WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — As America gears up to celebrate its 249th birthday, several fireworks shows are planned to take place across the DMV, lighting up the skies of the nation’s capital.
Although people travel far and wide to watch the fireworks along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., there are several places across D.C., Maryland and Virginia where people can go to see the sky filled with color.
Maryland
Boonsboro Independence Day Celebration | July 3 (Rain date July 5)
A dazzling fireworks display will light up the sky at Shafer Park, at 37 Park Drive in Boonsboro, beginning at 9:30 p.m. However, guests can enjoy live music and food vendors starting at 5 p.m.
Event-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, click here.
Star-Spangled Nights at Six Flags America | July 4, 5 & 6
Celebrate Independence Day with roller coasters, an interactive photo booth, a foam party, slides and live music at Six Flags & Hurricane Harbor in Bowie. Fireworks will paint the sky each night during the three-day celebration at 9:15 p.m.
This will be the last time guests can catch the Independence Day celebration at Six Flags in Bowie, as the park is set to close its doors in November.
Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration | July 4
The annual celebration at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm features live music, food trucks and a 20-minute fireworks display.
Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. and free parking will be available in lots along Shady Grove and Gaither Roads, as well as on Piccard Drive.
To learn more about the fun-filled event, click here.
Virginia
4th of July Celebration, Culpeper | July 4
The Town of Culpeper will commemorate the Fourth of July with not only fireworks but also moon bounces, a car and bike show, live music, food trucks, craft vendors and the town’s annual Culpeper Freedom 5k.
The fireworks will be set off from Rockwater Park at 9:15 p.m. However, for safety reasons, the public will not be allowed into the park starting at 5 p.m., so people will need to select a viewing spot nearby.
For more about where the events are taking place and the schedule for the day, click here. To register for the 5k race, which costs $35, click here.
An American Celebration, Mount Vernon | July 4
Looking to celebrate a bit earlier in the day? An American Celebration at Mount Vernon features daytime fireworks over the Potomac River. The show starts at 1 p.m. and can be viewed from the East Lawn.
But that’s not all; several festivities are set to take place during the patriotic extravaganza. which will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature the fife and drums of the American Revolution, a magic show and military drills.
The event will also feature a naturalization ceremony for new U.S. citizens, alongside a keynote address from former California governor and renowned actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Tickets are $28 for those 12 and older, and $15 for children six to 11. Children under five and Mount Vernon members can enjoy the festivities for free.
Independence Day Celebration, Fairfax | July 4 (Rain date: July 5)
Fireworks will set the sky aglow at the Fairfax High School Stadium at 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, from 9:30 to 9:45 p.m. Band performances will precede and follow the dazzling display, and the Vienne-Falls Chorus will sing the National Anthem at 8 p.m.
In the event of rain, organizers will reschedule the fireworks to 9:30 p.m. on July 5.
Hoping to celebrate all day? The City of Fairfax will host its annual Independence Day Parade downtown from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.
DC
Nationals Park | July 3
Nothing says America like baseball and fireworks. Baseball lovers can catch a fireworks show at Nationals Park after the Washington Nationals take on the Detroit Tigers.
The game kicks off at 6:45 p.m., with fireworks to follow. Click here for tickets.
The National Mall | July 4
One of the most iconic places to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July is the National Mall, in the heart of the nation’s capital. The colorful 17 1/2-minute display is set to illuminate the sky at around 9:09 p.m., launching from the sides of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool, according to the National Park Service.
Visitors should plan to arrive early and consider wearing earplugs and bringing eye protection to protect themselves from incidental falling debris, officials noted. Viewing areas on the National Mall, near the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool, will be accessible only through secure access points.
Other viewing areas around the District
Watching the fireworks over D.C. is one of the highlights of the Fourth of July, but the crowds can make it a headache. Less crowded places where people can catch views of the show in D.C. include the U.S. Capitol, the White House Ellipse, West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
On the Virginia side, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, the grounds of the Netherlands Carillon, Gravelly Point Park, Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove and along the Mount Vernon Trail provide more secluded viewing.
