The National Mall and the surrounding museums and memorials are the traditional heart of D.C.’s Independence Day festivities. This year, though, there have been some big changes to accommodate celebrations of America’s 250th birthday. The Mall has been packed with temporary structures for the Great American State Fair (through July 10), limiting access to the turf. That means that on July Fourth, fireworks viewers will have to set up their picnics and blankets on the Washington Monument grounds, rather than the area between Smithsonian museums.
The National Independence Day Parade has a new route, shifting from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW. And the annual free “A Capitol Fourth” concert, which features the National Symphony Orchestra and guest musicians performing on the Capitol’s West Lawn, is now on July 3, no longer during the fireworks on July 4, and it will be broadcast on PBS.
Whether you’re headed to the spectacle on the Mall or one of the community parades and celebrations in the D.C. area, here’s what you need to know.
On the National Mall
July Fourth at the National Archives
On a day that’s all about the birthday of the Declaration of Independence, where else should you start than at the home of that document? The National Archives opens a family fun zone on Constitution Avenue at 8:30 a.m., with face painting, balloon twisters, arts and crafts, and airbrush tattoos, as well as live music and a chance to meet reenactors playing George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. This is also a good time to stake out seats on the front steps of the Archives for the annual reading of the Declaration.
That ceremony begins at 10 a.m., with remarks and a performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry’s Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps before actors portraying Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock and other Revolutionary figures read from the Declaration. (The crowd is welcome to boo King George III when the list of 27 grievances is detailed.) Afterward, head inside to see the Declaration and other founding documents, participate in a scavenger hunt and take in other exhibits. 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. archivesfoundation.org/july-4thx. Free, reservations not required.
National Independence Day Parade
Step lively: Instead of taking a straight shot down Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets NW this year, the marching bands, floats, giant balloons, dance and flag teams, military groups and equestrian units will begin at Third Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, proceed down Third to Independence Avenue SW, and then turn west on Independence Avenue to finish at 12th Street SW. Viewers are welcome to bring chairs and stools and set up along the route. Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Third Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW to 12th Street and Independence Avenue SW. july4thparade.com. Free.
Great American State Fair
The Great American State Fair (through July 10 on the Mall) features representatives from most American states and territories (some states have opted out, as have most of the originally announced musicians). Visitors can browse exhibitsfrom John Deere, SpaceX, Truth Social, Harley-Davidson and the Washington Commanders, or ride a giant Ferris wheel. Each day, the fair has a different theme, such as “Land and Prosperity” (June 26) and “Wings of Freedom” (July 3), though details have been scant. The fair calendar simply lists July 4 as an Independence Day celebration, but we do know that it will include a 3 p.m. rodeo show, with riding demonstrations, Mexican charro performances, rope tricks and even a stagecoach. Admission to the rodeo and the fair is free, but registration is encouraged to attend the fair, which runs daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. freedom250.org.
Soccer on the big screen at the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone
Prefer to celebrate soccer on the Fourth? Head to the World Cup Fan Zone on the Mall between Third and Fourth streets for an outdoor viewing party. It opens at noon, with round-of-16 matches kicking off at 1 and 5 p.m. Note to casual fans: The U.S. team will not be playing. Noon to 8 p.m. freedom250.org. Free, registration recommended. (Note: The Fan Zone will be open through July 19.)
Fireworks and Salute to America
The usual Fourth of July fireworks display over the National Mall launches 17,000 to 20,000 fireworks. This year, the company producing the show is planning to launch 860,000 shells in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display. Because the Great American State Fair is occupying the Mall between Fourth and 14th streets, viewers who want to spread out and watch the annual display will want to arrive early and find a place between 14th and 17th streets, otherwise known as the Washington Monument grounds. The entrance is on 14th Street between Independence Avenue SW and Constitution Avenue NW.
President Donald Trump announced June 15 that the July Fourth Salute to America leading up to the fireworks would be “a Trump rally,” including military flyovers and speeches during the day. Performers for the evening portion of the event include an orchestra made up of military members.
The security procedures laid out on the event website are similar to those for the state fair and World Cup watch parties: Visitors can bring a clear 12-inch plastic bag, as they would at an NFL or baseball game; a 6-by-10-inch purse; or a diaper bag when bringing a child age 6 or younger. Coolers, metal water bottles, camp chairs, balls and flying discs are among the prohibited items. Doors opens at 1 p.m.; evening program begins at 7 p.m. freedom250.org. Free, registration encouraged.
Elsewhere in the city
‘What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?’ at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
In one of his most famous speeches, at an Independence Day celebration in 1852, abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass asked, “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?” Poet and historian Nathan Richardson will deliver that speech to begin the July Fourth commemoration at Cedar Hill, Douglass’s Anacostia home. The event also features student winners of the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest reciting Douglass’s words, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and free tours of Cedar Hill. 10 a.m. Cedar Hill, 1411 W St. SE. nps.gov/frdo. Free.
