4th of July events: Your full guide on what to do in the DMV
WASHINGTON - What better place to celebrate the independence of the United States than in the heart of the nation’s capital? Here's your guide to events for the 4th of July all throughout the DMV:
JULY 4TH CRUISE FIREWORKS WATCH PARTY
City Cruises offers multiple plans to watch the fireworks while on the water. Enjoy the spectacle on a delightful cruise with food and drinks.
TAKOMA PARK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
The 4th of July Parade in Takoma Park will start at 10 a.m. on Carroll and Ethan Allen Ave. This year’s theme is Harmony in Takoma Park and leading the parade will be Grand Marshal Gene Herman, the parade Committee’s outgoing president and a community leader.
THE NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Starting at 11:45 a.m., witness the many floats, marching bands, drill teams and more on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street. The parade is co-hosted by the National Parks Service.
NATIONAL MALL FIREWORKS SHOW
The National Park Service will be hosting a fireworks viewing and celebration at the National Mall. Observe the show from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
FOURTH AT THE WHARF 2024
The Wharf is hosting its annual free celebration from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, along with a great view for fireworks viewing. Make sure to arrive early, as the pier may become extremely busy.
44TH ANNUAL ‘A CAPITOL FOURTH’ CONCERT
Actor and comedian Alfonso Ribiero returns to host "A Capitol Fourth", a concert filled with famous acts in pop, hip hop, R&B and country music. The event is hosted from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol and is free and open to the public, but if you can’t make it in person, the concert will be available to watch on PBS at 8 p.m.
CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY 4TH OF JULY PARADE
The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. on Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row. This year will mark the 21st anniversary of the parade’s occurrence.
FAIRFAX INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Join in downtown Fairfax for the city's annual Independence Day Parade featuring marching bands, floats, Shriners' little cars and big motorcycles, old fire engines, clowns and, of course, the scorching sun. The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. and goes until 12 p.m.
RED WHITE AND BREW ROOFTOP PARTY
See an unobstructed view of the fireworks in DC while at a rooftop bar, all while supporting a good cause. All proceeds from the event will go to programs supporting the United Soldiers and Sailors of America. Join the party at 700 Pennsylvania Ave, SE Washington.
INDEPENDENCE DAY TOUR OF THOMAS JEFFERSON’S WILDLIFE TIMES
Learn fun facts about the nation’s first two-term president while taking a walking tour of famous areas he is associated with, including Lafayette Square, the National Mall, the Tidal Basin, and more. The tour starts at 11:00 am at the George Mason Memorial.
AFROCODE DC DENIM & KICKS DAY PARTY
Enjoy a fusion of hip hop and afro beats music at Zebbie’s Garden to celebrate United States independence. The party starts at 4:00 p.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m.
SYLVAN THEATER FAMILY ACTIVITY CENTER
It's fun for the whole family: From 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can visit the Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area on the southeast grounds of the Washington Monument for activities and a scavenger hunt about the monuments and memorials on the National Mall. You can also complete your Independence Day Junior Ranger booklet full of family-friendly, fun activities to earn a special Junior Ranger badge!
AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION
Enjoy the annual Independence Day celebration at George Washington's Mount Vernon home. Visitors are welcomed to visit the estate's museums, enjoy views from the mansion's piazza, and stroll through the estates four separate gardens.
MIDDLETOWN 4TH OF JULY PARADE
If you’re looking for fun on the 4th of July, Middletown, Virginia will have a big celebration all day long. The events start at 8 a.m. and there will be food, craft vendors, kids games, and even a cornhole tournament. The parade is at 5 p.m. and FOX 5’s very own Sierra Fox will be one of the grand marshals. NFL players, local politicians, as well as first responders will also be there for meet and greet opportunities.
MORE ON THE 4TH OF JULY IN THE DMV
- How to watch DC's Annual Independence Day Parade
- Fourth of July fireworks in DC: Where to watch, when they start & more
- DC Fourth of July celebration road closures and parking restrictions
- Fourth of July weather DC: Severe storms could impact fireworks
- National Mall Fourth of July fireworks: Some changes this year, officials say
- Fourth of July guide: Fireworks laws in DC, Maryland and Virginia