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Fourth at The Wharf. Photo by Patrick Revord.
14 Events to Celebrate Fourth of July in the District
June 22, 2023 @ 11:00am
Get ready for all things red, white and blue with our curated event picks for Independence Day and weekend.
What better place to celebrate the stars and stripes than our nation’s capital? We have you covered with patriotic events leading up to, and on Independence Day that will have you partying four days straight. From a rooftop pool bash and dinner under the stars to the fireworks 10K run and the Nationals annual Independence Day Game, this Fourth will be jam-packed with can’t-miss events. So dress head to toe in red, white and blue and get ready to party like it’s 1776.
Plus, check out our comprehensive guide for where to see Fourth of July fireworks.
7.1
Drink For America Bar Crawl on Dupont Circle
Cheers to America a few days early with an Independence Day bar crawl. Stop at 12 Dupont Circle bars for free admission, drink deals and surprise giveaways. And don’t forget the USA gear — it is America’s birthday party after all. $11+. 2 p.m. Multiple Locations. merevents.com // @merevents
Dinner Under the Stars in Annapolis
Celebrate the stars and stripes with dinner under the stars this Fourth of July weekend. Throughout summer Annapolis is closing down the first block of West Street on Wednesdays and select Saturdays for open-air dining. Kick-off the holiday off right with a night of live music, art demonstrations and flavorful food just a few steps from the water. Free+. 5 p.m. The first block of West St. innerweststreetannapolis.com // @inner_west_street_annapolis
7.3
Independence Day Eve at Lost Society
The Fourth of July means no work on Tuesday — which really means the party starts Monday night. This is Lost Society’s first annual Independence Day eve and they are partnering with Lobos Tequila to create the ultimate celebration. Wave your American flag in one hand and sip a Pomegranate marg from the other as you dance the night away. Free+ 10 p.m. 2001 14th St. NW, DC. lostsociety-dc.com // @lostsocietydc
7.4
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
You know that question, “If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?” If you answered George Washington, then July Fourth is your lucky day. Visit Mount Vernon and have the chance to meet the most iconic founding father while listening to the National Concert Band. Free+. 9 a.m. 3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy. Mt. Vernon, VA. mountvernon.org // @mount_vernon
A Capitol Fourth at the U.S. Capitol
For over 40 years this concert has been a quintessential Independence Day event. Whether you tune in to PBS or pull out your blankets and pick a prime spot on the Capitol grounds, check this holiday classic off of your D.C. bucket list. Including performers like Maddie & Tae, The National Symphony Orchestra and even the Muppets followed by one of the best firework displays nationwide, the concert will definitely leave you counting down the days till next year. Free. 8 p.m. West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, DC. pbs.org // @july4thpbs
Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals at Nationals Park
Fill your arms with hotdogs and beer — American classics — and prepare to watch the Nationals take on the Reds at their annual Independence Day ball game. The first 10,000 fans will get American flag sunglasses — what a great way to get into the U.S.A spirit. $18+. 11:05 a.m. 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC. mlb.com/nationals // @nationals
Fourth of July Fireworks 5K & 10K at Burke Lake Park
Fireworks won’t be the only thing sparkling this Fourth of July. Get your sparkle — or as some call it sweat — on with a fireworks race. Choose between a 5K or a 10K scenic race around Burke Lake to celebrate this year. $30+. 7:45 a.m. 7315 Ox Rd. Fairfax Station, VA. bishopsevents.com // @bishopseventsllc
Fourth of July at La Vie Penthouse
If you are too cool for British rule, then you should definitely stop in to La Vie Penthouse for their Fourth of July party. Indulge in specialty cocktails and American food all while dancing to your favorites played by a live DJ. To end the night, enjoy fireworks sparkling across the D.C. skyline. $29+. 4 p.m. 55 District Square SW, DC. lavie-dc.com // @lavie_dc
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Fourth of July at Top of the Gate
The Watergate Hotel’s rooftop and bar is the perfect spot to commemorate independence with its 360-degree view of some of D.C.’s most iconic sights including the Washington Monument, Potomac River, Key and Arlington bridges and the Kennedy Center. To make an entire night of it, grab your friends and take advantage of their special Fourth of July hotel price. Sip drinks from the open bar before you retire to your room just a few steps away. $150+. 6 p.m. 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC. thewatergatehotel.com // @watergatehotel
Fourth at The Wharf
BYOB — bring your own boat for this waterfront Fourth of July celebration. Whether you dock or walk, head to the District Pier at The Wharf and commemorate the stars and stripes with music, drinks and views of the National Park Service fireworks show. Looking for an elevated experience? Upgrade your experience to VIP to get exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building, two complimentary drinks and small bites. Free+. 7 p.m. 101 District Sq. SW, DC. wharfdc.com/fourth // @thewharfdc
July 4 Celebration Pool Party at Tag Rooftop Bar
The Fourth of July means it’s peak summertime – a.k.a. perfect pool weather. At Tag Rooftop Bar the dress code is swim chic. Get ready to take a dip into their rooftop pool before diving into their American themed buffet – but wait – don’t forget their open bar, Skye Vodka party favors and firework views to end the night. $150+. 6 p.m. 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC. experiencetheven.com // @thevenembassyrow
July Fourth Backyard Barbeque at the Salamander
The Fourth is all about red, white and barbeque. Without a backyard barbeque and fireworks, July Fourth just feels like any other day. Join the Salamander Washington D.C. for their upgraded version of this classic holiday event. The whole family is invited to enjoy mouthwatering food and drinks, watch grilling demonstrations and listen to live music all evening long. $65+. 5 p.m. 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, DC; salamanderdc.com // @salamanderhoteldc
National Fireworks Viewing Party at Ciel
Ciel is glitzing up your typical Fourth of July party for a night you will never forget. This luxury lounge features celestial decor and extensive views of the U.S. Capitol — perfect for late-night fireworks. Put on your best stars and stripes outfit and get ready for Ciel’s lavish take on Independence Day with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and party favors. $180+. 7 p.m. 601 K St. NW, DC; cielsocialclub.com // @cielsocialclub
National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue
Bands chosen from every state come together with drill teams, national dignitaries and celebrity participants to create a Fourth of July event that has something for the whole family. Join hundreds of thousands of spectators and watch as over-the-top floats, giant balloons and of course endless American flags are aptly paraded down Constitution Avenue. Free. 11:45 a.m. Constitution Ave. NW, DC. july4thparade.com
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