Still figuring out your Fourth of July plans? We’ve got ideas.
Watch Fireworks
You may want to chug a 5-Hour Energy to make it to this year’s fireworks on the National Mall: The show is expected to start somewhere between 10:30 PM and 11 PM. (The Freedom 25o website lists a 10:30 PM start time, though Mayor Muriel Bowser stated the fireworks won’t begin until 11 PM during a Monday briefing.) The good news is there are plenty of spots around the city to enjoy the pyrotechnic show, whether you watch on the National Mall (Sat, Free, registration encouraged) or away from those crowds. (Consider Cardozo Education Campus or the Washington National Cathedral.) You can also enjoy the display on the water with CityCruises (Sat, $438+, The Wharf) or Sea Suite Cruises (Sat, $60+ per person, multiple locations). Those who want to escape the city completely can head to spots in Northern Virginia such as the Marine Corps War Memorial or Lady Bird Johnson Park for views of the show. The National Park Service is also organizing a fireworks show at Anacostia Park, which will be concurrent with the display on the National Mall (Sat, Free, Anacostia).
Learn Some History
There are plenty of places offering Fourth of July fun for history buffs. George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon is hosting a celebration with daytime fireworks, military drill reenactments, and a musical performance from the National Concert Band (Sat, $30 for adults, $16 for youth, free for children 5 and under, Mount Vernon.) You can also hear a recitation of Frederick Douglass’ famous “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” speech at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (Sat, Free, Anacostia). The National Archives is hosting a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin reenactors (Sat, Free, National Archives).
Visit America 250 Exhibits
Museums have organized special exhibits in honor of the country’s 250th birthday. The National Gallery of Art is showcasing “Dear America” through September 20, featuring artwork that explores the American identity (Through Sept. 20, Free, National Gallery of Art). For a limited time, the Smithsonian Castle is open for “American Aspirations,” an exhibit displaying historic items such as Thomas Jefferson’s desk and Thomas Edison’s lightbulb (Through July 26, Free, Smithsonian Institution Building). At the US Botanic Garden, “America’s State Flowers” features blooms for each state and territory (Through Oct. 12, Free, US Botanic Garden).
Party at a Restaurant
Eateries are hosting festivities for the holiday. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab is throwing a cocktail party before the pyrotechnics from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM with special cocktails such as the “Rickey 250” (Sat, $250 per person, Downtown). Fiola Mare is serving Italian seafood and cocktails at its fireworks watch party, which includes DJ sets and an open bar (Sat, $295+, Georgetown Waterfront). At the Wharf, La Vie has a Rihanna-themed “Diamonds in the Sky” watch party on its rooftop, and a ticket gets you access to an open bar for the first hour (Sat, $61.49, The Wharf). Outside the city, Ser is hosting a daytime block party with food and drink stations and live music (Sat, $87.21, Arlington).
Wave Flags at a Parade
Those in the marching mood can check out the National Independence Day Parade, which starts at 10:30 AM and takes places along Constitution Avenue from 3rd Street, NW, to Independence Avenue at 12th Street, SW. The promenade features of several bands and military units (Sat, Free, Downtown). There are community and neighborhood parades, too. Leesburg’s Independence Day Celebration features a parade, concert, and fireworks show (Sat, Free, Leesburg). The City of Fairfax is also hosting an all-day celebration with a parade, musical performances, fireworks, and dozens of food vendors (Sat, Free, Fairfax). In Maryland, enjoy the Takoma Park parade, which is followed by an evening street party from 6 PM to 9 PM with live music and food trucks (Sat, Free, Takoma Park).
Attend a Concert
If you want to rock out on Independence Day, there’s a number of concerts taking place around the District. The annual Capitol Fourth Concert will feature the National Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington; it will also be broadcast on PBS (Fri, Free, U.S. Capitol). You can picnic in Dupont Circle and listen to the Too Much Talent Band, a local band that blends genres such as jazz, hip hop and funk (Sat, Free, Dupont Circle). And if you’re a country fan, head over to Fourth at the Wharf to hear the sounds of Megan Quinn Fox, Emily Woodhull and Chris Ryan Band (Sat, Free, the Wharf).
Celebrate Somewhere Else
Washington will get a little hectic for the country’s 250th birthday party, but there are plenty of celebrations that can offer respite from the hubbub. Drive to Colonial Williamsburg, which is holding mock military drills, meet and greets with Founding Father reenactors, and a big nighttime firework show (Sat, Free, Williamsburg). In Baltimore, stop by the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival during the day followed by an evening fireworks show at the Inner Harbor (Sat, Free, Baltimore).
