PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The historic Fourth of July Parade will celebrate 250 years of the nation — and Pittsfield. 

On Thursday, the Pittsfield Parade Committee announced the 2026 theme with a "distinctly local focus": "America 250 — Pittsfield Celebrates the Generations." People, floats, cars, balloons, and more will proceed down South, North, and Wahconah streets to thousands of spectators. 

"While the year marks the nation's 250th anniversary, the parade theme centers on the people, places, and stories that have shaped Pittsfield and the Berkshires across generations," a press release from the parade committee reads. 

The parade dates back to 1801, and the parade committee was formed around the late 1970s.  Today, it brings residents, families, organizations, and visitors together on the Fourth of July, historically kicking off at 10 a.m. on the dot. 

This year's theme invites the community to reflect on Pittsfield's history and its connections to broader American history, including its neighborhoods, industries, cultural institutions, civic traditions, and families. 

"From early settlement and Revolutionary-era roots to industrial growth, post-war community life, today's creative economy, and the next generation shaping Pittsfield's future, the parade will highlight the many eras that define life in the Berkshires," the parade committee wrote. 

"Participants are encouraged to bring local history to life by basing parade entries on specific historical events, defining moments, eras, decades, or generations connected to Pittsfield and the surrounding region. Creative use of color, music, movement, costumes, vehicles, and storytelling is encouraged to showcase how Pittsfield has grown, adapted, and thrived over time." 

The parade entry application is open at www.pittsfieldparade.com.  The committee can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.