The long holiday weekend starts on a Thursday, and you will have no shortage of July 4 weekend events, from fireworks to movies to hearing some of Virginia’s iconic bands jam. Here are some noteworthy events around NoVA to add to your July 4–7 weekend itinerary.
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
July 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., fireworks at 1 p.m.
George Washington’s home makes for the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth. See the National Concert Band perform at noon and watch fireworks at 1 p.m. The day starts with the reading of the Declaration of Independence and ends with an 18th-century magic show. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, free for 5 and under; $13 for 6–11; $26 for 12+
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4, 9 p.m.
Celebrate the nation’s birthday with the spectacular fireworks show on the National Mall. The colorful display illuminates DC’s monuments and memorials. It begins at 9:09 p.m. Alfonso Ribeiro hosts A Capitol Fourth, starting at 8 p.m., with performances from Smokey Robinson, Darren Criss, the National Symphony Orchestra, and more. National Mall: Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC, free
Love Story – 2nd Annual Tribute to the Music of Taylor Swift
July 5, 7–9 p.m.
Add some Style to your weekend and listen to an Enchanted live tribute concert featuring Taylor Swift hits. Trade friendship bracelets and dress Bejeweled in your favorite era. Glitter tattoos, food trucks, and a photo booth are also available. 1900 Reston Metro Plz., Reston, free
Magical Mystery Doors
July 5, 7:30 p.m.
Sing along to legendary rock bands as the Magical Mystery Doors blend and layer the music of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors. Melodic arrangements and thematic sequences including The Rain Song, Riders on the Storm, and Here Comes the Sun make for an unforgettable tribute show. The Birchmere Music Hall: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $35
Specialty Tour, Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies
July 5–12, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Inspired by the Broadway musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this 18th-century tavern. Discover how their choices impacted the world. Check in no later than 5 minutes prior to tour time. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, $15
TLC
July 5, 7:30 p.m.
This R&B girl group celebrates its seminal album CrazySexyCool with hits including Creep and Waterfalls. TLC are joined by fellow R&B singers En Vogue and Jody Watley. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $42
American Craft Beer & Bourbon Festival
July 6, 1–6 p.m.
Sample from a diverse selection of over 40 craft brews and top-shelf bourbons at this Shipgarten event. Play outdoor games including Jenga, rubber band cup shooting, and a WaterPong tournament with prizes. Food vendors, live music, and a photo booth are featured. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
King George Independence Celebration
July 6, 7–10 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Join King George Parks & Recreation in celebrating America’s birthday. Festivities include fireworks, food vendors, and live music by The Radio Sparks from the Greenchip Stage. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and parking is available at Sealston Elementary School. Sealston Sports Complex: 11050 Fletchers Chapel Rd., King George, free
The Rookie
July 6, 6:30–9 p.m.
Bring family and friends to Reston Station’s Summerbration for a movie night featuring The Rookie. Dennis Quaid and Jim Morris star in this 2002 Disney movie based on a true baseball story. Watch more sports-themed movies at Reston Station every Saturday until the end of August. Reston Station: 1901 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, free
Pat McGee Band, Emmet Swimming, and Virginia Coalition
July 7, 7 p.m.
Three of Northern Virginia’s best-known rock bands perform a ’90s rewind. The Pat McGee Band is back at Wolf Trap for the ninth time. Pat McGee says this will be like a “hometown reunion type of thing” with Emmet Swimming and Virginia Coalition. McGee’s newest album, expected later this year, will be with studio legends including Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Waddy Wachtel, and Russ Kunkel. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $33
Feature image courtesy Mount Vernon
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