WASHINGTON — The region is ringing in the Fourth of July with a bang — lots of bangs, actually. Fireworks shows are being held across the area, everywhere from the Mall to local middle schools.
First off, while you might want to bring the glitz and sparkle of Independence Day to your home, make sure you know about fireworks laws in your area.
- In Prince George’s County, backyard fireworks are illegal. Breaking this law could result in a $1,000 fine and six months of jail time.
- In Montgomery County, backyard fireworks are also illegal, unless you’re running a preapproved public fireworks show.
- In D.C., personal fireworks are illegal but sparklers smaller than 20 inches long are allowed. See a full list of what’s allowed and what’s not here.
Now, here’s where and when to watch the pros do it. WTOP will keep updating this list as the day draws closer.
Public firework displays and Independence Day events: D.C.
- National Mall Fourth of July Celebration: Fireworks will take off from the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, starting around 9 p.m. and lasting almost 18 minutes.
Public firework displays and Independence Day events: Maryland
- Annapolis: Fireworks will be launched from the Annapolis Harbor at around 9:15 p.m. The parade was canceled due to rain.
- Bowie: The Bowie Baysox play at 6:35 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium, at 4101 NE Crain Highway. There’s an Independence Day picnic at 5:30 p.m. and a fireworks display after the game. For more information and tickets, call (301) 805-6000.
- Columbia: The annual Columbia Lakefront July 4th celebration begins at 5 p.m. with food and festivities featuring live entertainment by the Columbia Concert band at 7 p.m. and fireworks around 9:30 p.m.
- Gaithersburg: Gaithersburg, Maryland rescheduled its fireworks show to Friday, July 8. The city is still holding an indoor festival on the Fourth of July from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park.
- Germantown: There’s a concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 at the Maryland Soccerplex, at 14501 Schaeffer Rd. in Boyds. Call 301-670-4660 for more.
- Kensington: There’s a concert at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 at the Albert High School, 11135 Newport Rd.
- Rockville: Independence Day events, hosted by the city’s mayor and council, kick off at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm. Fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m.
- Takoma Park: The town has a parade scheduled for 10 a.m., a concert at 7 and fireworks at 9:30 at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd.
Public firework displays and Independence Day events: Virginia
- Alexandria: Activities run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 9 at Oronoco Bay Park. Besides fireworks, expect food and music from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.
- Falls Church: Fireworks explode at 9:20 p.m., but get to George Mason High School at 7 p.m. for music.
- Fairfax: All-day events start at 10 a.m. with a two-hour parade in downtown Fairfax and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Fairfax County: Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. July 4 at Lake Fairfax Park. The park opens at 7 a.m. The water mine opens at 10 a.m. Puppet shows are planned at 2:30 p.m. and there’s live music at 4 p.m.
- Herndon: A family-fun event featuring games, patriotic arts and crafts, live music, food, balloon artists and more starts at 6:30 p.m. at Bready Park with a fireworks show choreographed to music beginning at 9:30 p.m.
- Reston: Lake Fairfax Park will hold its annual celebration with live music, food, and other activities from 4 to 8 p.m., with fireworks beginning at dark around 9:30 p.m.
- Vienna: A celebration at Yeonas Park beginning at 4 p.m. features the second annual Vienna Inn chili dog eating contest and a performance by the Old Bay Circus Company. Fireworks were postponed until July 5 at 9:30 p.m. due to rain.
- Dale City: Annual festivities begin with 10 a.m. parade on Monday, July 4. at Kirkdale Road and Dale Boulevard and ending at the VDOT commuter parking lot at Center Plaza in Dale City. Family fun day area will be set up in the VDOT parking area with rides and games. Fireworks display will follow 6:45 p.m. Potomac Nationals game at Pfitzner Stadium.
