What to know about the July Fourth celebrations in DC
On July 4th, millions of Americans are expected to descend upon Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the nation’s capital.
Between record-setting parades, military flyovers, and fireworks on the National Mall, the district will be buzzing on Independence Day. But the many celebrations also come with road closures, suspension of commercial flights, and restrictions on boat traffic.
Here’s everything to know about the July 4th festivities in Washington and the effects they will have on the city.
On Friday, July 3rd, D.C. will host its annual “A Capitol Fourth” concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol grounds, followed by a fireworks display at Mount Vernon. The concert will feature performances from country music singer Trace Adkins, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and several other music groups and conductors. Hosted by Capital Concerts, the annual event will also air live on PBS.
On Independence Day, several events are happening across the district. In the morning, the National Archives will host its annual July 4th celebrations, which kick off at 8:30 a.m. with live music and arts and crafts, and a 10 a.m. ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence.
At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, the annual National Independence Day Parade will start heading down Constitution Avenue and run between 3rd Street NW and 12th Street SW. The parade will feature displays from every state and a variety of costumes and performances representing the entire United States.
During the day, visitors can head to the Great American State Fair, which began on June 25 and runs through July 10. On the National Mall, there will be military flyovers and musical performances beginning at 1 p.m.
In the evening on July 4th, there will be several fireworks shows, with the Salute to America National Mall fireworks beginning around 11 p.m., according to Mayor Muriel Bowser, and lasting for about 40 minutes. There is also a new, second fireworks show on the Anacostia River that the National Park Service is hosting in honor of the 250th anniversary.
In addition to these major events, smaller events are happening throughout the city, including rooftop parties, a Washington Nationals baseball game, and more.
With many events happening across the nation’s capital this holiday, there will also be traffic disruptions. Here’s what to know to avoid a jam.
Given the military flyovers over the Beltway, Reagan National Airport has announced it will halt all travel into and out of the airport at certain times on July 3 and July 4. DCA has halted all flights “for several hours” in the early afternoon on July 3rd and all flights after noon on July 4.
On the Potomac River from 9 a.m. on July 4 to 9 a.m. on July 5, boaters will face several restrictions due to the fireworks displays, according to a traffic advisory from the Metropolitan Police Department. From the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the 14th Street Bridge, there will be an anchorage zone on the east side of the Potomac River; except for where the water gets shallow close to the eastern bank, where there will be no anchoring or boating allowed at all. Boats will be allowed to pass on the west side of the river.
In terms of street closures, these roads will be closed on July 4 from 4 a.m. to midnight for the parade and fireworks display: