Tag Archives: July 4th Weekend

July 3, 2025 · 5:40 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: July 4-6

Head to the National Mall for fireworks, the Folklife Fest, and more fun

Happy Weekend!

Link up to ideas for ongoing DC fun:
* The Great Indoors
* Swim Spots
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

July 4th Celebrations
Where: Around the area
When: Friday, July 4th!
Admission: Varies by activity
DC is an exciting place to be this time of year, as people from all over come to celebrate Independence Day. And from fireworks on the 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 has details on the many ways to celebrate July 4th in DC.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: 7th to 12th Streets | National Mall, DC
When: Through July 7, 11am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival is underway, this year themed Youth and the Future of Culture, highlighting the stories, creativity, and aspirations of young people around the globe. See and experience all kinds exhibits, demonstrations, live performances, talks, food, and much more on the National Mall as well as inside the Arts & Industries Building — all for free! Check the schedule of events and the guide for kids and families to help plan your visit.

Momentum Park(our)
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Friday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $5 + museum admission ($7/youth, $10/adults)
The high-energy, limited-time activation is turning part of the museum’s stunning Great Hall into a parkour environment. Learn and try out some parkour moves (with the help of coaches on hand), join special workshops, see performances and demos, and check out immersive projections and photography that spotlight the parkour culture. All ages are welcome — there are elements that everyone, from littles to adults, can enjoy.

Summer FUN
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Free concerts in the fresh air, outdoor swimming, al fresco movies, play time in the water sprays, mini trains & carousels… Activities exclusive to this time of year can be enjoyed all weekend long. Details on all of these seasonal staples and MUCH more can be found in the guide to summer around DC.

Nats All Weekend
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $13
The Nats are playing the Red Sox at home this weekend. Catch a Patriotic Series game on Friday at 11:05am, and regular games on Saturday at 4:o5pm and Sunday at 1:35pm. There’s a Kids Batting Gloves giveaway for young fans on Sunday, plus they can get run the bases after the game.

Duel Reality
Where: Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 2pm & 7:30pm | Sunday, 2pm
Admission: $39-117, $35/age 17 & under (find discount)
Sasha nad I just caught a performance of this show, and we both loved it — it’s the most thrilling version of Romeo and Juliet I’ve ever seen! Full of amazing, athletic, cirque-style feats and beautiful choreography, you’ll see everything from impressive juggling to jaw-dropping seesaw acrobatics to an amazing hula hoop number to an aerial chain routine to wild pole climbs to the most gorgeous trapeze act — and more! The family-friendly show is sure to dazzle the whole crew. Highly recommend!

Kids Workshop: Toucan Mobile
Where: Home Depot locations
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: Free
Home Depot invites kids to get handy at their monthly workshop. At this session, they can build a Toucan Mobile. All supplies are provided (while they last) and participants can take home their aprons and creations. Register in advance!

Pickle Fest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $13/adult, $11/child & seniors
Great Country is dedicating an entire weekend to celebrating the cucumber in its finest form: PICKLED! Join them for a Pickle Parade, pickle costume contest, family games, a blind pickle taste test, family pickle Bingo (on Sunday), and more pickle fun. Plus, take a wagon ride through the farm fields, visit with friendly goats, and enjoy the 15-acre play area.

Community Day
Where: Capital Jewish Museum |
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Join the Capital Jewish Museum for a Community Day, when the entire museum, including special exhibition LGBTJews in the Federal City, will be free to the public. Learn more about LGBTJews in the Federal City here.

First Saturday
Where: National Gallery of Art | NationalMall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
It’s the NGA’s monthly series that presents activities for all ages the first Saturday of the month. Little ones can enjoy story time, have their faces painted, and play in a space just for them. Everyone can drop in for art making and to browse the pop-up library. And of course, check out the rest of the exhibits while you’re there.

Open Studio: What’s Your Story?
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Drop in to the Hirshhorn’s weekly series this month and enjoy community camp-style crafts inspired by artists on view at the museum. This Saturday, take inspiration from Laurie Anderson, exploring ways to tell stories by using mixed media (combining materials such as paper, paint, and images) to create a visual narrative!

Hula & Kodiak Dance Performances
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1pm & 3pm
Admission: Free
A couple of groups will be performing at the NMAI this weekend… At 1pm, join Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo (School of the Living Voice of the Descendants), a hula school from the island of Hawaiʻi for a full-length performance. And at 3pm, the Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers from Alaska will perform traditional and new songs and dances.

