SALT LAKE CITY — Not even a pandemic can keep the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest from happening. Gatherings and events continue to be limited, but there’s still a lot to watch and enjoy for the Fourth of July.
Here’s a list of Independence Day-themed movies and concerts airing this weekend.
FRIDAY — MOVIES
‘Hamilton’
The Broadway phenomenon about the “10-dollar Founding Father without a father” is now available for streaming on Disney Plus. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical debuted on Broadway in 2015 and has won 11 Tony Awards. The primary source for the story was Ron Chernow’s 2005 best-selling biography, “Alexander Hamilton.”
FRIDAY — CONCERTS
Zac Brown Band
The Zac Brown Band is performing for the first time since canceling its spring 2020 tour due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to CNN.
The country/rock band will host “4th With the Family,” a livestream show that will air on July 3. The proceeds will go to Camp Southern Ground, Zac Brown’s non-profit that supports veterans.
“Not only do we have the opportunity to perform for our fans for the first time in a while, but more importantly, we can raise crucial funds that support the mental health and well-being of our veterans,” Brown said in a press release, according to CNN. “All men and women who have served deserve our deepest gratitude, and we invite you to celebrate and support them through music and community.”
The concert will air live on the band’s Facebook and YouTube pages Friday at 6 p.m. MT. It will then re-air Saturday at 5 p.m. MT.
SATURDAY — MOVIES
‘Top Gun’
“Top Gun Maverick” isn’t coming out until Dec. 23, but you can watch the classic 1986 film all day long on Saturday.
The Tom Cruise film will air on Paramount Network at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
‘Independence Day’
In “Independence Day,” Will Smith is on a mission to save the United States from an alien invasion. The film came out the day before July 4th in 1996.
It will air on AMC at 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
SATURDAY — CONCERTS
‘A Tribute to the American Spirit’
Featuring violin virtuoso Joshua Bell, the United States Air Force Band and soprano Larisa Martínez — who came to Utah with Andrea Bocelli in 2018 — “A Tribute to the American Spirit” will stream on Bell’s Facebook page and the U.S. Air Force Band’s YouTube channel. The event will be hosted by Aaron Gilchrist, a morning anchor at NBC Washington.
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
Country legend Willie Nelson is hosting his annual 4th of July Picnic. This year, the lineup includes Nathaniel Rateliff, Robert Earl Keen and Sheryl Crow, among others.
The concert kicks off at 2:30 p.m. MT. View the website for the full schedule/lineup.
Tickets for the event are $35-$45 and include access to stream the show through July 11.
The 40th anniversary of the PBS special includes performances from John Fogerty, Renee Fleming, The Temptations, Andy Grammer, Kelli O’Hara and more, according to a news release. While these performances have been pre-recorded, the fireworks over Washington, D.C., will be live. John Stamos and Vanessa Williams host this year’s show.
The 90-minute production will air Saturday at 7 p.m., and an immediate replay at 8:30 p.m. will follow.
‘Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular’
From New York, the Macy’s celebration this year will feature performances from the Black Eyed Peas, The Killers, Lady A, John Legend, Tim McGraw and Brad Paisley. A fireworks show will follow.
The special will air on NBC at 7 p.m. MT.
Originally, Utah’s Stadium of Fire was going to celebrate its 40th anniversary, but that celebration has been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Deseret News reported.
Instead, Marie Osmond and Lou Diamond Phillips are now co-hosting a one-hour special that highlights “Stadium of Fire” concerts from years past, including Carrie Underwood, OneRepublic, The Beach Boys and Brian Regan.
The special will air on KSL-TV 5 at 9 p.m.
SATURDAY — HOT DOGS
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
OK, so this isn’t really a movie. But it is a Fourth of July tradition. This year, with safety measures in place, the competition to see who can down the most dogs in 10 minutes continues.
On the men’s side, Joey Chesnut — who has won four straight titles — will attempt to maintain his champion status. Miki Sudo, who hasn’t lost since 2013, will also seek another win, according to USA Today.
The contest will be live on ESPN at 10 a.m. MT, and will re-air on ESPN 2 at 6 p.m. MT.
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