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July 4th Fireworks on the National Mall
The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to more than a dozen memorials that commemorate great Americans and significant events in our nation’s history. The display will be held on Sunday, July 4, starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
A Capitol Fourth Concert
Additionally, the 41stannualA Capitol Fourth concert be presented as a pre-recorded show due to the pandemic, in lieu of the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The nation’s 245th birthday celebration will feature host Vanessa Williams hosting and performing from Washington, D.C. with all-new pre-taped performances from locations across the country will feature top stars from pop, country, R&B, classical and Broadway. Capping off the concert broadcast will be live coverage of the fireworks display over the National Mall by multiple cameras stationed around the city.
Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area
Did you know the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on Independence Day in 1848? Visit the Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area on the southeast grounds of the monument for activities about the history of the city’s most famous monument. You can also complete your Independence Day Junior Ranger booklet full of family-friendly, fun activities to earn a special Junior Ranger badge! Stop by from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Independence Day.
Capitol Hill Community 4th Of July Parade
After going virtual in 2020, the Capitol Hill July 4th Parade is once again an in-person event. The 19th iteration will start at Eighth and I Streets SE at 10 a.m. on July 4th. It heads north along along Barracks Row and finishes at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Groups can still register to participate.
Armed Forces Retirement Home July Fourth Celebration
Friends of the Soldiers Home is bringing back its annual July 4th lawn party for 2021 at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Petworth. From 4 p.m.-9 p.m., enjoy eats from local food trucks, listen to music, hang out with neighbors, and let the kids play games. Free admission, $10 for parking. Enter at Rock Creek Church and Randolph Roads NW.
National Harbor’s Salute the Sunset Concert Series
This free concert series with America’s military bands continues on Saturday, July 3. The U.S. Air Force Concert Band is stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and they’ll play a selection of music starting at 7 p.m. at National Plaza. On the Fourth itself at 7 p.m., the Lake Arbor Jazz Outdoor Concert Series will feature trombone virtuoso and hip-hop/funk innovator Jeff Bradford and friends ($75).
Palisades parade and picnic
The Palisades parade and picnic is back for its 55th iteration. The show starts at noon on July Fourth on Whitehaven Parkway. The parade will make its way to the Palisades Recreation Center, where a free picnic with hot dogs and watermelon will take place. Bring the kids to jump on the moon bounces and listen to the live music.
Victura Park fireworks viewing party
On July Fourth from noon-10 p.m., The REACH at the Kennedy Center will host its first-ever fireworks viewing party from its winery-inspired Victura Park. Refreshment stations will sell grilled items, frozen desserts, local beers, wine, and canned cocktails, plus a special offering by Maketto Chef Erik Bruner-Yang. Admission is free on a first come first serve basis. Guests may bring blankets but outside chairs, food, and drink are not permitted.
Nationals Park
Ticketholders to the Washington Nationals’ July 3, 7:15 p.m. game against the Dodgers should stick around until the end of the game, because they will get the best seats to the stadium’s postgame fireworks show.
Mount Vernon’s An American Celebration
The evening fireworks displays at George Washington’s Mount Vernon are already sold out. But you can still celebrate America’s independence 18th-century style at Mount Vernon’s annual July Fourth festivities, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission guests ($26 adults, $13 ages 6-11, free under 6) can watch made-for-daytime fireworks, see replicas of period hot air balloons take to the skies, and tap toes to 1700s tunes that the Founding Fathers would recognize. Don’t forget to greet George Washington as he inspects his troops.