STAR-SPANGLED FUN
10 THINGS TO DO IN THE
DMV for the Fourth of July
BY WF STAFF
When it comes to Independence Day
celebrations, our area’s got it covered. Classic
fireworks displays, patriotic parades, live
performances … there are so many ways to
enjoy this beloved summer holiday. So grab the
family, don some red, white and blue and head out to
one of these awesome local events below.

1 Fourth of July Fireworks
on the National Mall: JULY 4, 9 P.M.

post-game fireworks show. Go tousometro.org/
NatsBenefit19 for discounted tickets in prime
seating, including $10 food vouchers. Nationals
Park, Washington, D.C.

Is there any better place to watch a patriotic
fireworks display than in our nation’s capital?
Head out to the National Mall for the grandest
Fourth of July Musical
display of fireworks, set amongst a true
Salute: July 4, Noon
backdrop of American pride. National Mall,
near the Washington Monument and Reflecting It’s going to be a true star-spangled day at
The Wharf. Throughout the day, there will be
Pool, Washington, D.C.

live music on Pearl Street, Fish Market and
Transit Pier Stages. While you’re there, enjoy
National Independence Day
an afternoon lunch at one of The Wharf’s many
Parade: July 4, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

restaurants and stay to watch the fireworks
The National Independence Day Parade is a
show! The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave., S.W.,
true spectacle! Marching bands, fife and drum
Washington, D.C.

corps, floats, military units, giant balloons,
equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate
Red, White & Blue
Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving,
Reptiles Alive!:
red, white and blue celebration of America’s
July 4, 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

birthday. Constitution Avenue N.W. from 7th
Street N.W. to 17th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. A variety of colorful live reptiles — ones with
red scales and white tails and some with blue
tongues — will be featured during this fun and
Barracks Row Fourth of July
patriotic-inspired animal show! A kid-friendly
Parade: July 4, 10 a.m.

wildlife educator will educate and entertain
This annual patriotic event brings in a crowd of
guests with animal stories and facts. Enjoy a
nearly 5,000 people! The parade includes floats,
meet and greet as well from 1-2 p.m. Claude
marching groups, little red wagons and more in
Moore Park, Sterling, Va.

celebration of our nation’s birthday. So if you’re
looking for a great Fourth of July parade, head
Fairfax City’s 53rd Annual
out to Barracks Row. Barracks Row, 8th St., S.E.,
Independence Day Parade:
Washington, D.C.

5 2
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2019 Washington Nationals
USO-Metro Beneficiary Games:
July 3, 6:05 p.m.

Before you spend July 4th watching parades
and cooking out, why not celebrate our nation
a day early by watching one of America’s
greatest treasures — baseball. Head out to
Nationals Park on July 3rd to see the Nats play
the Miami Marlins on “Family Night.” There
will be patriotic gear, themed giveaways and a
ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/ELINALEE
July 4, 10 a.m.

This annual Fairfax City Independence Day
Parade is always a hit! This year, nine high
school marching bands will be performing
along with many large inflatable parade
balloons, floats and clowns. After the parade,
stick around for the evening show starting
at 6:30 p.m., which includes music, on-stage
entertainment, dancing, face painting and a
glorious fireworks display. The parade starts at
4100 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, Va.

8 Celebrate America!:
July 4, 3 p.m.

9 Annapolis Fourth of July
Parade: July 4, 6:30 p.m.

Head to Manassas for one of Northern
Virginia’s largest fireworks displays! The fun
starts early, beginning at 3 p.m. with great rides
for kids, food concessions, novelty vendors, live
entertainment and more. The fireworks display
starts at 9:15 p.m., so don’t forget to bring
along your lawn chairs and blankets. Manassas
Museum Lawn and Historic Manassas, Va.

Celebrate our nation’s birthday in lovely
Annapolis! Enjoy watching a glorious parade
full of marching bands, fire engines old and
new, cars and vans, service clubs and scouts,
music and more. Enjoy tons of food and
drinks along the parade route as well. And, of
course, stick around for a gorgeous fireworks
display over Annapolis Harbor. Downtown
Annapolis, Md.

10 Takoma Park Independence
Day Celebration: July 4,
parade at 10 a.m., evening
program at 7 p.m.

Enjoy a wonderful Fourth of July at one of our
area’s oldest Independence Day celebrations!
This Takoma Park event includes a lively
morning parade and a full day of entertainment,
including children’s activities, vendors, live
music, a WAU Acro-Airs tumbling performance
and food trucks. The Takoma Park Community
Band will perform a patriotic selection of
classical and popular show tunes and an
ultra-fun Motown-themed band will close
out the night. Begins at the intersection
of Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues, Takoma
Park, Md. ■
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