Whether you’re looking for ways to celebrate the 4th or just enjoy the city over the long holiday weekend, you’ve got lots of options. And it looks like we’ll have a respite from the heat, humidity, and storms, so be sure to browse the outdoor list along with the recs below. Happy Weekend! And have a safe and happy 4th of July!
July 4th Celebrations
Where: Around the area
When: Friday, July 4th!
Admission: Varies by activity
Our lovely city is one of the most exciting places to be this time of year, as people from all over the world come to celebrate America’s birthday. And from fireworks on the National Mall and concerts at the Capitol to special events at George Washington’s house and the home of the Declaration of Independence to neighborhood parades and ballpark fun, they (and you!) won’t be let down. This post details on the many ways to celebrate July 4th in DC. Happy Independence Day!
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: National Mall
When: All weekend
Admission: Free
The annual Festival celebrating living cultural heritage and community traditions is underway. Visitors of all ages will have ample opportunity to discover and explore it all through special exhibits, workshops, performances, exhibits, demos, and more, including plenty of activities especially children. For specifics, see the festival schedule. And it all takes place right on the National Mall where you can easily pop into museums when you need a break from the heat.
The Big Maze
Where: National Building Museum
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $10/adult, $5/age 3-11 members; $16/adult, $13/age 3-11 non-members
The much-anticipated Big Maze opens today at the Building Museum! The large-scale labyrinth looming 18 feet high and measuring 60 feet by 60 feet boasts a series of twists and turns for visitors to weave through and explore. After you find your way out, be sure to get a “bird’s eye” view from the balconies of the 2nd and 3rd floors.
Joys of Summer
Where: Around the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Get your summer on this holiday weekend with a host of activities exclusive to this time of year — outdoor swimming, spray ground play, concerts under the stars, movies al fresco. Go here for the full scoop on these joys of summer, and keep in mind that some regular events might not be happening due to the holiday (Jazz in the Garden and Rockin’ on the Riverfront among them).
Nats vs. Cubs
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Chicago comes to DC, as the Nats host the Cubs all weekend. There’s an Independence Day game on Friday (11:05am), plus match-ups on Saturday (4:05pm) and Sunday (1:35pm). Take advantage of the Harris Teeter Family Pack and stay after on Sunday for Kids Run the Bases when children ages 4-12 can loop the infield after the final out. And before you go, read about the Jr. Nationals Kids Club, which for just $20, offers tons of cool perks for kids 12 and under.
Show Time
Where: Local Theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Be hugely entertained by The BFG, which just opened at Imagination Stage (look for discount tickets)
* Enjoy Disney’s the Lion King at the Kennedy Center
* Catch a colorful show as Pinkalicious is on stage at Adventure Theatre
* The Wizard of Oz is on the Main Stage, and Old McDonald’s Farm and “Teddy Bears’ Picnic are the featured Tiny Tots shows at The Puppet Co.
* Mr. Gabe is playing a free family concert at Mason District Park in Annandale
* Patty Shukla is playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java
DCMeet Market
Where: Logan Circle
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The monthly outdoor community market will be celebrating July 4th weekend with a Summer Cookout Party, featuring BBQ from Kingston Seoul, locally-made gelato from Dolcezza, and handcrafted root beer from Thunder Beast, plus more! They’ll also have live music from Lady Hatchet, Merry Toddlers More, and DJ Natty Boom hosted by Rock-n-Romp. In addition, No Kings Collective will be doing a live art installation for all to see. And, as always, the market will showcase over 40 local vendors selling fine arts, home décor, handcrafted jewelry, fashion apparel, baby accessories, and prepared foods.
Row Your Boat
Where: Potomac & Anacostia Rivers
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by boathouse
A great way to enjoy the weekend will be on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and we recently rowed from the Ballpark Boathouse at Yards Park. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with free pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45.
DC Capitol Fair
Where: RFK Stadium
When: Friday 6-11pm & Saturday/Sunday 2-11pm
Admission: Starting at $4
RFK Stadium’s parking lot will be jam-packed with amusement through July 6 at the DC Capitol Fair. More than 100 rides, games, and attractions will be onsite, among them the Giant Wheel, Super Himalaya, Pirate Ship, and the Extreme. Live entertainment will include the Fearless Flores Circus, a magic and illusion show, hypnotist show, wolf show, lion and tiger show, full petting zoo, and more. All live entertainment and shows are free with fair admission. There will also camel and pony rides for an additional charge. Regular admission to the fair is as low as $4 per person with two-for-one admission discounts available online at www.rfkfair.com. Pay-One-Price unlimited rides wristbands are also available online at a $5-off discount before Friday’s opening. Individual ride tickets can be purchased at the event. Parking is free.
Beet Ya Feets
Where: Anacostia Community Museum
When: Sunday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Hip Hop dancers Da’Originalz guide participants in creating their own form of self-expression through original dance movements. Join in this fun workshop, demonstration, and group practice session. Call ACM at 202.633.4844 to register for this event.
London Nights with Whistler
Where: Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Explore the impact of gaslights and electricity on nightlife in the nineteenth century. Examine paintings and prints of London by Whistler for content, mood, and technique. In the classroom, use black paper backgrounds, foreground cutouts of people, oil and chalk pastels, and wax gilt to create nightscapes of your favorite outdoor nighttime activities. Recommended for ages 8-14.
(Geo)Cache in on Fun
Where: Around the Area
When: Anytime
Admission: Free
Take the kids on a treasure hunt and have a little adventure along the way. Geocaching is a perfect way to be active and enjoy a day outdoors. Whether you search in the city or seek out a destination that requires a hike in the woods, locating the hidden cache will be a thrill for everyone. See this recent post about our first foray into the pursuit.
World Cup with the Kids
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free, but plan to spend on food and drinks
The USA may be out, but there’s still some of exciting World Cup soccer to see. If you and the kid want to catch some matches with other fútbol fanatics, check out these suggestions for family-friendly places to watch the tournament. They include local restaurants and bars (they welcome kids during the day) as well as outdoor venues hosting special viewing parties.
