Washington, D.C

9 Entertaining Events to Celebrate Fourth of July Around the DC Area

Published

9 months ago

June 23, 2025

9 Entertaining Events to Celebrate Fourth of July Around the DC Area

Photograph by SBWorldphotography/Getty Images.

There’s no shortage of places to commemorate this year’s 249th Independence Day. You can watch the grand fireworks show from the National Mall, attend a patriotic parade in downtown DC, or toast to America’s birthday aboard a dinner cruise. Plus, there’s a pre-fireworks show at the Nationals’ baseball game. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate July 4 around DC:

Independence Day with the Nationals

July 3-4

Nationals Park

Get a sneak peak of Independence Day sparkles at Nats Park on July 3. Our home team takes on the Detroit Tigers that day, and fans can catch a postgame fireworks show at the stadium. The next day, the annual holiday baseball matinee will feature free beer and a special tribute to America ($19+).

National Independence Day Parade

July 4

Downtown DC

Don your red, white, and blue, and head to Constitution Avenue for the annual National Independence Day Parade. The patriotic afternoon stroll will take place along Constitution Avenue from 7th Street, NW, to 17th Street, NW. Expect to see parade floats, military units, fife and drum corps, marching bands, and drill teams. To skip the parade crowds, you can catch a virtual replay of the parade (free).

Fourth of July Celebration with the US Navy Concert Band

July 4

Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

If you’re looking for a pre-fireworks activity, families can listen to a live concert at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. Bring a chair or blanket, and stake out a spot on the lawn as the US Navy Concert Band performs on the Chrysalis Stage (free).

July Fourth Backyard Barbecue

July 4

Salamander Washington DC

A grilling station, oyster bar, ice cream, and shareable dips will be served at Salamander Washington DC to commemorate Independence Day. The spirited meal will take place on the hotel’s luxe Grand Lawn overlooking the Washington Marina. The family-friendly evening includes activities for kids, carnival-inspired treats such as cotton candy, and cookie decorating ($203 for adults, $101 for children ages 4 to 10). Or, take a day trip to Salamander’s Middleburg location for an Independence Day buffet and lawn games ($115 for adults, $50 for children ages 3 to 12).

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

July 4

National Archives

Year-round visitors to the National Archives can learn about the Declaration of Independence, of course. But every July fourth, museum-goers get to listen in on a reading of the historic document by founding father reenactors, as well as live music performances. At this year’s celebration, The Crossroads Brass Band and Quantico Marine Band will perform. Also, the entire family can explore the inside of the museum and participate in hands-on activities such as autographing the Declaration of Independence (free).

Organ Recital with the US Army Brass Quintet

July 4

Washington National Cathedral

Here’s an indoor holiday commemoration if you’re looking to escape the summer heat: the Washington National Cathedral presents a musical celebration showcasing the world premiere of Fantasia for brass quintet and organ by David Hurd. You can listen to the melodies of the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” brass quintet, and timpani and Cathedral organist Edward Hewes in-person or virtual (free).

Fourth of July Dining Cruise

Set sail across the Potomac River from the Wharf aboard one of City Cruises’s boats. Fourth of July cruisers can choose between a late-morning buffet brunch cruise with unlimited mimosas, or an evening cruise serving a three-course plated dinner; both options include live beats by an onboard DJ. If you want dancing and fireworks, we recommend taking the evening cruise for a spectacular view of the fireworks show from inside the boat or from the open-air roof deck ($105+).

A Capitol Fourth Concert

July 4

US Capitol

A lineup of musicians will ring in the country’s birthday with a concert on the West Lawn of the US Capitol. This year’s performers include concert ensembles such as Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music, The Choral Arts Society of Washington, and classical conductor Jack Everly. You can attend the music showcase in person, or watch the PBS broadcast (free).

Fireworks on the National Mall

July 4

National Mall

Our favorite Fourth of July celebration returns to light up the National Mall on July 4 at 9:09 PM. Spectators can view a nearly 20-minute fireworks show that launches from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. We recommend reviewing the National Park Service’s entry point locations to help navigate the usually crowded event (free).

Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.

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Washington, D.C

A Virginia boater is suing a DC utility for the Potomac River sewage spill

Published

7 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

A Virginia boater is suing a DC utility for the Potomac River sewage spill

A Virginia boater is suing a Washington water utility for negligence in the collapse of a pipe that leaked millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River.

The class action lawsuit filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, comes weeks after a January sewage pipe collapse, shooting wastewater out of the ground and into the river in an area just north of Washington, D.C. The spill is seen as a serious environmental blight and became the focus of political bickering between President Donald Trump and Democratic-led Maryland, where the leak occurred.

Dr. Nicholas Lailas, M.D., the plaintiff, is a Virginia resident and recreational boat user on the Potomac who is seeking compensation for people “whose property interests in and use and enjoyment of the Potomac River … have been impaired by Defendant’s conduct.”

The lawsuit alleges that it was DC Water’s responsibility as the owner and operator of the ruptured pipe, known as the Potomac Interceptor, to maintain it in a “reasonably safe condition and to prevent foreseeable harm to persons and property.”

