WASHINGTON — It’s almost time to fire the grills up and throw on your patriotic wear. The Fourth of July is approaching quickly, and the DMV is full of fun and unique events to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Here’s what’s happening in the area to celebrate Independence Day:
DC:
Northwest DC:
Dupont Circle Bar Crawl 6/29: This patriotic bar crawl includes all day specials, a costume contest, and giveaways.
Fireworks at the National Mall 7/4: Celebrate Independence Day surrounded by more than a dozen American memorials with a firework display.
A Capitol Fourth Concert 7/4: On the West lawn of the Capitol, enjoy performances from performers like Smokey Robinson and Fantasia to the National Symphony Orchestra and the United States Army Band.
Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area 7/4: The event will include family-friendly activities and a scavenger hunt about the monuments and memorials on the National Mall.
National Independence Day Parade 7/4: The parade kicks off at 7th Street and Constitution Ave NW and moves west to 17th Street with marching bands, drum corps, floats, giant balloons, and more.
A July 4th Musical Celebration 7/4: At the Washington National Cathedral, enjoy a free performance from the U.S. Army Band Brass Quintet and Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan. and the world premiere of a commissioned musical piece.
4th of July Cruise and Celebration 7/4: Boarding at Washington Harbor, this event features a firework celebration overlooking he Potomac River and a post cruise reception. This is a ticket required event.
July 4th Rooftop Party at Watergate Hotel 7/4: This sophisticated rooftop bar event features a view of the DC skyline.
Northeast DC:
Capitol Hill 4th of July Parade 7/4: Celebrate the holiday with a small-town parade
Independence Day Friends of Soldiers Fireworks 7/4: This gala event celebrates veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home with food trucks, children’s games, and a view of the National Mall Fireworks.
Southwest DC:
Fourth at the Wharf 7/4: This free event includes live music, views of the National Mall fireworks, bar, DJ, games, photo station, and raffle.
Southeast DC:
Nationals vs. Mets Fireworks 7/3: After the Nationals play the Mets, enjoy postgame fireworks and a raffle for Bruce Springsteen concert tickets.
Maryland Counties:
Allegany County:
Lonaconing Firework Display 7/3: The event is held at Westmar Middle School and fireworks start at about 9:30 p.m.
Constitution Park Fireworks 7/4: Celebrate the holiday with fireworks in Cumberland starting at 9 p.m.
Anne Arundel County:
Fort Meade Red White and Blue Celebration 6/28: This free event at McGlachlin Parade Field will feature a DJ, vendors, and a firework display.
Whoof on the Wharf 7/4: Celebrate the fourth with your pups in Edgewater by watching fireworks from the water of South River.
Severna Park Stars and Stripes Forever Parade 7/4: This event starts at 10 a.m. and has a parade float contest.
Back Creek Yacht Club Picnic and Fireworks 7/6: This event includes a picnic of cookout classics and a firework show in Edgewater.
Laurel 4th of July Parade 7/6: This event that kicks off at 9:30 a.m. includes a car show, family games, music, and a flag raising ceremony.
Calvert County:
Chesapeake Beach Independence Day Celebration 7/3 rain date 7/6: Celebrate by the Bay with an annual firework display.
Solomons Island 4th of July Bike Parade 7/4: This event invites children of all ages to participate. Decorating bikes is welcome and prizes and treats are given to participants.
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise 7/4: Watch the Solomons fireworks from a Calvert Marine Museum boat on the Patuxent River.
Solomons Island Fireworks 7/4: Watch fireworks visible from nearly all points in the area.
Historical Adventure Quest for Kids 7/4: At the Calvert Marine Museum, kids can participate in a free scavenger hunt with revolutionary war reenactors.
Charles County:
Charles County Fair Fireworks 7/4: Located in La Plata, enjoy food, pony rides, and live music followed by a firework show.
La Plata 4th of July Celebration 7/4: Starting at 10 a.m. at La Plata Town Hall, enjoy water slides, ice cream, air brush tattoos, and food vendors.
