolls to ring or for how long you should ring, consider following this schedule:
- Rope-Pulled Tower & Handheld Bells: 13 tolls, referencing the original 13 colonies that composed the United States.
- Electronically-Sounded Bells: 250 tolls, one for each year of our nation's history (at 13-second intervals, prepare for ringing to last up to an hour).
- Several Peal Bells: Ring for 20 minutes – or as long as comfortable for you to pull the rope!
- Change Ringing Bells: A full peal.
- Carillons, Chimes, & Handbells: A recital of patriotic hymns and melodies.
What if my bell isn't able to ring as directed?
Your participation is what's most important. It's alright if you modify or adapt your ringing to suit the ringer, the bell, the tower, or local customs.
For bells that play music (carillons, chimes, and handbells), variance in repertoire is expected. Consideration should be given to selecting alternate pieces that are appropriate to the occasion and authentic to the presenting institution.
Some bells are sounded electronically, without the presence of a bell ringer. These installations are welcome to participate as their technological limitations allow.
If it's not practicable for you or your bell to ring for the entire time, that is no problem. Pause and restart when you'd like, or call it quits when you need.
What if the guidelines conflict with other traditions or practices?
These directives offer guidance to bell ringers wanting to participate in the national commemoration and are not intended to restrict or replace bell ringing anywhere. Local traditions, whether municipal, liturgical, or individual to a specific bell or tower, may still be observed.
What if a don't have a bell?
Ring with us in spirit! Throw open a window or take a walk to a neighborhood bell tower to take in the sounds of the celebrations. We'll also be releasing a free app for iPhone and Android that brings the bell tower right to your fingertips!
Can I follow along online?
Of course! Help us spread the good vibrations by following @bellfestival on your favorite social media. Be sure to post your bell ringing or the sounds from your local tower and tag us, too!
What is America250?
America250 is a multiyear effort to commemorate the U.S. Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the United States. This effort is being led at the national level by the non-partisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, and its supporting nonprofit America250 Foundation, with a mission to catalyze a more perfect union by designing and leading the most comprehensive and inclusive celebration in our country’s history.
America250 represents a coalition of public and private partners all working to create initiatives and programs that honor our first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine our next 250. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027.
Cover image: A crowd of people gather beneath a bell at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
