This guide details exciting events for the 4th of July in DC, including the National Mall fireworks display, parades, concerts, and more. Plan your unforgettable Independence Day experience! WASHINGTON — If you’re spending the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital, you’re in for a real treat. The 2025 fireworks show is set to light up the sky starting at 9:09 PM, dazzling The July Fourth fireworks show in the nation’s capital begins at 9:07 p.m. and is expected to run until 9:27 p.m. Check out our guide to strategic sites around DC where you can get the best view. 1 Find a spot on the National Mall Watching fireworks is a highlight of DC’s July Fourth celebrations. Find out where to get the best views, from rooftop bars to the Lincoln Memorial and more. Nothing beats seeing the Independence Day fireworks against DC's skyline of monuments and memorials. Here are the top places to see the fireworks for Independence Day 2025 in DC, Maryland and Virginia. WASHINGTON, DC. National Mall. The National Mall is the most iconic spot to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July. It’s quite expansive and offers several areas to watch, like the Washington Monument or Lincoln Memorial. Each year, Washington, DC celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang, meaning there are plenty of DC-flavored ways to honor Independence Day. Read below for some of our favorite selections and make sure to check out other summer activities in DC, including where to watch the fireworks on the Fourth. All major Washington DC July 4th events are FREE to attend! Arrive early for the best viewing spots, especially for the National Mall fireworks at 9:09 PM. Metro stations will be crowded after fireworks, so plan extra travel time. The National Mall | July 4 . One of the most iconic places to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July is the National Mall, in the heart of the nation’s capital. The colorful 17 1/2-minute display is set to illuminate the sky at around 9:09 p.m., launching from the sides of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool, according to the National Park Service. Where to see 4th of July fireworks ‘Where can I watch fireworks’ is definitely one of the top questions in DC around the 4 th of July. Fortunately, we’ve gathered a list of some of the very best places to see 4 th of July fireworks in DC. Don’t forget to go early and take whatever you’ll need with you. Whether you’re searching for “Independence Day events near me,” the best places to watch fireworks in Washington DC, or family-friendly July 4th activities across Maryland and Virginia, this comprehensive guide is your essential passport to America’s 249th birthday bash. From Fourth of July celebrations and music festivals to sporting events and popup markets, this month is boasting nonstop fun-filled events! To help you make the most of your July in D.C., we’ve compiled the best goings-on that you won’t want to miss: 1. Celebrate the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital. Things To Do in the DMV FOX 5 DC July 4th Bay Bridge Traffic: Best and worst times to drive Here are the best and worst times to drive the Bay Bridge over the Fourth of July holiday. 9 Entertaining Events to Celebrate Fourth of July Around the DC Area Fireworks, concerts, food cruises, and more Independence Day cheer. Guide to DC area July 4th events including fireworks, a Capitol Fourth Concert, a celebration at Mount Vernon, and the National Archives. Montgomery County: Maryland’s most populated county will be holding two nights of Fourth of July events on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5. Both events start at 7 p.m. and feature live music. Happy July, DC! Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour hosts two nights of rodeo-themed entertainment at Northwest Stadium this month. Also, the Smithsonian opens several new galleries at National Air and Space Museum, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is back to show off the latest youth inventions. 10 Best Things to Do in DC by Pat Padua . Festivals Sure, there are views of the fireworks, plus drinks and buffet-style food at other Fourth of July rooftop parties, but this one comes with a pool. Dance the night away, or swim, at The Ven at Embassy Row’s party featuring tunes from a live DJ, drink tickets, and picnic bites ($155). A July 4th Musical Celebration Whether you’re here for the booming DC 4th of July fireworks, the star studded Capitol Fourth concert, or the high-energy DC 4th of July parade marching down Constitution Avenue from 7th Street to 17th Street, this guide covers it all. This is your guide to the major events on the National Mall on July Fourth, but also to fireworks, parades and events across D.C. and the region that same day. From day to night and Beyoncé to parades, here’s what to do for the Fourth of July on the National Mall and beyond.
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