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Mount Vernon. Photo from mountvernon.org.
Where to View Fireworks This Fourth Of July in D.C.
June 22, 2023 @ 10:00am
From watching on rooftops to historical landmarks to Nats Park, we have your guide on where to see the most spectacular fireworks displays this Independence Day.
We all know the DMV knows how to plan an explosive Independence Day, but options for firework viewing can be overwhelming, right? We’ve put together a helpful rundown of some primo spots to view fireworks in the days leading up to the Fourth, as well as a curated list of swanky rooftops, boats and parties that offer optimal viewing opportunities for the big D.C. fireworks display, ensuring you can take in the most stunning views of the skyline. Note: Most descriptions courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity.
For our complete Independence Day weekend event picks, check out our guide.
Scrip the scroll: Check out specific spots by clicking the links below.
Shows in D.C.
July 3: Freedom Fireworks at Nationals Park
$13+. 6:05 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit early by taking in America’s game, watching the Reds play the Nationals, followed by the fireworks show presented by Budweiser.
Closest Metro: Navy Yard. 1500 S Capitol St. SE, DC; mlb.com // @nationals
July 4: 2023 Fourth at The Wharf
$60. 7 p.m. Experience a VIP fireworks viewing at The Wharf benefitting the USO. The evening includes exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building at the tip of District Pier, two drink tickets (plus cash bar), all-American light fare including gourmet sliders, mini hot dogs, sides and desserts, plus fantastic views of the National Park Service fireworks launched from the National Mall.
Closest Metro: Waterfront or L’Enfant Plaza. 101 District Sq. SW, DC; wharfdc.com // @thewharfdc
July 4: Ciel National Fireworks Viewing Party 2023
$180. 7 p.m. Fourth of July tickets include entry to Ciel, rooftop viewing of the National Fireworks, a three-hour premium open bar, heavy-passed hors d’oeuvres, live music and party favors.
Closest Metro: Gallery Place. 601 K St. NW, DC; cielsocialclub.com // @cielsocialclub
July 4: CityBarDC Rooftop Fourth of July Celebration
$40. 6 p.m. Experience CityBarDC Rooftop on a magical night where you will have views of the Navy Yard, The Wharf and the National Monument, where fireworks from all directions are planned in the city. The National Fireworks display is set to start around 9 p.m. with roughly 17 minutes of explosive joy.
Closest Metro: L’Enfant Plaza. 400 E Street SW, DC; citybardc.com // @citybardc
July 4: Georgetown Harbor 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Celebration
$140. 7:30 p.m. Instead of overcrowding on the Mall or in an overcrowded Metro, why not celebrate Independence Day in style aboard a private boat, surrounded by the monuments by moonlight, with the best view of the fireworks in the District.
Closest Metro: Rosslyn or Foggy Bottom. 3050 K St. NW, DC; thingstododc.com // @thingstododc
July 4: Inner Harbor Pier Pressure Red, White & Fireworks Cruise
$99+. 6:30 p.m. Enjoy primo views of D.C.’s fireworks spectacular from the water aboard a multi-million dollar Inner Harbor Spirit Yacht. There’s never been a better time to seek an off-land escape on the Potomac River with a signature buffet, three decks, a three-hour open bar, two top D.C. DJs, and an amazing firework show.
Closest Metro: Waterfront. 580 Water St. SW, DC; vipnightlife.com // @vipnightlife__
July 4: Rooftop Fireworks at the Lady Bird Rooftop Lounge
$175. 7 p.m. Celebrate the stars and stripes high above at the Lady Bird Rooftop Lounge. The special celebration of our nation’s capital will give you a bird’s eye view of the fireworks, with line-of-sight directly to the National Mall and Washington Monument.
Closest Metro: Dupont Circle. 1315 16th St. NW, DC; ladybirddc.com // @ladybirdbardc
July 4: Rooftop Party Upstairs at The Morrow
$35. 12 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day with DJs, specialty cocktails and a view of the fireworks for the newest rooftop located at The Morrow hotel. A vibrant rooftop playground with panoramic views of the city, with indoor and outdoor space featuring lounge-style couches, fire pits and a wrap-around bar.
