Virginia
Thursday, July 4th, 9:15 a.m. All children are invited to decorate their bikes, trikes, wagons and strollers for this parade! Dogs on leashes are welcome. Parents and families are asked to bring baked goods to share at the parade’s end, when there will also be snow cones and treats for all! Begins at the intersection of Roberts Lane and Oxford Streets. Arlington, Va.
Thursday, July 4th, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Beginning in 1967, this annual parade has developed into the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With marching bands, floats, Shriners’ little cars and big motorcycles, old fire engines and clowns, there’s something for everyone. After the parade, enjoy “Future Fire Fighter’s Day”, which provides children’s activities on fire safety and education. Fairfax, Va.
Thursday, July 4th, 10 a.m. Dogs on leashes, kids on bikes – everyone participates in the fun in this parade led by the Arlington County Police and Fire Departments. At the after-party, tasty treats are available for purchase to benefit the No Kid Hungry bake sale. There are activities for kids, including temporary tattoos. The parade begins at the Fairlington Fire Station. Arlington, Va.
Thursday, July 4th, 10:30 a.m. After a ceremony at 10 including judging of the best parade floats, costumes, decorated bikes and the coveted prize of Mayor of Douglas Park, the parade will begin, ending in Douglas Park for the picnic. There will be live music, a moonbounce and a water slide. It is a potluck picnic, so bring your finest recipes to share. The civic association will provide a water refill station (bring your own water bottles) and hot dogs free.
D.C.
Thursday, July 4th, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Highlights of the National Archives’ Independence Day celebration include welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and Archives educators and a lively, patriotic reading of the Declaration of Independence with WUSA9 News Anchor Allison Seymour as the event announcer.
Thursday, July 4th, 11:45 a.m. Hundreds of thousands gather to watch this parade, consisting of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries and celebrity participants.
Thursday, July 4th, 1–8 p.m. Families can visit the Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area on the southeast grounds of the monument for activities and a scavenger hunt about the monuments and memorials on the National Mall. Kids can also complete an Independence Day Junior Ranger booklet full of family-friendly, fun activities to earn a special Junior Ranger badge!
Thursday, July 4th, 9:09-9:27 p.m. The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to more than a dozen memorials that commemorate great Americans and significant events in our nation’s history.
Maryland
Thursday, July 4th, 10 a.m. Decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers or anything on wheels. Roll over to St. Paul Park by 9:45 am to participate in the bike parade, then follow the KVFD Fire Truck through the town streets. Kensington, Md.
Thursday, July 4th, 7 p.m. South Germantown Recreational Park plays host once again to the annual Germantown fireworks show, accompanied by a concert by Central City Orchestra. Germantown, Md.
Thursday, July 4th, 7 p.m. The City of Rockville’s 4th of July Celebration returns to Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm. Offering wonderful spectator viewing and convenient parking for the festivities, it’s a great place to enjoy the live music by Uncle Jesse and the city’s 20-minute fireworks display. Rockville, Md.
Saturday, July 6th, 6 p.m. Come to the field of Albert Einstein High School for a fireworks spectacular, including concerts by Joe Falero and Downtown Sound. Onsite parking only available for individuals with disabilities. Kensington, Md.
Virtual
Thursday, July 4th, 8 p.m. If you can’t make it to an in-person celebration, tune into PBS for their Capital Fourth spectacular, featuring fireworks, big band performances and celebrity guests including Fantasia, Darren Criss, Smokey Robinson and host Alfonso Ribero. Also check out their website for DIY activities, recipe ideas and more!