Fredrick County:
Middletown Independence Day Celebration 6/29 rain date 6/30: At the Middletown Community Park, the event will include kids prizes and crafts, family entertainment, and fireworks.
Adventure Park USA Fireworks 7/3: This event includes a firework show and free admission.
Star-Spangled Fireworks Train 7/5 rain date 7/6: Take a train for a view of a firework show. This event requires reservations.
Howard County:
Howard County’s 4th of July Fireworks 7/4: This event will feature live entertainment, food vendors, and a firework show.
Fourth of July Concert 7/4: At the Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, the U.S. Navy Concert Band will be performing for the free event.
Lakefront Live Jul 4th Celebration 7/4: The Downtown Columbia Lakefront event is hosting its free concert series, along with food trucks and fireworks
Montgomery County:
Germantown Glory 7/4: Kicking off at 7:00 p.m. at the South Germantown Recreational Park, the event will feature a performance by the Central City Orchestra and fireworks starting at about 9:15 p.m.
Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department 7/4: The event will include food and specialty item vendors and a raffle where a lucky winner can push the button to start the firework display. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Prince George’s County:
Six Flags Fireworks Celebration 7/4, 7/5, 7/6: Six Flags is presenting a firework show to celebrate Independence Day at the amusement park.
National Harbor Salute the Sunset 7/4: The U.S. Air Force Band Army of Note will perform a free concert.
St. Mary’s County:
Fourth at the Wharf 7/4: This free event includes activities, yard games, food, and a live concert. It also has contests including a “Strut your Mutt” parade, crab derby and watermelon eating contest.
On the Water’s Edge Concert 7/4: This free concert with the Midnight Sunsets also includes wine-tasting and sweet treats.
St. Mary’s College River Concert 7/5: This family friendly concert will include fireworks and local vendors.
Washington County:
Boonsboro Independence Day Celebration 7/3 rain date 7/6: This firework display in Shafer Park will kick off at 9:30 p.m.
Maryland Cities
Annapolis:
Annapolis Fireworks Cruise 7/4: Departing from the Annapolis City Dock, this event takes you on the water to see the city’s firework show, along with complimentary desserts.
West Annapolis Fourth of July Parade 7/4: This parade kicks off at 9 a.m. from the Wardour Circle to West Annapolis Elementary School.
Eastport 4th of July Kids Parade 7/4: This parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Eastport Peninsula neighborhood.
Annapolis Independence Day Parade 7/4: This parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes from Amos Garrett Boulevard to Susan Campbell Park.
Historic Annapolis 4th of July Celebration 7/4: This celebration explores historic Annapolis sites like the William Paca House & Garden, Hogshead, Waterfront Warehouse, and the Museum of Historic Annapolis
Annapolis Fourth of July Fireworks 7/4: This firework show launches off from a barge in Annapolis Harbor and begins at 9:15 p.m.
Bladensburg:
Bladensburg Fireworks: The American Frontier 7/5 rain date 7/7: This western themed celebration includes food trucks, a DJ, face painting, pony rides, and fireworks.
Bowie:
Bowie Baysox Game 7/3: This baseball game against the Richmond Flying Squirrels will have postgame fireworks for an Independence Day celebration.
Fredrick:
Fredrick’s 4th 7/4: This event will include live music, inflatable fun, face painting, cornhole, and fireworks.
Gaithersburg:
SummerFest 6/29: This festival will include live music by The District, vendors, a SummerGlo after party, and firework display.
Hagerstown:
MSO Salute to Independence 7/3: The Maryland Symphony Orchestra presents a free concert that ends with a firework show.
4th of July Fireworks 7/4: Located at Fairgrounds Park, the annual firework display will kick off at 9:30 p.m.
Indian Head:
Annual 4th of July Celebration 7/4: This firework display will also include food vendors, live entertainment, amusements and pony rides.
Kensington
4th of July Bike Parade 7/4: Decorate your bike, scooter, wagons and participate or watch along Lexington Street, Farragut Ave, and St. Paul Street.
