SOURCE: National Park Service
The nation’s captial is an exicting place to be during the week of July 4th. Join the many patriotic festivities taking place in honor of Independence Day, visit the nation’s memorials dedicatied to those who served our country, or enjoy recreational opportunities in one of the many DC area national parks.
Special July 4th Events in DC Area National Parks
Thousands of people come to the nation’s capital every July 4th to enjoy concerts, parades, and fireworks, of course! This year the celebration continues with exciting events to enjoy with family and friends.
Six fighter jets in formationSalute to America
~ 6:45 p.m. – 8 p.m.
President Donald J. Trump celebrates our independence and salutes our nation’s heritage with honors our nation’s service members and veterans with music, military demonstrations, and flyovers that honor our nation’s service members and veterans.
Capitol Concert
A Capitol Fourth
8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams, this all-star salute to America’s 244th birthday will feature pre-taped performances from around the country, highlights from past years’ concerts, and live coverage of the fireworks show. The show will be broadcast on PBS affiliates, and live streamed on Facebook, Twitter and at PBS.org.
Fireworks Show
Fireworks Display
9:07 p.m. – 9:42 p.m., National Mall
Independence Day culminates with a spectacular 35-minute fireworks display which will be visible from many locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia. The fireworks will be cancelled in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms or high winds.
Viewing from the National Mall
Plan to arrive early, and to protect yourself from heat-related illness. See Directions and Plan Your Visit.
Viewing areas on the National Mall near the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool will be accessible only through secure access points.
Consider wearing hearing protection. These fireworks are BIG and LOUD.
Consider wearing eye protection to protect yourself from incidental falling debris (ash).
Consider not bringing pets (some get very scared of the loud booms).
Immediately following the fireworks, areas along Independence Avenue between the Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial will be closed for safety checks related to the fireworks launch site. The road and sidewalks will re-open after cleanup crews have completed their inspection and removed any hazardous materials.
Prohibited Items and Activities
Visitors will be screened at all entrance points to the National Mall. All coolers, backpacks, packages, and persons will be subject to inspection.
No grills, alcohol, glass containers, or personal fireworks are permitted on National Park Service property
Launching, landing, or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft on National Park Service property is strictly prohibited.
Personal tents that block other visitors’ views and tents that require stakes are prohibited on the National Mall and along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Due to limited space on the Washington Monument grounds, visitors are asked to refrain from recreational activities (e.g.–volleyball, badminton, etc.).
It is strongly recommend that pets be left at home.
Possession of firearms in national parks is prohibited, governed by federal as well as local law, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the national park is located. All visitors should be aware of and follow applicable firearms laws of the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
There is no parking allowed in the lanes of, or the grassy areas adjacent to, the George Washington Memorial Parkway at any time.
The full list of prohibited items includes:
Alcoholic Beverages
Aerosols
Ammunition
Balloons
Explosives
Firearms
Fireworks
Glass containers
Laser Pointers
Mace/Pepper Spray
Structures (folding tables, chairs, tents, etc.)
Supports for signs
Unmanned Aerial System (Drones, Remote Control Aircraft)
Weapons of Any Kind
Any other item determined to be a potential hazard
*Packages are permissable, but subject to inspection
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalmall4th/things-to-do.htm
