1. Go to the National Independence Day Parade
Line up along Constitution Avenue to observe DC’s annual National Independence Day Parade. The parade begins at 11:45 a.m. and is held between 7th and 17th streets.
2. Go to the free concert at the U.S. Capitol
Find a spot on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for A Capitol Fourth, which begins at 8p. The grand finale features jaw-dropping fireworks over the National Mall.
3. Attend the Smithsonian Folklife Festival this weekend.
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 29 – July 4, July 6-9) is one of DC’s greatest summertime traditions. The free event is held on the National Mall, with concerts, a marketplace, food, dances and presentations all part of the festivities. This year, the festival focuses on the circus arts and the culture of migration.
4. Watch a game at Nationals Park
The Washington Nationals annually play at Nationals Park on Independence Day. This year they will take on the New York Mets, their main challengers for the National League East crown in 2017.
5. Watch the fireworks matinee
Get out to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, about 30 minutes south of the city by car or bus, for an all-day, turn-back-the-clock Fourth of July. Marvel at gorgeous scenes of the Potomac River from the Founding Father’s estate, and listen to Revolutionary War-era music while savoring Colonial-style ice cream. The event also includes a special day-time fireworks display.
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