Jurassic World: Kids Unleashed
Where: Founders Row | Falls Church, VA
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Founders Row is hosting a free dinosaur-themed family event to celebrate the newly launched Paragon Theaters and the release of Jurassic World Rebirth, the latest installment in the iconic franchise. The event promises an afternoon of family-friendly fun, complete with animatronic dinosaurs, face painting, crafts, Paragon ticket giveaways and more!

Red, White, & Blue United
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at
DC United plays Atlanta on Saturday evening, and there will be some Red, White, & Blue promos along with the soccer action. Buy a special Red Ticket and go on the pitch after the match for a unique meet ‘n greet with Christian Benteke. The White Ticket is a The Family Four Pack that includes 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 waters, 4 chips, and Fruitist blueberries — all for $99. Buy a Blue Ticket and choose between a Cutwater Lime Margarita (adults, obvi) or a Pineapple Nutrl. There will also be post-game firewos for all to enjoy!

The Lightning Thief
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am & 2pm
Admission: $27
This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book opened on Broadway in 2019. When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.

The Frog Prince
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am, 1pm, & 3pm
Admission: $16
This is the story of a prince who is placed under a spell by a wicked witch and can only be restored by the kiss of a beautiful princess. The show is performed using brilliantly crafted marionettes, as well as theatrical lighting and special effects.Recommended for ages 4+.

Les Misérables
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1:30pm & 7:30pm
Tickets: $49-219 (find discount)
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries, 438 cities, and 22 languages, Les Misérables is unquestionably one of the world’s most popular musicals. Recommended for teens and older.

A Wrinkle in Time
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Fri, 12pm | Sat, 2pm & 8pm | Sun, 2pm & 7:30pm
Admission: $69-119 (find discount)
Meg Murry’s father was experimenting with time travel and the fifth dimension when he mysteriously disappeared. Now, Meg, her friend Calvin, and her younger brother Charles Wallace must race to rescue him. Can they outwit the forces of evil they will encounter on their heart-stopping journey through space? Join Meg on this epic quest in an adventurous new musical adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s Newbery Medal-winning classic novel that will energize your spirit, expand your imagination, and inspire you to believe that love, friendship, and courage can conquer all.

Hikes to Like
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The recommendation to hit the trail is a staple in these round-ups. And it looks like weather should be good for it. Take in pretty scenery, explore local history, or try to spy some wildlife. You can even work in some geocaching! This post has a a bunch of recommendations for places to tramp with kids. Some specific recs for right now: Turkey Run Park is a pretty, shady walk along the Potomac; head out to Harpers Ferry for hiking and history; walk in the woods with a leafy canopy at Pohick Bay or Fountainhead Regional Parks; or tramp in the city at Rock Creek Park.

Indoor Options Galore
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’d still rather spend time inside, you have plenty of options. This new post pulls together all the KFDC round-ups with ideas for indoor fun. From museums and special programs for kids to play spaces and venues for indoor action to theaters presenting live entertainment and movies to stores where you can shop secondhand, you’ll find loads of ways to stay cool — and sane. 🙂

Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free with ticket
The first Sunday of every month is a great opportunity explore the National Museum of Women in the Arts when admission is FREE! Works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums, highlighting women artists all over the world. If tickets aren’t available, plan to go another day — the admission fee is worth it! (Or snag them for a future free day.)

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

* Looking for a last minute camp in DC? Mythik Camps offers a couple of great options, especially if your kid is a Percy Jackson fan — or just a fan of adventure.

* There is still a but of time (through Friday) to enter the giveaway for a chance to win tickets to The Lightning Thief at Adventure Theatre.

* This weekend is a good time for Putt Across America at The Wharf — and there’s a promo going on to be entered into a surprise giveaway with tickets purchase.

* July 4th dining deals at DC restaurants.

* DC’s 16 essential ice cream shops, according to Eater.

* 21 easy-to-declutter things

* Boden has a big sale happening now, and the kids’ sections are fantastic (girls & boys). Their swimwear for women is also particularly great.

* Another really good sale is Dick’s — Stanley water bottles, a portable grill, lots of lawn games and sports gear, and so many great sneakers for everyone.

* New York Times readers picked the top movies of the 21st century.

* Early Prime Day deals to snag now: Tablet for kids (think long road tip); beach chairs; cute coverup; Shark vacuum (over 60% off!); Ring doorbell (we have, and it’s great).

* Love this!

* A nostalgic July 4th parade.

