June 25, 2019
How Are You Celebrating America’s 243rd Birthday?
by Korrea Johnston
What better place to celebrate America’s birthday than the nation’s capital? Washington, DC is home to some of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the country. We observe the holiday with plenty of events including the Independence Day Parade, the Nationals baseball game, and of course watching the epic fireworks display on the National Mall.
New this year, we’ve created a Getting to the Fireworks Guide that highlights how to best access all the celebrations by walking, biking, and/or taking public transit. Similar to our popular Getting to the Blossoms Guide, it’s sure to be your favorite resource to get around town! It’s available for FREE download.
Here are some suggested activities to celebrate on July 4th:
Learn the History of Independence Day
Time: 10am – 11am
Location: National Archives
This dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence features costumed interpreters who portray historical characters including Abigail Adams, John Adams, John Dunlap, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
Metro Stations:
- Archives-Navy Memorial (Green and Yellow Lines)
Capital Bikeshare Stations:
- 10th St & Constitution Ave NW
- 8th & D St NW
Enjoy America’s Pastime at Nationals Park
Time: 11:05am
Location: Nationals Park
The Washington Nationals annually play at Nationals Park on Independence Day, holding an early game to accommodate the activities held throughout the city the rest of the day. This year, the Nats will take on the division rival Miami Marlins. Expect an exciting game and a lively atmosphere at Nats Park for the early holiday game.
Metro Stations:
- Navy Yard-Ballpark (Green Line)
Capital Bikeshare Stations:
- 1st & N St SE
- 1st & M St SE
- Potomac Ave & Half St SW
Cheer at the National Independence Day Parade
Time: 11:45am – 2pm
Location: Constitution Avenue
Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrians, drill teams, and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic parade.
Metro Stations:
- Archives-Navy Memorial (Green and Yellow Lines)
- Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines)
Capital Bikeshare Stations:
- 10th St & Constitution Ave NW
- 14th & D St NW/Ronald Reagan Building
- 15th St & Constitution Ave NW
- 18th & C St NW
- 19th St & Constitution Ave NW
Entertainment at the Capitol Fourth Concert
Time: 8pm – 9:30pm
Location: US Capitol West Lawn
Co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Symphony Orchestra, A Capital Fourth honors our nation’s 243rd birthday with an all-star salute of the best in American entertainment. Gates open at 3pm.
Metro Stations:
- Capitol South (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines)
- Union Station (Red Line)
Capital Bikeshare Stations:
- Constitution Ave & 2nd St NW/DOL
- Washington & Independence Ave SW/HHS
Watch the Fireworks Display
Time: 9:07pm – 9:27pm
Independence Day culminates with a spectacular firework display over the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from West Potomac Park and visible from many locations across DC and Northern Virginia. The fireworks will be cancelled in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms, or high winds.
Multiple Metro Stations and Capital Bikeshare Stations in the downtown core will provide access to the fireworks display. Download our FREE Getting to the Fireworks Guide to help you navigate downtown.
