The 4th of July is such a fun holiday, especially here in our nation’s capital. There are countless ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in our greater DC community. We have pulled together a list of some of our favorite events and hope that it helps you plan a fun-filled and safe celebration. Please note that all events listed are scheduled for July 4th, unless otherwise indicated.
Washington Nationals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
July 3- 6:45 pm
July 4- 11:05am
Start off your celebration of America’s birthday by watching America’s favorite pastime. Enjoy family-friendly food and fun, cheer on the Racing Presidents, and enjoy postgame fireworks (only after the July 3rd game). It’s sure to be a hit! (My apologies…I just couldn’t resist that pun.)
View DC Fireworks from Fort Washington Park
9am – 10:00pm
Fort Washington, MD
This historic fort is situated on the banks of the Potomac River. It stays open late on July 4th so that guests can enjoy views of fireworks displays in DC and the Virginia shore. The fort will close after the fireworks are over.
“An American Celebration” at Mount Vernon
8am – 5pm
Mount Vernon, VA
This annual Independence Day event held at the verdant estate of our nation’s first President will include military re-enactments and cannon fire, and daytime fireworks. Your family can also partake in free birthday cake, enjoy a performance by the National Concert Band, and observe a naturalization ceremony for new citizens. It is suggested that tickets be purchased in advance.
Visit the National Archives Museum
8:30 – 10pm
Washington, DC
We are so fortunate to have our nation’s founding documents in our own backyard. Consider visiting the National Archives as a sort of pre-game for the National Independence Day Parade (which begins at 10:30), and note that the steps of the Archives are a great spot to view the parade. A Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony will take place at 10am and will include a fife and drum corps performance. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy family activities such as a “Declaring Independence” scavenger hunt, making colonial-style wigs and dressing in period costumes, setting your name in type, and much more. If you want to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, or the Bill of Rights, you can reserve timed-entry tickets or space in a once-daily docent-led tour online. The actual building opens at 10am. Admission is free, but there is a service charge for online reservations.
Independence Day Concert
11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm
National Air and Space Museum
Washington, DC
Celebrate the 4th of July with a special performance by the United States Air Force Band’s Ceremonial Brass Quintet. Each of the three concerts will last 20 minutes.
These free concerts will feature vocal and instrumental selections from a variety of musical genres including big band, jazz, popular, patriotic, and classical. World-class musicians from the U.S. military are sure to both entertain and inspire you.
National Independence Day Parade
10:30am
Constitution Ave
Washington, DC
This parade is a fun-filled, flag-waving, patriotic way to celebrate July 4th. It will include marching bands from across the United States, fife and drum corps, military and specialty units, floats, giant balloons, dignitaries, and more. It is free and no ticket is required. The parade organizers suggest that it gets less crowded as the parade goes on, so viewing may be better at that end of the route.
A Capitol Fourth
July 3 8pm – 9:30pm
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
America’s national Independence Day celebration will honor July 4th with a musical military salute broadcast on PBS. The public can attend this concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for FREE. Gates open to the public at 3:00. Check out the event website for all details.
Insider tip: If you want to experience the concert without the hassle of the July 4th crowds, you can attend a full concert dress rehearsal on July 2nd. Gates will open at 3pm and the rehearsal will begin at 8pm.
Fireworks over the National Mall
10:30pm
Washington, DC
This year’s fireworks display is starting at 10:30pm and there is a ticketed area around the Washington Monument. Fireworks will be launched from 10 sites at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, 8 Potomac River barges, and West Potomac Park. Expect security screenings and make sure you are aware of prohibited items. If you are the hearty sort and a want to make a day of it, you can claim your spot on the Mall in the morning beginning at 8am. If you are looking for places to watch the fireworks, check out these ideas.
Helpful Hints:
The National Park Service provides all sorts of useful information to help ensure that your family has a safe and enjoyable 4th of July on the Mall. Take a look at their site for security information, lists of prohibited items, and maps (which has information such as where bathrooms will be located).
With all of these fun events come the requisite road closures and transportation issues. Check out the National Park Service site for a list of road and site closures. The list is marked as “tentative” at the time of this publication, so please make sure you check out the finalized list closer to the 4th of July.
If you prefer to not be in DC for July 4th, here are some alternative places to celebrate Independence Day, as well as lists of events throughout Maryland and Virginia.