Come Fourth: Independence Day Celebrations Around the DC Area

The annual July 4th Parade on Capitol Hill

What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in our nation’s capital? This is where the actual Declaration of Independence is housed (and will be read!), and celebrations take place among some of the country’s most iconic landmarks. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. From fireworks over the city and concerts at the Capitol to special events at George Washington’s house to neighborhood parades and ballpark fun, there are loads of ways to revel on July 4th (and 2nd & 3rd!). Here are details on a bunch of them. Happy Independence Day!

National Independence Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th-17th Streets | DC
When: July 4, 11:45am
Admission: Free
Many national holidays get a parade in DC, and July 4th is no exception. Scores of spectators always line the Constitution Avenue sidewalks to watch the procession celebrating Independence Day as it make its way from 7th to 17th Street. Marching bands, floats, giant balloons, equestrian groups, drill teams, and military units will be among the pageantry. Stake out your spot along the route early, as this event attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers every year.

Fourth of July Celebration on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: July 4, all day (and evening)
Admission: Free
After the parade (even earlier for some), the National Mall will begin filling up for a day of July 4th festivities — the Smithsonian Folklife Festival from 7th to 12th Streets, Junior Ranger activities, concerts, and more. And the grand finale of it all: Shortly after 9pm, the sky above will explode with color when the amazing iconic fireworks display begins. Fireworks will be launched from the Reflecting Pool area, so stake out a spot to watch them — on or off the Mall (see tips below for a list of places to view them).

Fourth of July at the Archives
Where: National Archives | National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Catch the annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the National Archives . It starts at 10am, but doors open an 9am. Get there early to get a good seat and enjoy entertainment by the Experience Band and Show. After that, celebrate like it’s 1776! There ill be lots of fun family activities,…meet the Founding Mothers and Fathers, design your own buttons, go on a scavenger hunt, help design the National Archives Building, and sign the Declaration of Independence yourself!

America’s Pastime
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: July 4, 11:05am (and July 1-3)
Admission: Ticket prices vary
A day at the ballpark is about as all-American as it gets when it comes to sports, and you can experience it and celebrate the holiday at Nationals Park. The July 4th game against the Marlins is part of the Patriotic Series, when the Nats wear their red, white, and blue, and there are other Independence Day themed activities. And, FYI, the series with the Marlins starts July 1, and there will be post-game Freedom Fireworks, plus more promos for the rest of the games. Before you purchase tickets, be sure to check this post for tips to save on a Nats game.

A Capitol Fourth
Where: West Lawn on the Capitol | Capitol Hill, DC
When: July 4, 8pm; gates open at 3pm
Admission: Free
After two years, A Capitol Fourth, the annual Independence Day concert that airs live on PBS, will once again be open to the public! Grammy nominee Mickey Guyton will be hosting this year’s show, which will include performances by Gloria Gaynor, Andy Grammar, Keb’ Mo’, Daniel Criss, Rachel Platten, the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and many more exciting acts. (KFDC Tip: Enjoy the show with less crowds at the dress rehearsal on July 3 – same time and place!)

An American Celebration
Where: Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, VA
When: July 4, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $26/adult, $13/age 6-11, free/5 & under
The home of George Washington salutes the first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event. Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River. The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, a performance by the National concert band and more live entertainment, and a chance to meet General Washington himself. Get 20% off tickets with the code FBSUMMER. See the full schedule of events here and read more about Mount Vernon here.

Fourth at the Wharf
Where: The District Wharf | Southwest DC
When: July 4, 7-10pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Fourth of July at The Wharf with a free celebration on District Pier. The celebration includes music, a bar for adults, and spectacular views of the annual fireworks launched from the National Mall. They also offer a VIP fireworks viewing experience benefitting the USO that gives you exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building on the tip of District Pie, complete with two complimentary drink tickets (additional beverages for purchase), all-American light fare, DJ, games, photo station, and a raffle. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

Neighborhood Parades & Celebrations
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Most on July 4, times vary
Admission: Free
Keep it close to home at a community celebration. You likely are aware of July 4th events taking place in your neighborhood or nearby, but if you’re still looking for a hyperlocal fête, here are some that are known to be good ones: Capitol Hill (we can vouch it’s great from many years attending), Palisades, Takoma Park, College Park, Great Falls, McLean.

July 4th Celebration
Where: Armed Forces Retirement Home | Petworth, DC
When: July 4, 4-9:30pm
Admission: Free
All are welcome to join the 10th annual July 4th Celebration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Enjoy live entertainment, bouncy fun, a kids’ scooter parade and contest, activities for all ages, and views of the evening fireworks on the National Mall. Concessions will also be for sale and plentiful.

