The Fourth of July marks more than another excuse to cookout with friends and family. It’s the day the original 13 colonies claimed their independence from England, which would eventually lead to the formation of the United States.
And although it didn’t become a federal holiday until 1941, Americans have been celebrating this momentous day for decades. The Fourth of July is a fun, blast from the past where citizens can look back on the Founding Fathers and their continued impact.
There are many great ways to celebrate this day in history—community parades, dazzling firework displays or cookouts with friends. Whether it is enjoying one of these firework shows or community events below, make your holiday both fun and safe.
Fireworks
Postgame Freedom Fireworks
Monday, July 3 at 6:05pm
Nationals Park
1500 S Capitol St. SE
Washington, D.C.
A Capitol Fourth
Tuesday, July 4 at 9pm
The National Mall
Alexandria Fourth of July Celebration
July 8 at 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Potomac River Waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park
100 Madison St.
Alexandria, VA
July 4th Celebration in Falls Church
Tuesday, July 4 at 9:20 p.m.
Gates open at 6 p.m.
George Mason High School
7124 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA
Fireworks in Leesburg
Tuesday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Gates open at 5:45 p.m.
Ida Lee Park
60 Ida Lee Dr. NW
Leesburg, VA
Independence Day in Rockville
Tuesday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
1800 Piccard Dr.
Rockville, MD
Germantown Glory Fireworks
South Germantown Recreation Park
Tuesday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Gates open at 7pm
14501 Schaeffer Rd.
Boyds, MD
Takoma Park Independence Day Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Park opens at 7pm
Takoma Park Middle School
7611 Piney Branch Rd.
Silver Spring, MD
Community Events
Fourth of July at Nationals Park
Tuesday, July 4 at 11:05 a.m.
Nationals Park
1500 S Capitol St. SE
Washington, D.C.
The Nats play the New York Mets at 11:05 am, but prior to the pitches being thrown out, the Golden Knights Parachute team will parachute onto the field. And, The Rockettes, the leggy dancers known for their kick lines, will also be performing in Center Field Plaza prior to the start of the game.
July 4 vs. Frederick Keys
Potomac Nationals
7 Country Complex Ct.
Woodbridge, VA
Tuesday, July 4
The Potomac Nationals are celebrating with food, fun and fireworks. Purchase a loaded ticket package that includes an all-you-can-eat pregame picnic. Postgame fun includes a big firework display as well as letting kids run the bases.
Independence Day Parade
Tuesday, July 4 at 11:45 a.m.
Historic Downtown Leesburg
Parade starts at Ida Lee Park
60 Ida Lee Dr. NW
Leesburg, VA
Show your patriotic spirit in Leesburg! Enjoy plenty of floats, local organizations and other parade spectacles.
Fourth of July in Herndon
Tuesday, July 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Bready Park, Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Ave.
Herndon
Bring the whole family down for an evening of games, crafts, live music, food, balloon artist, bingo and so much more. The evening will end with a bang as fireworks light up the night sky. Show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Takoma Park Independence Day Parade & Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
Carroll & Ethan Allen Avenues
Takoma Park, MD
Kickoff your Fourth of July with a parade! The parade will begin at the intersection and wind it’s way down Ritchie Avenue.
American Celebration at Washington’s Mount Vernon
Tuesday, July 4 at 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Mount Vernon, VA
Salute the first commander in chief and celebration our nation’s birthday at Mount Vernon. Enjoy a spectacular daytime firework show, an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, military reenactments, free birthday cake and so much more.
Smithsonian Folk Life Festival
Tuesday, July 4 and July 6-9
National Mall
Washington, D.C.
From circus clowns to trapeze artists, learn about the extraordinary history of the American circus arts at this year’s festival. You’ll enjoy more than just performances—you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be in the circus and where the industry is going today.
Barracks Row Fourth of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4 at
Eight Street SE
Washington, D.C.
Celebrate our nation’s birth with your neighbors and friends. There will be plenty of fun floats from local organizations and patriotic fun!
