We hold these truths to be self-evident: Friday is Independence Day, and festivities are on in the nation’s capital. Below, GW Today has collected a few ways to celebrate in the area. Campus Advisories has more on staying safe during the holiday.
July 4 at 11:45 a.m. National Independence Day Parade
Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 17th streets
Free
Marching bands, floats, performance troupes, equestrian and drill teams and more will take center stage for thousands of spectators at the day’s big parade.
July 4 at 8 p.m. A Capitol Fourth
U.S. Capitol
Free
“America’s birthday party,” open to the public and broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, is headlined this year by Alfonso Ribeiro, the Beach Boys, the Temptations, Lauren Daigle, Trombone Shorty and more.
July 4 at 6 p.m. Takoma Park Evening Street Party
Maple Avenue between Philadelphia and Ritchie avenues
Takoma Park, Maryland
If you don’t love loud explosions, this evening celebration in the leafy D.C. suburb—where no space was found for fireworks this year—is a good option on the Red Line, with live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden and more.
July 4 at 9:09 p.m. Fireworks on the National Mall
Lincoln Memorial
Free
Hosted by the National Park Service, Washington, D.C.’s signature fireworks show takes place over the Reflecting Pool. Security is tight this year, with access permitted at only five specific points between 14th and 23rd streets.
If you don’t feel like staking out a spot on the Mall, the fireworks will also be visible from many points in the District. Just a short walk or bus ride from Foggy Bottom, you can watch the show over the Potomac from the Georgetown Waterfront (2900 K St. NW). Or go farther afield to The Wharf (760 Maine Ave. NW) or the grounds of Washington National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW), one of the highest-elevated points in the city. Rooftop venues around the city also host watch parties, most with a cover charge.
July 12 at 6 p.m. Alexandria and the USA Joint Birthday Celebration
100 Madison St.
Alexandria, Virginia
Free
Celebrate the 276th birthday of the historic Virginia town (and a belated Independence Day) with live music, food and drink vendors and a fireworks show over the Potomac, about a mile from the Braddock Road Metro Station.