Mid-County Sparkles 7/6: Located at Albert Einstein High School, the event will have music by Joe Falero and Downtown Sound, as well as a firework display.
Laurel:
Annual Independence Day Parade 7/6: This parade will begin at 11 a.m. and have awards and acknowledgments.
Fireworks from the Lake 7/6: This firework show follows a flag raising ceremony and the national anthem.
Mount Airy:
Mt. Airy Fireworks 7/3: This free event will include a band performance, food vendors, and a firework show.
Poolesville:
Annual 4th of July Celebration 7/4: This celebration at the soccer fields off of Hughes Road will include music, food, and fireworks.
Rockville:
Rockville’s Independence Day 7/4: At Mattie J. T. Stepanek Park in King Farm, the event will kick off at 7:00 p.m. with live music by Uncle Jesse and fireworks.
Takoma Park:
Takoma Park 4th of July Parade 7/4: This festive parade will include live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and kids’ activities.
Virginia Counties
Arlington County:
4th of July Donut Decorating 7/4: This unique event includes donut decorating at Astro Beer Hall and Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. This is a ticketed event.
Barcroft 4th of July Parade 7/4: This neighborhood parade also includes a magic show and neighborhood picnic.
Fireworks Watch Party at Skydome 7/4: This revolving rooftop restaurant Is hosting a family-friendly celebration with music, face painting, kid friendly movies, cornhole games, and theater-style seating to watch the firework show. This event requires reservations
Douglas Park 4th of July Parade 7/4: This parade includes a contest with prizes, a moonbounce, superslide, and music.
Fairlington July 4th Parade 7/4: The annual celebration invites everyone to participate and an after party.
Family Friendly Fireworks Watch Party 7/7: This ticketed event includes a buffet, music, face-painting, cornhole games, and a panoramic view of the DC fireworks show.
Clarke County:
Community Concert & Fireworks Display 7/3: The event will include an Honor Flag Display, music, and a firework display.
Culpeper County:
Culpeper Freedom 5k 7/4: The race starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Culpeper Baptist Church. There is a registration fee for participants.
FREEDOM Car & Bike Show 7/4: This event starts at 10 a.m. on Downtown East Davis Street
Firework Show 7/4: This event will be closed to the public and start at 9:15 p.m.
Yowell Meadow Park Events 7/4: The park will host activities including children’s kayaking, food trucks, craft vendors, a patriotic presentation, moon bounces, hayrides, rock walls, and live music
Fairfax County:
Fireworks at Mount Vernon 6/28, 6/29: A firework show at George Washington’s estate featuring live music and an evening wreath laying at George Washington’s tomb.
Workhouse Arts Center 6/29: A free fireworks event at Workhouse Arts Center
Lake Fairfax Fireworks 6/29: Starting at noon, the event will include food and family fun at Lake Fairfax Park, with fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m.
McLean Fireworks Celebration 6/29, rain date 6/30: The free event at Langley High School starting at 6:30 p.m. will include music, giveaways, food trucks, and fireworks.
Vienna’s Celebration and Fireworks 7/2: This event will celebrate Independence Day and the third annual Liberty Amendments Month with live music, family entertainment, food trucks, and fireworks.
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon 7/4: Celebrate as people from across the world become U.S. citizens in a ceremony. Includes a performance from the National Concert Band and a daytime firework show.
Herndon’s Fourth of July Celebration 7/4: Celebrate at Bready Park with live music, bingo and family games, and fireworks.
Great Falls Fireworks 7/4: Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy a cornhole tournament, inflatable fun, food trucks, and fireworks.
Kid’s and Family 2024 Festival 7/4: At Shipgarten in Tyson’s Corner, enjoy face painting, moon bounces, arts and crafts, and a live magic performance. The event will also include a firework show, pictures with Uncle Sam, and a water balloon toss.
Great Falls Hometown Celebration 7/4: This event includes a little Patriots Parade followed by the Main Parade around the Village Centre.
