Avoid the traffic, enjoy the show: Fireworks displays in Md. and Va.

WASHINGTON — D.C.’s epic fireworks extravaganza is a big deal, but many (understandably) would rather not brave the heavy traffic around the National Mall on July 4.

Missing out on all that traffic, however, doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on fireworks. Several displays are scheduled in Maryland and Virginia. Here are some selected shows around the region.

(Shows will be Tuesday, July 4, unless otherwise noted.)

Alexandria, Virginia Alexandria Birthday Celebration: July 8; 5–10 p.m. Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St. Read more about Alexandria’s 268th birthday celebration on the city’s website. (Thinkstock)
Baltimore County, Maryland Catonsville High School, 9:15 p.m. 421 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville Read more on the Catonsville Fourth of July Committee website. (Photodisc/Thinkstock)
Fireworks explode by the Monaco Tower at the Riviera Hotel and Casino before a controlled demolition of the tower, Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Las Vegas. The casino opened in 1955 and was closed last year to make room to expand the Las Vegas Convention Center. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Calvert County, Maryland Chesapeake Beach, July 2, dusk Read more on the Chesapeake Beach website. (AP/John Locher)
Charles County, Maryland Regency Furniture Stadium, 9:30 p.m. 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf Read more on the Charles County website. (iStock/Thinkstock)
Fairfax County, Virginia Churchill Road Elementary School, 9 p.m. (grounds open at 6:30 p.m.) 7100 Churchill Road, McLean See more information on the McLean Community Center website. (WTOP/Samantha Loss)
Frederick County, Maryland Baker Park (in Frederick), dusk Read more on the Celebrate Frederick website. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
Howard County, Maryland Downtown Columbia lakefront, after dark Read more on the Howard County website. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
Loudoun County, Virginia Franklin Park, 9:30 p.m. 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville Other displays are scheduled for July 4, as well as dates both before and after the holiday. See an extended list here. (Thinkstock)
Montgomery County, Maryland Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, 9:20 p.m. 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg Several other displays are scheduled for July 4; a July 1 display is scheduled as well. See an extended list on the Visit Montgomery County website. (AP/Matt Rourke)
Prince George’s County, Maryland Near Laurel Lakes (in Laurel), 9:15 p.m. July 1 For more information about Laurel’s Independence celebration on July 1, visit the Laurel 4th website. (Goodshoot/Thinkstock)
Fireworks are seen over Minute Maid Park after opening night for the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Prince William County, Virginia Old Town Manassas, 9:15 p.m. Other displays are scheduled for July 4. See a complete list on the county website. (AP photo/Charlie Riedel)
Stafford County, Virginia Pratt Park, 9:30 p.m. 120 River Road, Fredericksburg Fireworks are part of the Heritage Festival. Read more on the Visit Fredericksburg website. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)
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Fireworks explode by the Monaco Tower at the Riviera Hotel and Casino before a controlled demolition of the tower, Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Las Vegas. The casino opened in 1955 and was closed last year to make room to expand the Las Vegas Convention Center. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Fireworks are seen over Minute Maid Park after opening night for the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

For more information about regional fireworks shows near you, read WTOP’s Freebies list.


Scheduled events, road closures around the Mall
Getting around on July 4
Best area events
Ways to stay safe with fireworks
More Fourth of July News


Jack Pointer

Jack contributes to WTOP.com when he's not working as the afternoon/evening radio writer.

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