Independence Day is a big deal when you live so close to the nation’s capital. Of course there are an abundance of firework displays and community parades, but there’s also plenty of other ways to spend the weekend. Check out some of the holiday celebrations, festivals, concerts, and family events that are happening this weekend.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
July 2–7
Immerse yourself in the Smithsonian’s annual Folklife Festival. This year’s theme is Youth and the Future of Culture and spotlights projects led, created, and presented by teens. It will include music, films and discussions, young craftsmanship, a presentation from the Museum of Contemporary American Teenagers, and different forms of youth expression. National Mall between Seventh and 12th streets, Washington, DC, free
Bull Run Summer Carnival
July 3–6
This summer carnival at Bull Run Regional Park is back with carnival rides, games, and food to celebrate Independence Day. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, then goes from 3 to 10 p.m. for the rest of the weekend. You can buy tickets online for discounted rates. Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, ticket prices vary
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
July 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Dig into our nation’s roots with a Fourth of July event at George Washington’s home this weekend. Watch a daytime fireworks show, visit a Revolutionary war encampment, be enchanted at an 18th-century magic show, and listen to a keynote address from former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s an annual tradition you won’t want to miss. Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, adults $28, youth $15, children under 5 free
Fairfax Independence Day Parade
July 4, 10 a.m.–noon
The annual Fairfax Independence Day Parade has been a community staple since 1967. As the largest Fourth of July parade in Virginia, it has everything you could want: marching bands, floats, old fire engines, and Shriners’ little cars and big motorcycles. The parade is followed by Future Fire Fighter’s Day, which features children’s activities on fire safety and education. Downtown Fairfax, free
Great Meadow’s July 4 Celebration 2025
July 4, 5 p.m.
Great Meadow’s Fourth of July Celebration marks its 40th anniversary. This event features a variety of activities, including family-friendly games, an air show, polo exhibitions, and fireworks. Great Meadows: 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, starting at $62 per car
Concerts and Fireworks at Ida Lee Park
July 4, 6 p.m.
Ida Lee Park honors America’s big day with fireworks and fun. Music starts at 6:30 p.m., when the Silver Bullets will perform everything from top-40 hits to groovy 1960s classics. The fireworks show, choreographed to patriotic music for the ultimate flair, will be at 9:30 p.m. Ida Lee Park Recreation Center: 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, free
Are We Guilty As Sin?
July 4, 6–9 p.m.
Spend the Fourth of July with Miss Americana by joining in the third annual tribute to the music of Taylor Swift, featuring Kanin Ren. The free weekend event pays homage to the singer’s greatest hits. The family-friendly event also includes glitter tattoos, a photobooth, and a friendship bracelet booth. Reston Metro Plaza: 1901 Reston Metro Plz., Reston, free
4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall
July 4, 9 p.m.
Celebrate the Fourth of July in the heart of the nation’s capital. The 35-minute firework display illuminates the sky behind DC’s iconic monuments, making for a spectacularly patriotic show. Be sure to arrive early, as this popular event gets crowded. National Mall, Washington DC, free
Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour of Alexandria
July 5, 10–11:30 a.m.
Learn about Civil War-era Alexandria on this tour that shares stories of soldiers, citizens, and self-liberated African Americans. Walkers will learn about military occupation of the area, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation. Tours take place rain or shine. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, $15
American Craft Beer & Bourbon Festival
July 5, 1–6 p.m.
Sip on beer, cider, and bourbon at this family-friendly and dog-friendly festival. In addition to great food and drink, enjoy cornhole, Jenga tower building, live music, and competitions and prizes. Don’t forget to check out the dog menu for your furry friend! Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., Tysons, free
Jurassic World: Kids Unleashed
July 5, 2–6 p.m.
Coinciding with the release of the film Jurassic World Rebirth, this dinosaur-themed community event will thrill and delight any young fossil fans. The celebration will feature live-sized animatronic dinosaurs, face painting, arts and crafts, fossil dig activities, and complimentary refreshments. If you still can’t get enough dinosaur fun, catch the new movie afterward at The Paragon Theater right next door. Founders Row: 109 Founders Ave., Falls Church, free
DISPATCH
July 5, 7 p.m.
American roots rock band DISPATCH takes the stage at Wolf Trap. The Boston-based band is known to experiment with different genres. They’ll be joined by John Butler (with band), G. Love and Special Sauce, and Donavan Frankenreiter. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets $49
West African Cultural Heritage Night
July 5, 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Celebrate 40 years of Soul In Motion, an African dance and drumming group, at Ossian Hall Park. Learn about the history of West African culture while dancing to drumbeats at the event this weekend. Ossian Hall Park: 7900 Heritage Dr., Annandale, free
Hive Hoedown: The Ultimate Beyoncé Fan Experience
July 6, 4 p.m.
Calling all Cowboy Carter fans: The Hive Hoedown is coming to town. This fan celebration includes a live DJ, a band, dancers, a best-dressed runway showdown, and even Beyoncé bingo. Put on your cowboy boots and favorite denim and come on down to the hoedown. Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, Washington, DC, $33.14–$54.77
Rick Springfield: I Want My 80s Tour
July 6, 7:30 p.m.
Sing along to “Jessie’s Girl” and “Love Somebody” as you bask in 80s nostalgia on this evening of Rick Springfield’s greatest hits. The 80s heartthrob is here for one night only, so don’t miss this chance to travel back in time with him and other stars from the decade, including John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets start at $49.50
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Feature image courtesy National Park Service/Chalice Keith