Fireworks Watch Party
Where: Victura Park | Kennedy Center, DC
When: July 4, 10am – end of fireworks
Admission: Free
Victura Park, the lovely outdoor area at The REACH at the Kennedy Center, will be open on July 4th to celebrate the day — and offer a great vantage point for watching the fireworks on the National Mall. Food and drinks will be available from the cafe, or you can BYO and enjoy at the picnic tables set up in the wine & beer garden area. Admission if free, and no tickets are necessary.

July 4th Fest
Where: Six Flags | Bowie, MD
When: July 2-4
Admission: Starts at $35
With amusement park fun thrown into the mix, Six Flags’ celebration will be pretty epic for kids. Along with all of the ongoing fun throughout the venue, there will also be fireworks, music, and lots of Coca Cola (sponsors of the event) on Independence Day and two days leading up to the holiday.

More July 4th Tips!
* Find good off-the-Mall suggestions for viewing the fireworks in this Washingtonian article.
* If you’re headed into DC, take public transportation! Cannot stress enough what a bad idea it would be to drive.
* July 4th specials in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.
* For more activities during the days leading up to the 4th, see the KFDC Summer Guide.
* For more July 4th events in NoVa, this article lists a bunch.

The Weekend Round-Up: July 2-4

The Capitol Hill July 4th Parade includes fantastic Bolivian dancing

Quick links for all kinds of ongoing fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Swim Spots
* Local Hikes with Kids
* On the Water
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Summer in the City
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Enjoy activities that make this time of year so much fun. Start the weekend off on Friday with an outdoor movie, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool, spray park, or go big at a waterpark. Cool off indoors at special museum program like the Summer Block Party at the Building Museum. Feast on crabs or hit the beach to fulfill a seasonal must-do. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2021 summer guide.

America’s Pastime
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
A day at the ballpark is about as all-American as it gets when it comes to sports, and you can experience it and celebrate the holiday at Nationals Park as they host the Dodgers this weekend. Kick off Independence Day with a Saturday evening game (7:15pm) and enjoy a postgame fireworks show. The July 4th game on Sunday (11:15am) is part of the Patriotic Series. There’s also a game Friday evening. Before you go, check out this post for tips to save on a Nats game.

Millennium Stage: Relax, Relate, Release
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, 5:30pm & Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
This weekend’s Millenium Stage is a mini-fest of joy and play curated by three black women through film, art, literature, movement, and music. Enjoy it all on The Kennedy Center’s The Reach Plaza. Register for it in advance.

Fun, Food, & Fireworks at Victura Park
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Also at the Kennedy Center, the family-friendly outdoor pop-up and wine garden at The REACH will be a great place to hang out this weekend. Food and drinks are available to enjoy in an area set up with picnic tables, and it’s always a fun, lively vibe. Be sure to explore the beautiful grounds, stop in The REACH Buildings, stroll the Kennedy Center terrace, and take in sweeping views of the Potomac. Even better, it’ll be open late on Sunday for a July 4th celebration and a great spot to view the fireworks on the National Mall. Hours are Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 12-9pm, and Sunday 12-10pm.

Sketching is Seeing
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free with timed-entry tickets
Sketching Is Seeing, the National Gallery of Art’s program that encourages visitors to sketch the art they view at the museum, returns this weekend! The program will be as contactless as possible and with a focus on works by American artists in honor of the July 4th holiday. Throughout the month of July, 15,000 sketchbooks will be distributed for families to use to sketch around the campus (or at home!).

First Look at the Lotus and Lilies
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Garden | Northeast DC
When: Daily, 8am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual lotus flower and water lily bloom has begun at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and while it has a ways to go until the peak, it’s still so pretty to see (though Kenilworth is wonderful anytime). Go get a glimpse of it at this early stage, and before the crowds get there. And, FYI, the annual festival to celebrate the bloom will be virtual this year. See scenes from a past bloom here and learn about a great way to combine a visit with another activity here. And this post has more general info and background on Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $27+
The world-class, live entertainment attraction that has captured the hearts and imaginations of a new generation of families is celebrating its 23rd year of FUN. UniverSoul connects with progressive, upwardly mobile, urban pop cultures from around the world, embracing and celebrating the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities into a stellar production that blends circus arts, theater and music. A fresh, cool, and hip approach to live family entertainment!

Weekend Walk-In: Earth Collage
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $5
Join the museum for their first in-person, drop-in, art workshop in over a year! In the spacious Tall Sculpture Love Barn, create a collage inspired by artist William Hall, whose work is currently on view in our “Earth” exhibit. All supplies included, and all ages welcome. Read more about wonderful, wacky AVAM here. And find more ways to enjoy Baltimore, including food recs and ares to explore, here.