The lawsuit said that preliminary data indicate that there are thousands of people who own property or vessels in the affected parts of the Potomac.

Andrew Levetown, an attorney for the plaintiff, said in an interview Monday that it will take time to get the full breadth of the class, with business owners, property owners and recreational users all having interest in the potential damages caused by the Jan. 19 collapse and leak.

“You’re going to have businesses who lose business because instead of sitting next to the Potomac, their clients are sitting next to the open sewer,” he said.

The suit did not specify a damage amount. DC Water spokesperson John Lisle said in a statement that the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor was “a serious and unexpected event, and our teams remain focused on the response, environmental protection, and restoration efforts. Because this matter is currently subject to ongoing litigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared an emergency Feb. 18 and requested that President Donald Trump provide federal resources to help the city fight the leak that dumped 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River in its early stages. The president approved the emergency assistance days later to help the city address the emergency.

DC Water gave its most detailed assessment yet of why the Potomac River sewage spill occurred and what it will take to fix it. News4’s Mark Segraves reports.

DC Water said it knew the pipe, first installed in the 1960s, was deteriorating, and rehabilitation work on a section about a quarter-mile (400 meters) from the break began in September and was recently completed. The pipe that ruptured was scheduled for repair this summer.

DC Water’s updates say the emergency repairs are beyond the halfway point and there are no flows into the river.

At a public briefing last week, officials with the utility said they were assessing the cause of the rupture, including whether the way the pipeline was initially constructed contributed to the emergency. David Gadis, the CEO of DC Water, said at that briefing that while it was too early to say definitively, “we are seeing indication that this incident may have been highly unusual.”

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Washington, D.C

Route for Freedom 250 Grand Prix in DC debuted at the National Mall

Published

19 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Route for Freedom 250 Grand Prix in DC debuted at the National Mall

WASHINGTON — Get ready to start your engines, DC.

Officials unveiled the 1.66-mile circuit route Monday, where race cars will be zooming around the National Mall in August for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in celebration of America’s birthday.

The seven‑turn layout features views of the Washington Monument, US Capitol, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and part of Pennsylvania Avenue, IndyCar announced.

“This was a team effort,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “It’s Penske, it’s FOX, it’s the mayor, it’s Interior, it’s everybody else joining together not to make a profit, not to get your name out there but to say, let’s celebrate America.”

“Let’s celebrate America’s birthday.”

The first-ever street race around the National Mall will take place from Aug. 22-23, with the course itself set to be built up during the summer.

Drivers will also blast past the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum, with a pit lane on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Officials debuted a red, white, and blue “Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar” design Monday to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

“We want people to plan their trips to D.C. now,” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said. “Come for the Freedom 250, and then stay to enjoy our monuments and museums, our beautiful parks, world-class restaurants and hotels, and all the culture and entertainment that make us the best city in the world.”

President Trump took executive action back in January, tasking Duffy and Secretary of the Interior Sean Duffy to coordinate with Bowser on planning the feted event.

“The story of America is one of vision, courage, perseverance – and speed,” Monica Crowley, Trump’s representative for America’s 250th, said in a statement.

“Presidents Washington and Jefferson marked notable celebrations with spirited horse races; the Freedom 250 race will bring that historic tradition into the 21st century and renew a tremendous sense of patriotic pride.”

Trump’s team is eyeing other major sports events to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, including a UFC fight at the White House. The US is also co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup over the summer.

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Washington, D.C

Storm Team4 forecast, Enjoy a pleasant start to the week with temperatures in the 70s

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Storm Team4 forecast, Enjoy a pleasant start to the week with temperatures in the 70s

4 things to know about the weather:

“May” not “March” for now
Next rain late Wednesday, Thursday
Back to average by Friday
Much colder next Week

The warmer weather we’ve waited months for will be with us for only three more days before the March Lion starts to roar again.

Monday and Tuesday will be the best days of the week by far. Sunny skies and temperatures running 20-25° above average. Plan for highs reaching the low 70s Monday and near 80° on Tuesday.

A series of cold fronts later in the week will send temperatures back to average 54° by the end of the week and then well below average for most of next week.

Clouds will return by Wednesday morning and rain chances will arrive no later than sunset. Wednesday will still be close to 80° and have our first taste of humidity in a while. Rain is likely from Wednesday evening through noon on Thursday as our first cold front arrives.

Thursday’s highs, likely near 70°, will occur before sunrise but gusty northwest winds will have temperatures falling steadily throughout the day. Expect temperatures in the 50s, rain for the morning commute and 40s with rain ending for the ride home.

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.

Warm streak won’t last long

The good news is that Friday and the upcoming weekend look dry. Highs will be back in the mid-50s for Friday and Saturday but Sunday should get back into the mid-60s.

Another cold front will arrive early next week leading to temperatures running 10-15° below average. It’s also not entirely out of the question that there could be a wet snowflake or two on St. Patrick’s Day.

The return of the cold air next week will keep the cherry trees at bay so the odds of peak bloom occurring in March, like it has the last five to six years in a row, are looking slim at best.