All over the District, we’re getting ready to celebrate July 4th.
Residents of the Hill and it’s environs can expect to hear fireworks starting late this week and late into the night July 4th. (Some would be surprised if you’re not hearing them already, and add that you should probably expect to hear them until Labor Day).
Here are some events being held to celebrate in the District. Do you have an event we should add? Email leads@hillrag.com
Remember, COVID is still out there. The virus is now known to be transferred largely through airborne particles, rather than on surfaces of objects. Unvaccinated folks, including children aged 2 and older, should wear masks –especially in large crowds. The risk is higher where large numbers of people are gathered in limited space, especially if they are unmasked.
On The National Mall: The Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue is cancelled, but the National Park Service (NPS) will set off 17 minutes of fireworks by the Lincoln Memorial starting at 9:09 p.m. on July 4.
The 19th annual Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade is a local tradition and is considered one of the District’s best events. Members of the community gather together along Barracks Row to watch community groups, local organizations, politicians, churches, schools, marching bands and the Capitol Hill BID Men in Blue troop by, many tossing candy at the children. The parade traditionally starts at Eighth and I Streets SE at 10 a.m., proceeding along Barracks Row to conclude at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Get your groups together and join in on the fun! Register your group here. Learn more about the Capitol Hill Community July 4th Parade by visiting www.capitolhill4thparade.com.
Community Ribbon Cutting at Plaza Park: After nearly a decade of community work, Eastern Market Metro Park (EMMP) is now officially open. Located at Pennsylvania Ave. SE between Seventh and Eighth Streets SE, the plaza features a new playground, splash pad, a pavilion as well as pedestrian and streetscape improvements. Join Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6-D) and the many folks who put in the hard work to build this vision for a ribbon cutting Sunday, July 4 at the end of the Capitol Hill July 4th Parade, probably around 11 a.m. on the plaza near Eastern Market Metro Station.
Independence! A Walking Taste Tour: July 3rd from 2 to 5 p.m.. A one-of-a-kind walking and beverage tasting tour, Independence! celebrates the reopening of DC businesses and captures the July 4th spirit. Guests of Eastern Market Main Street (EMMS) can taste signature libations from local restaurants and drinkeries, and experience Capitol Hill history and culture in a way designed to satisfy curiosity and quench thirst. 21+, tickets $35 online.
Independence Day Hoedown and Parade at Palisades July 3 & 4 Palisades 4th of July Celebration starts with a kick-off event, the Hoedown on the Green at Palisades Park on July 3rd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.! There’s music, dancing –and at 7 p.m. a Pie Eating Contest! Want to sign up the juniors (under 15 yo) for the big kids heat? Or are you ready to win? Email Jessica Davis at davis.jessicaL@gmail.com Spots fill up fast.
The Palisades Community Association’s Fourth of July parade has taken place every year since 1966 – except for last year. But it’s back! The parade starts Sunday, July 4th at noon at the corner of Whitehaven Pkwy and MacArthur Blvd NW and ends at the Palisades Rec Center. Click here for more information.
Fourth at The Wharf: VIP Fireworks Viewing Experience will include access to the Dockmaster Building, two drink tickets (plus a cash bar) featuring Smirnoff’s new pink lemonade vodka, gourmet snacks, and a fantastic view of the National Park Service fireworks show. This experience is presented by Smirnoff Red White and Berry. Tickets are $40, and it starts at 7 p.m. Register for the event at the Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Reading of Declaration of Independence at National Archives: The National Archives marks the 245th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program both online and in person! Highlights include welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and Archives educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony emceed by journalist Soledad O’Brien. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The full schedule can be found at www.archivesjuly4.org. Register online here.
White Ford Bronco at the Bullpen Declare your independence from the new milennium. DC’s 90s band rocks your world just before the fireworks, playing every type of music made in the last decade of the twentieth century. The show at the Bullpen (1201 Half St. SE) starts at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4th and ends at 8 p.m., so you can still see fireworks. Doors at 5 p.m. 21 +, dogs welcome, food available. Tickets $22 in advance or $25 cash at the door.
Washington Nationals vs LA Dodgers What better way to spend the day of July 4th than at America’s pastime? The Nationals take on the Dodgers at 11:05 a.m. at Nationals Stadium. Tickets are still available starting at $22.
Watch the Fireworks from Whiskey Charlie’s A premium cocktail bar perched atop the Canopy Hilton at the Wharf (975 Seventh St. SW). You can book a spot to watch the fireworks from their tenth-floor rooftop patio by the riverside. Tickets at Eventbrite
Yoga for Black Lives Matter at National Museum of African American History and Culture Every Sunday since April, Yogi Rachel Baylor of Evolving Lives, Body & Mind has hosted a weekly donation-based Sunset Yoga session at sunset outside the National African American History Museum (1400 Constitution Ave. NW) to support the movement of #blacklivesmatter. The yoga series is designed as a space to tune in to the present moment and listen to the voice guiding us to, “be the change we wish to seek in the world”, to activate against these challenges and affect change. “By taking an hour of your day to dedicate to your self-care via yoga you are preserving your self, you are unifiying with your community and taking a stand just through unification, an act of political warfare,” writes Baylor. A great way to mark July 4th. Tickets online.
Independence Day at Mount Vernon July 4th is a prime occasion to visit George Washington’s home, the Mount Vernon estate. Located about 30 minutes drive from the city, join “An American Celebration” on July 4th. Salute the founding father, watch daytime fireworks, listen to Revolutionary War music and try Colonial-style ice cream. The event is ticketed; adults are $28, youth $15 and kids five and under free.
