Independence Day is one of my favorite times of the year. It's in the middle of summer and gives us a great excuse to come together with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our great nation. So lets get the grills ready, coolers iced, and sunblock on because Summer is officially upon us!
Once again, here are five of our favorite Independence Day events from around the greater Washington DC/Northern Virginia areas. Have a happy and save Fourth of July and Happy Birthday USA!
City of Fairfax Parade
The City of Fairfax hosts its 50th annual Independence Day celebration with a big parade (10 am-noon), tours of the Ratcliffe-Allison House (11:30 am-1 pm), and at 12:30 pm, a Superhero Fest (noon-1 pm), and an Old-Fashioned Fireman’s Day with a firefigher competition, food and beverages, and games. All day long (9 am-4 pm) tour the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center during the Open House. At night (7-10 pm), head to Fairfax High School for the evening show featuring live music and a fireworks display. Free admission.
Vienna's Americana Celebration
The Town of Vienna hosts a day and night of fun and fireworks! Activities begin at 4 pm at the Vienna Community Center Yeonas Park with kids’ games and moon bounces and food for sale. Activities from 2 pm to 4 pm include giant water slides, slip ‘n slides, sprinklers, water games, magic shows, music, and more. The festival ends with an evening show starting with music at 7:15 pm and a fireworks show around 9:30 pm at Southside Park. The rain date (for fireworks only) is July 5.
Leesburg Celebration
The annual celebration features bands and performers, including the American Originals Fife and Drum Corps at 9:45 am before the parade in downtown Leesburg kicks off at 10 am. At night, head to Ida Lee Park to enjoy live music and food starting at 6 pm, followed by a huge fireworks show at 9:30 pm. Admission to the daytime and evening events is free.
Montgomery County
Rockville – Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, 1800 Piccard Drive. The Rockville Concert Band kicks things off at 7 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at around 9:15 p.m. The park offers great spectator viewing and ample, convenient parking. Bring your own food and beverages as there are no food vendors on site. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.
Washington DC National Mall Celebration
I've saved the best for last, the official fireworks show at the National Mall in Washington DC. This will be the most popular and thus most crowded location for your Independence Day festivities. The day starts with an annual Nationals game against the New York Mets followed by the Independence Day Parade at 11:45am. Later in the evening the Capitol Fourth Concert starts at 8pm including The Beach Boys, John Stamos and more. The evening is punctuated by a breathtaking fireworks show from the reflecting pool in the National Mall at 9:09pm. For a map and more information click here.
Comments