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Tens of thousands of locals and tourists celebrate the Fourth in D.C. each year.
Whether you hope to surround yourself with the patriotic crowds for the city’s traditional events or are looking for a more low-key way to spend the day, the D.C. area has plenty of options.
- Cheer on the Washington Nationals against the Cincinnati Reds
Baseball fans can watch the Nats play the Reds at home Monday through Thursday. Hang around after Monday night’s game for a fireworks display. The game on the Fourth is set for 11:05 a.m., and includes a pregame flyover by three U.S. Army UH-1 “Huey” Helicopters and a free beer for fans 21+ using mobile ordering promo code CHEERS.
- Engage with the historical documents preserved at the National Archives in a new way
Listen to a “dramatic” reading of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, which will also include musical and color guard performances, costumed interpreters of historical figures, and lots of kid-friendly activities later in the day such as colonial-style wig-making, opportunities to write with a quill, and scavenger hunts. Guests are advised to arrive at 9 a.m. to get a good seat on the Archives’ Constitutional Avenue steps.
- Check out the very red, white, and blue National Independence Day Parade
The annual event, set to begin at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue NW, will consist of bands, fife and drum corps, military and speciality units, massive balloons, equestrian teams, national dignitaries, celebrity appearances, and more. The parade is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators.
- Lace up your running shoes and compete in a Fourth of July themed race
Since D.C. is one of the fittest regions in the country, it is no surprise that many locals spend their holidays participating in athletic competitions. Although there will be several races throughout the area on the Fourth, prominent ones include the Firecracker 5K in Reston Town Center, the 2023 Fireworks 5K and 10K at Burke Lake Park, and the Freedom Firecracker 5K and Sparkler 1 Mile in Manassas. Each of these races will benefit local nonprofits that serve veterans and/or those on active duty.
- Escape the tourist crowds and explore historic Harpers Ferry
If the idea of standing in a hot, sweaty crowd of red, white, and blue people gives you a headache, there is a more peaceful alternative. About an hour outside of D.C., Harpers Ferry sits nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains of West Virginia and boasts gorgeous scenery, 22 miles of hiking trails, several shops and restaurants, and a rich history. The small picturesque town was the site of John Brown’s raid in 1859, an attempt to lead a revolt of enslaved people, and was also at the center of lots of significant military activity during the Civil War.
- Chase a thrill and go white water rafting on the Potomac River
Or if a more adventurous activity is closer to your vibe, River and Trail Outfitters, also in Harpers Ferry, offers family-friendly, three- to four-hour kayaking and white water rafting trips on the Potomac River along the beautiful landscapes of rural Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. Kayaking rates start at $89 while rafting prices start at $70 for kids and $75 for adults.
- Visit Cedar Hill, leading abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ last residence
On the Fourth, guests will have the opportunity to see and hear a reenactment of Douglass’ most famous speech, What to the Slave is the 4th of July?, which he gave in 1852. Also at Cedar Hill will be the grand reopening of the Frederick Douglass Historical Site, a musical performance by DC Strings, and tours of Douglass’ home.
- Watch a new production of the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 at the Kennedy Center
Although not showing on the actual Fourth of July, those drawn to the city’s arts and theater scene can enjoy 1776 at the Kennedy Center on Fourth of July weekend or after the holiday. The production tells the story of the efforts by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson to convince members of the Second Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence.
- Learn about contemporary America at the outdoor, interactive Smithsonian Folklife Festival
This year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival, taking place on the National Mall, has two programs; one about living religions in the U.S., and the other about the Ozarks, a physiographic region in parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois. This annual, multiday event includes music, dance and poetry performances, cooking demonstrations, craft workshops, and more to celebrate contemporary cultural traditions.
- Don’t miss out on the fireworks display on the National Mall
Also hosted by the National Park Service, the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on the National Mall is unrivaled. Expect crowds of families, couples, and friends to settle down and picnic hours before the display is scheduled to begin at 9:09 p.m.
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