Closest Metro: NoMa. 222 M St. NE, DC; themorrowhotel.com // @themorrowhotel
July 4: Tag Rooftop Bar July 4th Celebration
$150. 6 p.m. Join Tag for a unique Fourth of July experience like no other. We’re talking food, fireworks, live DJ, amazing drinks and the pool.
Closest Metro: Dupont Circle. 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; tagrooftopbar.com // @tagrooftopbar
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Shows in NoVa
June 30 – July 1: Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon
$47. 6 p.m. Enjoy an evening of family fun and fireworks along with patriotic music to celebrate our nation’s founding. The mansion will be lit in red, white and blue during this event.
Driving is your best transportation option. 3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy. Mt. Vernon, VA; mountvernon.org // @mount_vernon
July 1: Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Langley High School
Free. 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. and last about 22 minutes. Enjoy gourmet food trucks, music played by a DJ, giveaways and more family-friendly fun.
Driving is your best transportation option. 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA; mcleancenter.org // @mcleanvacenter
July 1: Workhouse Fireworks 2023
Free+. 9:15 p.m. Set on a 55-acre campus, the region’s largest pre-Independence Day fireworks show celebrates the history of this amazing nation. The event will dazzle all visitors with an incredible display of vibrant colors, bright lights and ground-shaking explosions and offer amazing and fun entertainment for all ages.
Driving is your best transportation option. 9518 Workhouse Way Lorton, VA; workhousearts.org // @workhousearts
July 2: City of Fairfax Independence Day Evening Show and Fireworks
Free. 6:30 p.m. Listen and watch local pop rock band Ocho de Bastos and Vienna Falls Chorus performances followed by a 15-minute fireworks to close out the show at Fairfax High School.
Driving is your best transportation option. 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA; fairfaxva.gov // @cityoffairfaxva
July 4: Celebration & Fireworks at the Military Women’s Memorial
$225. 6:30 p.m. Great food, fun and the best views of D.C.’s spectacular fireworks display. Relax and enjoy — and celebrate in the splendor of a leading national memorial — an experience you and your guests will never forget. Fourth of July guests enjoy a delicious catered buffet, open bars, live music, and family-friendly activities for all ages.
Closest Metro: Arlington Cemetery. Memorial Avenue and Schley Drive, Arlington, VA; womensmemorial.org // @womensmemorial
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Shows in Maryland
July 1: Mid-County Sparkles at Newport Mill Local Park
Free. 6 p.m. For those looking to escape the crowds of the National Mall, check out this local Maryland park. Enjoy all the sparkles the 4th of July offers at this family-friendly event.
Closest Metro: Wheaton. 11201 Newport Mill Rd. Wheaton, MD; montgomeryparks.org // @montgomeryparks
July 1: Summerfest at Boher Park
Free. 1 p.m. This free festival has everything you need for the 4th: food trucks, live music, games, fireworks (of course) and even an after-dark glow party.
Driving is your best transportation option. 506 S Frederick Ave. Gaithersburg, MD; gaithersburgmd.gov // @gburgmd
July 3: 2023 Bladensburg Fireworks
Free. 6 p.m. The 2023 Bladensburg Fireworks Independence Day Celebration event is upon us. This year, the focus is America’s advancements in space and technology featuring Space Commander DJ Flava from 93.9 WKYS, food trucks and amusements, like space laser tag.
Driving is your best transportation option. 4601 Annapolis Rd. Bladensburg, MD; bladensburgmd.gov
July 3 – July 4: July 4th Fireworks at Spain Wine Bar in Ocean City
Free+. 4 p.m. Looking for the best view of the fireworks during your beach getaway? Look no further than Spain Wine Bar in downtown Ocean City, Maryland. The restaurant will be serving dinner from on Monday and Tuesday with specialty Fourth of July cocktails and food specials for the festivities.
Driving is your best transportation option. 13 St Louis Ave. Ocean City, MD; spainwinebar.com // @spainwinebar
July 4: Rockville Independence Day Celebration at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm
Free. 7 p.m. Enjoy live music by Vertigo Red while watching Rockville’s annual 20-minute firework show. With tons of parking options, this might be the DMV’s best kept secret for 4th of July fireworks viewing.
Closest Metro: Shady Grove. 1800 Piccard Dr. Rockville, MD; rockvillemd.gov // @city_of_rockville
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