Reopening Celebration
Where: Baltimore Museum of Industry | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Admission: $12/adult, $7/age 7-17, free/6 & under
Join the museum all about Baltimore’s early business days for a socially distanced welcome back — starting this weekend, it will be open Saturdays and Sundays. Shop the Farmer’s Market outside, tour the galleries, watch a live demo in the print shop, meet a photographer whose images are on display, and more. Make a day of it Charm City with the help of the KFDC Guide to Exploring Baltimore with Kids.

Dinosaur Park Open House
Where: Dinosaur Park | Laurel, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Discover an ancient world right in Prince George’s County! On the first and third Saturdays of every month, Dinosaur Park in Laurel welcomes the public to their interpretive programs.. Paleontologists and educators will display fossils, casts, and models of Astrodon johnstoni, Maryland’s state dinosaur, along with other 112 million-year-old creatures found there.

Peachy Keen
Where: Homestead Farm | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s peach picking time at many local farms; the summer fruits are ripe and ready for harvest. If you want to get them at their peak, check out this list of area farms that offer pick-your-own (note that not all of them have peaches, so be sure to read descriptions… one that definitely does and we love to go to is Homestead Farms). And it’s always a good idea to check websites or call for updates to confirm availability when you plan to go.

Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 5:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $28
DC United is home this weekend with a match against Toronto on Saturday. I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Idea: Take Metro to the Navy Yard and have a pre-game bite to eat then it’s an easy walk to the stadium. El Bebe, The Salt Line, and All Purpose are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there.

Independence Day Weekend Fireworks
Where: Lake Fairfax |
When: Saturday, 9pm
Admission: $10/car in advance, $15/car day of
Lake Fairfax is bringing back its community celebration with fireworks on July 3, launched at dark shortly after 9pm. Attendees should arrive by 8pm for time to park and find a spot to watch the show. You can even make a day out of it at the park — it opens at sunrise and will have various food trucks on site throughout the day, plus the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole will be open from 11am – 6pm (purchase tickets in advance as the water park routinely sells out by noon).

July 4th Neighborhood Parades
Where: Capitol Hill & Palisades, DC + Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
While many parades are canceled this year, a couple of neighborhood processions are still happening. The annual Capitol Hill Community Parade will take place along Barracks Row at 10am. The Palisades annual parade and picnic is on, the fun starting at the corner of Whitehaven Pkwy and MacArthur at 12pm and ending at the rec center. And Takoma Park is doing a Parade of Houses throughout the holiday weekend.

An American Celebration
Where: Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $18-20/adult, $11-12/age 6-11, free/5 & under
The home of George Washington salutes the first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event. Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River. The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, and a visit from the “first” first couple, “General and Mrs. Washington.” See the full schedule of events here.

Fourth of July at the National Archives
Where: National Archives | National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 8am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join the National Archives for a one-of-a-kind July 4th celebration! This year, celebrate virtually or in person at the Archives! There will be a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and Archives educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony emceed by journalist Soledad O’Brien. This year, they’ll also lift the words of the Declaration of Independence off of its well-worn parchment and bring them to homes across the country online.

Star-Spangled Concert & Fireworks
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Sunday, 7pm
Admission: $15/age 13+, $10/age 3-12
The Bowie Baysox are hosting the Star-Spangled 4th Of July Concert & Fireworks Spectacular! DC Fusion, one of the DMV’s most in-demand dance bands, will play musical hits from the 60’s through today from many different styles and genres of music — something for everyone during the two-hour set. After the concert, the sky over Prince George’s Stadium will explode with a Fireworks Spectacular that will bring you to your feet!

4th of July Fireworks
Where: Lincoln Memorial | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, shortly after 9pm
Admission: Free
The fireworks shows will be back on the National Mall, and the public can watch them right from there. This article has details on where you can enter the area starting as early as 1pm, along with alternative spots to see the fireworks show. There is also info for getting downtown, public transportation strongly recommended over driving.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* DC’s Youth Meals Program is underway for the summer, with free meals available for all kids ages 5-18 on weekdays 10am – 2pm. (Follow the link for locations.)
* If like me, you’re a mosquito’s favorite meal, read this.
* I’m giving this a try, too.
* Also from the Washington Post, good tips for road trips with your new pup.
* And speaking of dogs, how great is this Beck video (and song).
* 10 Happy Things for July from my awesome friend and photographer Darcy Troutman.