Capitol Hill Fourth of July Parade and Watermelon Festival
The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps leads the 23rd annual Capitol Hill Fourth of July Parade down Barracks Row, followed by marching bands, local politicians, community and school groups, dancers, pets and floats from local businesses. New this year: a Barracks Row Watermelon Festival, with watermelon carving, a cannoli-eating contest and music from the Too Much Talent Band. The park around the Eastern Market Metro station features live jazz and family activities such as face painting. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Eighth Street and I Street SE. capitolhill4thparade.com. Free.
Elbridge Gerry: America 250 Commemoration at Congressional Cemetery
Elbridge Gerry is not the best known of the Founding Fathers, but the Massachusetts native signed the Declaration of Independence, attended the Constitutional Convention and was James Madison’s vice president. (He also lent his name to the political practice of gerrymandering.) Gerry is also both the only vice president and the only signer of the Declaration to be buried in D.C. A July Fourth ceremony at his tomb at Congressional Cemetery includes a patriotic tribute and wreath laying, remarks and the unveiling of an interpretive sign. A tour of graves of Revolutionary War soldiers follows, with visitors invited to place flags at veterans’ graves. 10 a.m. to noon. Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org. Free, RSVP requested.
July Family Day: The Declaration of Independence at the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress celebrates the opening of its new exhibition, “The Declaration’s Promise,” with an event for all ages. Objects on display include a draft of the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address and sheet music from “Hamilton.” Visitors can participate in crafting activities and story time, and hear from the library’s curators and experts. Some walk-up tickets may be available, but registration is strongly recommended. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Library of Congress, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov. Free, timed entry tickets required.
60th Palisades Fourth of July Parade and picnic
If you need proof that D.C. can feel like a collection of small towns, let us introduce you to the Palisades Fourth of July Parade. Anyone can register to join the 60-year-old parade on MacArthur Boulevard in upper Northwest, so you’ll find families pulling decorated wagons, neighbors on bikes, vintage cars, costumed dogs, firefighters, elementary school groups and local politicians marching and waving. (Yes, you can still sign up on July 4.) Once the parade passes, head to Palisades Park for a free community celebration with hot dogs, watermelons, bounce houses, face painting and glitter tattoos. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at MacArthur Boulevard and Whitehaven Parkway NW. The picnic begins at noon. Directions, parking info and viewing tips are at palisadesdc.org. Free.
‘Sweet Land of Legacy’ at the Anacostia Community Museum
Join the Anacostia Community Museum for an old-fashioned ice cream social for families, who can discuss and share memories of their favorite Independence Day traditions before creating an ice cream-themed craft. Noon to 3 p.m. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. Free.
‘We Sing America’ at Franklin Park
Why just watch Fourth of July performances when you can be part of them? Planet Word Museum and D.C. NPR affiliate WAMU have teamed up for a musical festival across from the 13th Street NW museum in Franklin Park. Join “Morning Edition” host Esther Ciammachilli — a former singing gondolier in Las Vegas — and a band for an afternoon of sing-alongs of folk songs, American classics and civil rights anthems. Bring a picnic and a blanket. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Franklin Park, 14th and K streets NW. planetwordmuseum.org. Free.
Dupont Circle Fourth of July concert
An afternoon party in the Dupont Circle Park features brass-driven jazz, funk and soul from the Too Much Talent Band, plus such lawn games as corn hole, Connect 4 and, appropriately for D.C.’s outdoor chess destination, a giant chessboard. 1 to 4 p.m. dupontcirclebid.org. Free.
Independence Day fireworks at the Armed Forces Retirement Home
The Armed Forces Retirement Home in Petworth (formerly the Old Soldiers’ Home) opens its grounds to the public on Independence Day. A bike parade features prizes for the most patriotic outfits, and children can enjoy an obstacle course and a bounce house. There’s also a DJ, food trucks and drinks for adults, and the evening is capped with a fireworks viewing from the golf course. 4 to 9:30 p.m. Armed Forces Retirement Home, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. friendsofsoldiers.org. Free.
Fourth at the Wharf
The Wharf is going country for the Fourth, with seven country bands performing across four stages, including Melissa Quinn Fox, Shane Gamble and the Pawnshop Hearts, and a headlining performance by the Chris Ryan Band. Games and outdoor bars are available in different parts of the neighborhood, plus World Cup games are playing on an outdoor screen. A VIP ticket includes access to the Dockmaster Building overlooking the main stage, drink tickets and snacks. The concert wraps up just before the fireworks begin on the Mall. 5 to 9 p.m. The Wharf, 101 District Sq. SW. wharfdc.com. Free; $60 VIP.
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