Heading to Washington, DC, to see the Fourth of July fireworks display? Expect to stay up late. This year’s show is scheduled to begin later than in previous years.
According to Freedom 250, the White House–backed organization that’s coordinating this year’s display, the fireworks show will begin around 10:30 p.m. and will last approximately 40 minutes.
Some news reports say the display could start even later. FOX5 DC reported that “sources familiar with the planning” said the display could begin around 11 p.m. These later schedules are a marked difference from DC’s typical fourth of July fireworks displays, which have begun around 9 p.m. in previous years.
World Record Attempt
This year’s DC fireworks display also promises to be larger than in years past. Event organizers are aiming to break the Guiness World Record for the biggest fireworks show.
The current record was set in the Philippines in 2016 and used 810,904 fireworks. Freedom 250’s website says that the DC fireworks show will include 850,000 fireworks shells launched from 10 different sites: the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, eight Potomac River barges, and West Potomac Park.
“Salute to America”
The fireworks will be the grand finale for a daytime Freedom 250 event called “Salute to America.” It will include musical performances and military flyovers, with doors opening at 1 p.m. Starting at 7 p.m., there will be a live broadcast with the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra and national speakers.
The event is free but requires tickets. The fireworks show will also be available to view via livestream.
Before heading to the mall to see the display, see these insider tips to viewing the fireworks. Or, check out Northern Virginia fireworks displays and find ways to view the DC fireworks right from NoVA.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
