WASHINGTON – Looking for some Independence Day holiday fun? Here’s a list of parades, celebrations and fireworks displays all around the region.
All events are on July 4 unless otherwise noted, and events with a fee are noted. The events listed below are still planned as of Tuesday evening.
THE DISTRICT
- The National Independence Day Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. and runs on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets.
- The 17-minute fireworks show launched from the Reflecting Pool area of the National Mall starts at 9:10 p.m. Public access to the mall through security checkpoints begins at 10 a.m.
- This year’s “A Capitol Fourth” concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol features John Williams, Matthew Broderick and Kool & The Gang among others. General admission gates open at 3 p.m., and the concert starts at 8 p.m.
MARYLAND
- In Annapolis, look for an old-fashioned parade, a concert and fireworks launched from a barge in Annapolis Harbor.
- If you’re heading to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, check out the Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration with live entertainment and fireworks over downtown that are choreographed to music.
- Bowie’s celebration happens at Allen Pond Park.
- Poolesville will hold its Annual 4th of July Fireworks show from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Polo Grounds at 14890 Hughes Road.
- Chesapeake Beach holds its annual fireworks show on July 3, on the beach at sunset.
- College Park and the University of Maryland have teamed up for a free concert and fireworks show.
- Columbia is the site of Howard County’s festival and fireworks.
- “Frederick’s 4th: An Independence Day Celebration” goes from noon to dusk and includes a fireworks display in Baker Park.
- The Great American Festival takes over the entire waterfront at National Harbor June 30. It features more than a dozen bands and DJs performing on three outdoor stages, and fireworks over the Potomac. Tickets start at $39.99.
- Ocean City will shoot off fireworks at two locations at the same time: downtown on the beach at North Division Street and uptown at Northside Park.
- Takoma Park will have a parade, a fireworks display and a wiffle ball tournament.
- The Solomons Island fireworks display is preceded by a street fair.
- In Waldorf, check out “Celebrate Charles: A Fun-Filled Fourth” at Regency Furniture Stadium. There will be food, vendors, music, family fun and fireworks.
VIRGINIA
- Alexandria’s celebration of America’s 236th birthday and the city’s 263rd birthday happens July 7 at Oronoco Bay Park.
- In Arlington, head to Long Bridge Park for a day-long party including a bike parade, arts and crafts and a great view of D.C.’s fireworks.
- It’s a “Star Spangled Celebration” in Fairfax City, with plenty of music, a performance of the 1812 Overture, and fireworks.
- To see fireworks in Falls Church, head to George Mason High School. The fun starts with a concert and vendors selling food and treats.
- Leesburg has an annual Independence Day parade, as well food, music and fireworks.
- Manassas is throwing a street party, and blasting off what it says is one of the biggest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia.
- Head to Mount Vernon to see daytime “smoke” fireworks shot over the Potomac River. There will be an ice-cream making demonstration and free birthday cake while it lasts. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for kids age 6-11. Kids 5 and younger are free.
- The Great Meadow Foundation is hosting a celebration at its field in The Plains, complete with fireworks and live music by groups like the Cobbler Mountain Grass Band and the Nighthawks. Admission is $35 for pre-ordered tickets and $40 at the gate.
- Purcellville is hosting a family fun day in Franklin Park, with fireworks at dark.
- If you’re in Reston, head to Lake Fairfax Park to enjoy the Water Mine, pony rides, the carousel and fireworks shot over the lake.
- Check out Vienna’s festival and fireworks held at the Vienna Community Center, Yeonas Park and Southside Park.
Some communities in the D.C. region have been forced to cancel July 4th fireworks display. To see where, follow this link.
To stay on top of road closures and the holiday Metro schedule, follow this link.
WTOP’s Michelle Basch contributed to this report. Follow Michelle and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
