Fireworks aren't the only thing on the agenda this Fourth of July. From parades to festivals, here's a look at the most popular holiday events.
Visit the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives
Kick off Independence Day with a trip to visit the Declaration of Independence in the rotunda at the National Archives in D.C. Each year, the Archives hosts an event on July 4, packed with historical reenactments and hands-on activities. Visit the event’s website for more information.
(Michael Loccisano /Getty Images)
Michael Loccisano /Getty Images
National Independence Day Parade
The annual National Independence Day Parade will take place at 11:45 a.m. at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street. Expect live music, floats, giant balloons, celebrity participants and thousands of spectators. Visit the parade’s website for more information.
(Getty Images)
Getty Images
Capitol Fourth Concert
John Stamos is back for another year to host the 38th edition of PBS’ A Capitol Fourth. You can also see performances from the National Symphony Orchestra, the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett, Pentatonix, Andy Grammer, Renee Fleming, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the Choral Arts Society of Washington and more on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for an all-star salute and a concert like no other and after the concert, be sure to check out the fireworks from the National Mall. Visit the event’s website for more information.
(PRNewsFoto/Capital Concerts)
PRNewsFoto/Capital Concerts
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
This year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 27-July 1 and July 4-8) celebrates the the traditions of the Catalan region of Spain and the way Armenian culture has influenced life in the United States. You can learn how to cook traditional foods, learn artisanal crafts and even help build a human tower. Visit the event’s website for more information.
(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
Want to avoid downtown altogether? Head out to Virginia’s Mount Vernon and ring in the Fourth at the home of America’s first president. Watch daytime fireworks over the Potomac River, witness historical reenactments and more. Visit Mount Vernon’s website for more information.
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Spend the morning watching baseball
There’s nothing more American than watching America’s favorite pastime. The 4th of July game at Nats Park has become a tradition, and this year the Nats play the team from the home of the American Revolution: the Boston Red Sox! Cheer on the Nats at 11:05 a.m. Visit the Nationals’ website for more information.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
Plan on celebrating at The Plains
Great Meadow, in The Plains, Virginia, hosts a July Fourth celebration, complete with pony rides, a cake walk, polo exhibitions, and of course, fireworks. Visit the event’s website for more information.
(Courtesy Great Meadow Facebook)
Courtesy Great Meadow Facebook
Attend a neighborhood parade
Want to avoid the crowds, but still participate in a parade? Several neighborhoods in the D.C. area hold their own parades, separate of the one downtown. Some of the more notable ones take place in Barracks Row, Fairfax City and the Palisades.
(Getty Images)
Getty Images
Take a trip through the Fun House
A new, interactive exhibition opens July 4 at the National Building Museum. The New York-based firm Snarkitecture designed a series of temporary structures inside the museum’s Great Hall. Start in the “front yard,” and exit through the “back yard.”
(Courtesy National Building Museum)
