Here’s the new line-up of popular Fourth of July fireworks, parades, and celebrations in the Washington, DC area and surrounding cities, mostly free events. If you know of something that should be on this list, send details or comment in the box beneath this post. Happy 4th!
WASHINGTON DC 4TH OF JULY Events
A Capital Fourth Concert: July 4, 2012, 8-9:30pm on the West Lawn of the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Performers include The National Symphony Orchestra, Jack Everly, United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, Choral Arts Society of Washington, U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, The United States Airforce Band Ceremonial Brass, and the Military District of Washington. The show is capped off by the 1812 Overture and live cannon fire.
Annapolis Independence Day Celebration: July 4, 2012. The 4th of July Parade starts at 6:30pm. USNA Concert Band performs at Susan Campbell Park at 8pm. Fireworks at 9:15pm, launched from a barge in the Annapolis Harbor. Susan Campbell Park offers great viewing but will be crowded. Views from Main St. and the Harbormaster’s Building area will be partially obstructed. Other options include public spaces northeast of the Severn River, and street-end parks facing Spa Creek. (Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic beginning at 9pm.)
Bowie Fourth of July Celebration: July 4, 2012, 3pm till fireworks at Allen Pond Park, 3330 Northview Dr, Bowie, MD. Fireworks start at 9:15pm. Food and drinks on sale beginning at 3pm. Viewing locations and concessions on both the Northview Drive and the Mitchellville Road sides of the park.
Fairfax 4th of July: July 4, 2012 in Fairfax, VA. Independence Day Parade 10am-12pm in the Downtown Fairfax Historic District, Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center Open House 9am-4pm at 10209 Main St, Ratcliffe Alison House Tours 11:30am-1pm at 10386 Main St, Old Fashioned Fireman’s Day, including food, beverages and games, 12:30pm at 4081 University Dr, evening show and Fireworks 7-10:30pm at Fairfax High School.
Falls Church July 4th Celebration: July 4, 2012, starting at 7pm at George Mason High School, 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA. Entertainment starts at 7pm. Fireworks start at 9:20pm.
Fort Meade July 4th Celebration: July 4, 2012, 12pm till fireworks at the Fort Meade Parade Field in Fort Meade, MD. Entertainment includes music by DJ Teddy and the Phoenix Band, pony rides, bounce house, trackless train, inflatable rides, and games. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.
Frederick’s 4th Independence Day Celebration: July 4, 2012, noon until fireworks at 9:30pm, at in Baker Park, Frederick, Maryland. The event features regional and national entertainment on 3 stages of entertainment, free rides, activities and entertainment. Taste award winning chili, dunk a Frederick celebrity or race a bath tub down Culler Lake. The park fills fast, so pick a seat early. Great seats include the swimming pool area on Fleming Avenue, Frederick High School lawn, or surrounding the Bandshell in the Carillon area.
Gaithersburg Independence Day Celebration: July 4, 2012, 5pm at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Music by Back to Zero starts at 7pm. Fireworks start at dusk, approximately 9:25pm.
Germantown Glory Fireworks: July 4, 2012,9:15pm. Two Independence Day fireworks displays — Germantown Glory at the SoccerPlex in the South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds and Mid-County Sparkles at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington. Both fireworks displays will begin at approximately 9:15pm.
Herndon Fourth of July Celebration: July 4, 2012, starting at 6:30pm in Bready Park in Herndon, VA. Fireworks start at dark.
Kensington 4th of July Bike Parade: July 4, 2012, 9:45am. Kensington, Maryland children decorate their bike, scooter, wagon or stroller and line up at St. Paul Park at 9:45am. You can follow the KVFD fire truck and pedal through the streets of Kensington, returning to St. Paul Park for fun activities and free ice cream.
Laurel Fourth of July: July 7, 2012. Parade at 6th and Montgomery St in Laurel, MD at 11am. Classic Car Show at Gude Park at 11am. Music by Oracle at 5pm and 7:30pm, Fireworks over the lake at 9:15pm.
Leesburg 22nd Annual Independence Day Celebration: July 4, 2012 in Leesburg, VA. Parade at 10am through Historic Downtown Leesburg, beginning at Ida Lee Park, traveling down King Street and concluding at Fairfax Street. Celebration in the Park at Ida Lee Park starts at 6pm with entertainment, featuring Faded Image and the Rob Byer Band. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.
McLean 4th of July Fireworks: July 4, 2012, 8-10pm at the Langley High School Stadium. New this year: Grounds open at 8pm. Fireworks start at 9:15pm. Free admission and free parking. Shuttle buses available from St. John’s Lutheran Church (Douglass St. and Georgetown Pike) and at the McLean Community Center.
National Archives Fourth of July Celebration: July 4, 2012, 10am-2pm. Constitution Avenue steps, National Archives Building between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC. C-SPAN host Steve Scully is emcee. From 10-11am: Continental Color Guard; Fife and Drum Corps; Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. From 11am–2pm: hands-on family activities inside the National Archives Building.
National Independence Day Parade: July 4, 2012, 11:45am in Washington, DC, along Constitution Ave from 7th to 17th St. Parade features bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants.
Takoma Park Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks: July 4, 2012 in Takoma Park, MD. Parade begins at 10am at Carroll & Ethan Allen Avenues, follows Carroll Avenue towards DC, crosses over to Maple Avenue along Carroll Street, then returns along Maple Avenue. Community barbecue on Lincoln Ave and Maple Ave at 12pm-6pm, wiffleball tournament at Lee Jordan Field, Takoma Park Middle School at 2:30pm. Evening program at Takoma Park Middle School starts at 7pm. Takoma Park Community Concert Band performs following announcement of parade winners and greeting from mayor. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.
Vienna July 4th Celebration: July 4, 2012 on the Vienna Community Center grounds. The day’s activities include a flea market of arts and crafts, food and drink, music, family games, children’s entertainment, antique and classic car display, and fireworks at Southside Park.
DC FOURTH DEALS
- 20% Off: Six Flags America 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks.
- 50% Off: Watch the Fireworks Aboard a Catamaran.
- 40% Off: Watch Fireworks From a Double-Decker Cruise Boat.
