WASHINGTON – The National Park Service closed the Washington Monument on Monday and Tuesday because of extreme heat. 

In an alert on their website, they did not say whether the Monument would reopen on Wednesday.

Tuesday’s highs could reach 100 degrees with a heat index near 110 degrees. 

As of Tuesday morning, no other monument closures had been announced. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated a heat alert for Sunday and an extreme heat alert for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

A heat alert means that temperatures will feel like 94 to 104 degrees, and an extreme heat alert means temperatures will feel like 105 degrees or higher.

The District has opened cooling centers as well as low barrier shelters and day centers for those experiencing homelessness. The city’s pools and splash pads are open, too. You can find a map of cooling centers here. If you or someone else needs free and accessible transportation to a cooling center, the shelter hotline can be called at (202) 399-7093 or call 311.

It’s recommended people stay indoors as much as possible, but if you have to be outside, doctors recommend staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and loose clothing, wearing sunscreen and avoiding strenuous activities to prevent heat related illnesses.

For the safety of both pets and their owners, pets should be kept inside. Walks should be done early in the morning with water breaks.

If you see an animal left outside or in a hot vehicle, the Brandywine Valley SPCA can be called at 202-888-7387.

D.C. leaders also want to remind people to make sure they’re checking in on seniors and vulnerable neighbors.

Signs of heat-related illness

In a heatwave like this, knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses is crucial.

Heat cramps can sometimes be the first sign of a more serious heat-related illness, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, according to the National Weather Service. Symptoms include painful cramps or spasms and can be treated by applying firm pressure to the muscle. As long as the person isn’t nauseous, they can also be given water.

If symptoms last for over an hour, worsen or the person vomits, seek medical attention.

There is also a risk of heat exhuastion, which is marked by the following symptoms:

If these symptoms last for over an hour, get worse or vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention, the National Weather Service said.

Move the person to a cooler area, loosen their clothing, offer sips of water and apply cool, wet cloths or have them sit in a cool bath.

Also look out for heatstroke, which is always a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly. If heatstroke is suspected, call 911 or get the person to the hospital, per the National Weather Service.

In the meantime, try to reduce their body temperature using cool, wet cloths or a bath. A fan can also be used, but only if the heat index is below 90 degrees, otherwise it could do more harm than good.

The symptoms are not that different than those of heat exhaustion and can include:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Body temperature above 103 degrees
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

People taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications should be especially cautious, as many common ones raise the risk of developing a heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle

Within 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car can get 19 degrees higher than it is outside, according to StormTeam4. So with temperatures being in the 90s this week, it can be over 100 degrees inside a vehicle.

Cracking a window is not effective in alleviating the heat, and staying in a hot car can be fatal, with victims often being children or pets.

Thirty-nine children died of heatstroke in vehicles in 2024, up 35% from 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It only takes 15 minutes for an animal to suffer from heat-related illness or death in a vehicle.

Make sure car doors are locked and that keys are out of the reach of children so they aren’t able to get in by themselves. Always lock the doors after leaving the car and check the back seats.