Fireworks, Monuments, and Rooftop Bars: A Guide to Independence Day in America’s Capital

Here’s where to go for Fourth of July in Washington DC this year.

Independence Day in DC | Flickr/m01229
Independence Day in DC | Flickr/m01229

There’s nothing really like the Fourth of July in Washington DC. The city erupts in patriotic pomp and circumstance, welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to see the monuments and Independence Day Parade, and concludes with an unforgettable concert and truly epic fireworks display over the Capitol Building.

Yes, getting out of town for the holiday (and extra-long weekend) is always great, but we think sticking around town is even better. Here’s everything you can do to celebrate Independence Day in DC this year.

Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution | Photo by John Korb

Thursday, June 29 to Tuesday, July 4
The National Mall
As one of DC’s most iconic and beloved (and free) summer festivals, this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival is all about the Ozarks. Highlighting the American region that stretches across parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois, the event takes place over the expanse of the National Mall and will feature packed days of music, demonstrations, performances, craft exhibitions, and more opportunities to learn about the region. Independence Day programming highlights include a demonstration on Indigenous foodways of today with chef Nico Albert Williams, live bluegrass performances, and a traditional Jewish pickle making workshop.

Ongoing
The National Mall
The flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the United States’ national anthem is, you guessed it, in DC! If you haven’t seen it before, it’s a sight to behold. The flag is one of the star attractions (no pun intended), of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Make a stop to see it and learn about its creation in Baltimore, its role in the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key’s inspiration and how his poem became the national anthem, and learn about the major restoration effort that saved the flag from near total destruction.

Tuesday, July 4: 9 am–5 pm
Mount Vernon
A visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon is an obligatory stop in any tour of DC and the surrounding area. On July 4, visitors will be treated to a day-long birthday party for America featuring 18th century music and games, daytime fireworks over the Potomac River, reenactors (including of the first president), a wreath-laying ceremony, a performance by the National Concert Band, and, most importantly, a moving Naturalization Ceremony in which people from all across the world will be become U.S. citizens.

Tuesday, July 4: 11 am
Navy Yard
It’s a few weeks into summer, and that means America’s pastime is in full swing. On July 4, catch a game and head to Nats Park for Washington v. Cincinnati. The first 10,000 fans to arrive for the morning game will get a pair of American flag sunglasses. For any pyrotechnic fanatics who need your itch scratched early, the game scheduled the night before will conclude with a fireworks display. Tickets start at $18.

Tuesday, July 4: 11 am–5 pm
Anacostia & Downtown
It’s been a long time coming and after being closed for a multi-year restoration project, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Anacostia is finally reopening to the public on July 4. Cedar Hill, the DC home where Douglass spent the last 17 years of his life, will celebrate its grand reopening with a free day-long including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a live musical performance by DC Strings, and tours of the first-floor of the historic home. The highlight of the highly anticipated opening will be a performance of Douglass’s most well-known speech, “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?” which he wrote and delivered in Rochester, New York in 1852. A Douglass reenactor will deliver the orator’s famous words, which helped to define the future of the country, from the front porch of Cedar Hill.

Bookmark your pilgrimage to Cedar Hill with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibition, "One Life: Frederick Douglass," which explores the life and legacy of one of the country’s most influential writers, orators, and intellectuals.

Tuesday, July 4: 11:15 am
Constitution Avenue
The National Independence Day Parade kicks off just before noon on July 4, so if you want to be one of the hundreds of thousands of spectators, arrive early to grab a spot on the route (Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets). You can expect a lot of red, white, and blue pomp and circumstance in the parade, which will feature marching bands from around the country (who go through a rigorous and competitive process to participate,) fife and drum corps, national dignitaries, celebrities, and some surprise VIPs.

Moonraker
Moonraker | Photo courtesy of Alexa Watkins

Head to a rooftop party

Tuesday, July 4
Various locations
DC’s fireworks are nothing short of epic and it doesn’t get any better than watching it all from the comfort of a roof deck. If you’re not lucky enough to be blessed with your own (or a friend’s) rooftop access, make your way to one of the many skyscraper parties around town. Moonraker, the Pendry Hotel’s stunning rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of the Wharf, the Potomac, and the national monuments, is hosting a viewing party complete with an open bar, Japanese-inspired bites, and a DJ. Tickets to the four-hour party (6 pm to 10 pm) are $200. Lady Bird at the Banneker Hotel has unobstructed views of the Washington Monument, The White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and the National Cathedral. Their two-hour party (7 pm to 9 pm) is $175 and includes an open bar and southern-inspired light fare. Downtown’s newest rooftop bar, Lucha Rosa, does not require a ticket for its firework views, so get there early, grab a cocktail, order some Southern Mexico-inspired bites, and settle in.

Ongoing
Arlington
If you’ve never been to Arlington National Cemetery, this is a great weekend to make the trip. As the final resting place for over 400,000 veterans and their families, Arlington is hallowed ground that feels particularly poignant on Independence Day. The grounds is over 600 acres large, and you can take a self-guided walking tour using the ANC Explorer which will guide you to spots including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame at the resting place of President John F. Kennedy.

Tuesday, July 4: 7:30 pm–10:30 pm
Georgetown
Want to avoid the crowds on the National Mall but still celebrate the holiday in an extra special way? Hop aboard an evening cruise which offers a floating party on the Potomac and uncompromised views of the Capitol fireworks. Leaving from Washington Harbor in Georgetown, this cruise offers a two-hour river float with moonlit views of the monuments, prime firework viewing, and an after-hours, post-boat ride bar crawl through Georgetown.

Capitol Building | gary718/Shutterstock

Tuesday, July 4: 8 pm (grounds open to the public at 3 pm)
The National Mall
Bring your picnic blanket, some friends, and stake out a spot on the National Mall to catch DC’s epic Independence Day concert, A Capitol Fourth. The extravaganza will feature a wide array of performers from opera diva Renée Fleming to the National Symphony Orchestra to Boyz II Men to the Muppets of Sesame Street to the cast of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical to the United States Army Band to Maddie & Tae and many, many more. The acts will perform from a stage set up at the Capitol Building so you’re bound to have a view no matter where you sit. The concert concludes with a fireworks display for the ages. Yes, you can watch it on tv, but nothing beats being there to take it all in, in person, under the stars.

Ongoing
The National Mall
When was the last time you took a good hard look at the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights? If the answer is “back on a school field trip,” what better time is there than the holiday for a refresh? Thanks to the accessibility of DC’s museums, you can see the real things in person, up close, for free. Head to the National Archives on the National Mall to see the historic documents on display in the building’s rotunda.

Ongoing
The Mount Vernon Trail (DC-Virginia)
Sometimes, as they say, it’s about the journey as much as the destination. Hop on a bike—your own or a Capital Bikeshare—and peddle your way from the district to George Washington’s home. The Mount Vernon Trail offers scenic biking by the water and through the woods. Stop for an ice cream or hydration break in Old Town Alexandria.

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Madeline Weinfield is a Thrillist contributor.