Special Reading of the Declaration of Independence 7/4: This is a free public reading event featuring a historical re-enactor.
American Craft Beer & Bourbon Festival 7/6: Hosted by Shipgarten, the event will feature live music, food, games, a kid’s corner, and beer and cider samples.
Fauquier County:
Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration 7/4: This event celebrating its 35th anniversary will include hat and tailgate competitions, backyard style family games, a Flying Circus Air Show, and a firework display.
Fireworks at the WHARF! Date TBD: This annual event includes a firework show from the Warrenton soccer fields.
Buckland Farm Market Celebration 7/4: This local celebration will include live music, a car meet, a cornhole tournament, and food and drink vendors.
The Farm Brewery Dueling Pianos 7/4: The event will include signature cocktails, food specials, and specialty beer releases.
Fredrick County:
July 4th Celebration at Sherando Park 7/4: The event starting at noon will have live music and fireworks, as well as the park open all day and the pool open late.
Middletown July 4th Celebration 7/3, 7/4: The annual celebration will include events on both 7/3 and 7/4 with a vast itinerary of activities, including family-friendly activities and fireworks.
King George County:
King George Independence Day Celebration 7/6: Located at the Sealston Sports Complex, the free celebration will have live music, food vendors, and fireworks.
Loudon County:
Star Spangled South Riding 6/28: Join this festive parade at 5:30 p.m. from Town Hall and end the night with a firework display.
Red White N’ Brew Races 6/29: This unique event includes a 5k run, a Stars & Stripes Fun Run, and a Hot Dog Mile, where participants receive four hot dogs for one mile.
Middleburg Independence Day Parade 7/4: This parade will also include a kid’s parade, live music, food, and a firework show.
Purcellville Independence Day Parade 7/4: This event will start at 11 a.m. at Blue Ridge Middle School and will make a loop around downtown.
Leesburg Independence Day Parade 7/4: The parade will commence with the American Originals fife and Drum Crops as it marches through Downtown Leesburg.
Concert and Fireworks at Ida Lee Park 7/4: Old Skool Cleavland will perform hits from the 80s and 90s, followed by a firework show.
Franklin Park Independence Day Celebration 7/4: This firework event will also include giant inflatables, face painting, food, and music.
Claude Moore Park Fourth Fest 7/4: The festival will include live music, crafts, nature exhibits, historic tours, and carnival games.
Page County:
Downtown Get Down 7/4: This local event will include live music, food trucks, a duck race, and fireworks.
Prince William County:
Fourth of July Bottle Feeding & Farm Animals 7/4: This unique event includes bottle feeding and hanging out with baby goats and bunnies. There will also be a flower bouquet raffle and food truck.
Dale City 4th of July Parade 7/4: This event travels from Dale Boulevard to Gemini Way, along with family fun with community vendors, food, and children’s games.
Rappahannock County:
July 4th Fireworks Celebration 7/4: This family friendly fair starts at 2 p.m. and ends with a firework show.
Shenandoah County:
Independence Day Fireworks 7/4: Located at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, this display will start at 9:30 p.m. and have free admission.
New Market Independence Day Celebration 7/5: This evening event will include live entertainment, youth and adult activities, and fireworks.
Spotsylvania County:
Starts & Stripes Spectacular 6/29: The free event will include musical entertainment, children’s activities, food and craft vendors, and a firework display.
Warren County:
4th of July at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club 7/4: This ticketed event includes a cookout buffet, slip n’ slide, cornhole, and fireworks.
Westmoreland County:
Colonial Beach Independence Day Fireworks 7/3: Watch the firework show overlooking the Potomac on the beach.
4th of July at Stratford Hall 7/4: This event takes a more historic approach to the holiday with colonial music, games, creative crafts, and a food truck. This is a ticketed event.
Virginia Cities:
Alexandria:
Liberty Tea Party Quiz 6/29: This event celebrates America’s independence with traditional tea and a quiz on the nation’s history.
Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration 7/13: Celebrate Alexandria’s anniversary and the nations with live musical performances, food vendors, and a firework display
Red, White & Blue Golf Tournament 7/7 rain date 7/14: Teams will compete for prizes while playing a 9-hole scramble. The event will also include lunch and prizes.
Fairfax City:
Hometown Celebration 6/30: In the Veterans Amphitheater, the celebration will include family-friendly games, food trucks from Fairfax City businesses, and a concert from the City of Fairfax Band
City of Fairfax Evening Show and Fireworks 7/4: The event will start at 6:30 p.m. at Fairfax High School Stadium.
City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade and Celebration 7/4: The free event starting at 10 a.m. will include marching bands, floats, old fire engines, and clowns.
Fairfax Evening Show 7/4: Starting at 6:30 p.m., the event will feature performances from Ocho de Bastos, food vendors, and a firework display.
Fredericksburg:
Children’s Roll N’ Stroll 7/4: This children’s parade will include prizes for best adult and child costumes and best decorated bicycle and wagon/stroller.
Fourth in Fredericksburg Festival 7/4: The festival will include a Presentation of the Colors, arts and craft show, children’s activities, and live music.
FredNats Patriotic Palooza 7/4: Celebrate at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium with a DJ, bounce houses, face painting, lawn games, a movie and fireworks.
Fallen Heroes 5 Miler Race 7/4: This scenic five-mile race goings throughout the city and Rappahannock River. Prizes are given out for the best patriotic outfit.
Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence 7/4: Living historians will read the historic document at the free event.
Family Fun at the Rising Sun Tavern 7/4: This event has costumed interpreters reading children’s books about the American Revolution and the holiday.
4th of July Spectacular in Stafford County 7/4: This celebration includes lawn games, food trucks, live music, and fireworks.
Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm 7/4: The event includes colonial games, a tour of the Washington house, a flag retirement ceremony, crafts, and more.
Manassas:
Stars & Stripes Rooftop Picnic 7/4: Watch fireworks from the city’s rooftop parking garage. It will feature a private rooftop party with games, a DJ, food and drinks.
Celebrate America 7/4: In Historic Downtown Manassas, celebrate the holiday with kids rides, face painting, food concessions, vendors and fireworks.
Manassas Park:
Independence Day Firework Celebration 7/1: The firework show is located at Signal Hill Park
Winchester:
Rockin’ Independence Eve 7/3: Celebrate in Old Town Winchester with food, family activities, live music, and fireworks at Jim Barnett Park.
West Virginia Counties:
Berkeley County:
Independence Celebration 6/29 rain date for fireworks 7/6: Located at the airport at Shepherd Field, this free event includes live music, food trucks, and fireworks.
Grant County:
Micah Tyler July 4th Concert and Events: The county is hosting a car show, parade, flag ceremony, a free Micah Tyler concert, and fireworks following the show.
Hampshire County:
Capon Valley Ruritan Club Celebration 7/4: This free event includes a classic car show, live entertainment, and auction, and more.
Slanesville Ruritan Red, White & Breakfast 7/6: This morning event includes a car, truck, and tractor show, a college scholarship presentation, breakfast, and live music
Music and Fireworks Show 7/6 rain date 7/7: This celebration includes a live performance and fireworks.
Hardy County:
Independence Day Celebration, Parade, & Fireworks 7/6: This event includes a free swim day, antique car show, food and craft vendors, and games and contests.
Jefferson County:
Fireworks Celebration 6/29: This event at Sam Michaels Park includes music and fireworks.
Celebrate America! Afternoon Tea 7/4: Enjoy afternoon tea in a historic parlor featuring tea blends from American tea companies.
Shepherdstown Fourth of July Parade and Picnic 7/4: This event starts at 11 a.m. on German Street downtown and ends with a picnic with live music and activities.
Morgan County:
Berkley Springs Fireworks Celebration 7/5: This event’s activities and times are TBD
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