WASHINGTON — The Fourth of July holiday is one of the best times of the year to enjoy free events in your neighborhood and around the greater D.C., Maryland and Virginia area.
From outdoor concerts and patriotic parades to eating contests and spectacular fireworks, it’s a holiday filled with activities.
Keep in mind, outdoor events may be weather dependent.
D.C.
- The 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall runs June 29-July 4 and July 7-10.
- Up to four kids age 18 and younger get free admission to the Newseum with one paid adult on July 1 through Labor Day.
- Military families enjoy free admission at more than 2,000 museums nationwide through the Blue Star Museums program.
- In Tenleytown, Z Burger hosts a noon burger eating contest on July 1, and afterward, spectators get free burgers until 2 p.m.
- The National Air and Space Museum throws its 40th birthday party on July 1 by staying open all night and offering special activities.
- Tudor Place in Georgetown hosts its Bicentennial Birthday Party on July 2 and military families get free admission.
- The National Museum of Women in the Arts has free admission on July 3.
- At the National Archives — home of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights — take part in patriotic activities on July 4.
- The National Independence Day Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. and runs along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets on July 4.
- Capitol Hill Fourth of July Parade runs along 8th Street SE and starts at 10 a.m.
- The Palisades parade on July 4 is followed by a free picnic.
- A Capitol Fourth concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol will be broadcast live on PBS on July 4.
- Fireworks on the National Mall begin at 9:09 p.m. July 4.
Maryland
- Hollywood: July 2 fireworks, carnival rides and live music for Independence Day.
- Laurel: July 2 parade, car show, hot dog eating contest and fireworks for Fourth of July celebrations.
- Chesapeake Beach: July 3 “Fireworks over the Bay” includes live music and, of course, fireworks.
- Annapolis: July 4 parade was canceled due to rain. Fireworks were still scheduled to start around 9:15 p.m.
- Baltimore: July 4 activities run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Inner Harbor.
- College Park: July 5 concert starts 7 p.m. at the University of Maryland with fireworks at around 9 p.m. Note: This is an update after College Park postponed its fireworks show.
- Columbia: July 4 activities for Howard County from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Gaithersburg: The city has 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.
- Hagerstown: July 4 fireworks light up Fairgrounds Park at 9:30 p.m.
- Kensington: July 4 bike parade is open to all to participate.
- La Plata: July 4 marks an annual Watermelon Bash with water slides, face painting and free food.
- Ocean City: July 4 event has fireworks displays at two different locations — on the beach and on the bay.
- Poolesville: Fireworks canceled due to rain forecast. There is no rain date scheduled.
- Rockville: July 4 celebration includes a “peace gathering,” live music and fireworks.
- Takoma Park: July 4 fete has a parade and fireworks display.
- Waldorf: July 4 admission is free to the celebration at Regency Furniture Stadium.
- Solomons: July 8 event has a boat parade and fireworks show (rescheduled from July 4 due to rain forecast).
- Frederick: July 4 celebrations run from noon until 6:30 p.m. (closing early due to weather). Fireworks were postponed until Sunday, July 24.
Virginia
- Arlington: July 4 music shows, food trucks and many more activities take place at Long Bridge Park.
- Fairfax City: July 4 holiday events include a parade, live music and fireworks. The parade starts downtown at 10 a.m.
- Falls Church: July 4 live music starts at 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
- Herndon: July 4 event includes games, live music and a fireworks show.
- Leesburg: July 4 celebrations have a parade, concert and fireworks.
- Manassas: July 4 has the “Celebrate America” event, which includes activities and fireworks.
- Vienna: July 4 has family fun, a chili dog eating contest and live music. Fireworks were postponed until 9:30 p.m. on July 5.
- Alexandria: July 9 is the day for the city’s birthday and Fourth of July celebrations. Activities run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Delaware
- Rehoboth Beach: July 3 fireworks take off from the beach for Independence Day.
- Bethany Beach: July 4 fireworks blast off at dusk.
