AP Photo/Intelligencer Journal, Justin David Graybill
It's America's birthday and there's no place better to celebrate than the capital city, Washington. Check out these suggestions for great places to catch fireworks in and around DC.
- A Capitol Fourth is the city's largest celebration and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Jimmy Smits hosts a concert with country star Reba McEntire, the legendary Gladys Knight, Darius Rucker and 'American Idol' David Archuleta. The show starts at 8pm and gates open at 3pm. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket to the West Lawn of the US Capitol and enjoy an evening under the stars, and stay tuned for fireworks at the end.
If you can't attend in person, the concert also airs on local PBS stations.
- Want to see the Capitol fireworks but avoid crowds? Check out the view from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or the grounds of the Washington Monument. Better yet, escape downtown and head for Rosslyn's Iwo Jima Memorial or Gravelly Point Park in Arlington.
- The Montgomery County Fairgrounds opens at 5pm for Gaithersburg's annual Fourth of July celebration, featuring Appaloosa and a fireworks show at dusk. No alcohol is allowed.
- Celebrate the Fourth in Falls Church with fireworks and music by the Ken Smith Band. The party starts at 7pm at George Mason High School.
- Lake Fairfax Park in Reston celebrates Independence Day from dawn 'til dusk. Cool off with swimming, ride the antique carousel and participate in the annual duck races before the fireworks, which start at approximately 9:15pm.
- Takoma Park's Independence Day celebration is one of America's oldest, dating back 121 years. A parade begins at 10am, followed by a community barbecue. Participate in a wiffle ball tournament before the main event. Fireworks start at around 9:30pm.
Where is your favorite place to watch the fireworks on July 4? Do you know of a secret location?
Comments
Thanks for the great tips. I've missed your articles about DC and welcome the info.
OR find a friend in DC with a rooftop to skip the crowds but keep the view!
I love fireworks! Thanks for the information
I think Simone is right on the mark!
Great info, thanks!
Thanks for the tips. But you can't actually get onto the grounds of the Washington Monument because that's where the set off the fireworks, and the steps of the Lincoln offer fabulous views of the show, but that's not where you go to AVOID crowds ;) Over the Memorial Bridge to the Virginia side of the Potomac in front of Arlington National Cemetery is lots more spacious and relaxed. Happy Independence Day!
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