July 4 Fireworks: Guide To Events Around Old Town Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Old Town Alexandria in 2023.

We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Old Town Alexandria so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Old Town Alexandria:

July 4 Festivities

Alexandria 274th/USA 247th Birthday Celebration and Fireworks

When: Saturday, July 8, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., rain date Sunday, July 9

Where: Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA

The Alexandria/USA Birthday Celebration will feature fireworks, live music, food and more. The fireworks display is expected to begin around 9:30 p.m.

The schedule is:

• 6 p.m.: Performance by Three Man Soul Machine
• 7:30 p.m.: Welcome by NPR’s Suraya Mohamed, announcement by Town Crier, remarks by Mayor Justin Wilson, poetry by Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam
• 8 p.m.: Distribution of birthday cupcakes by members of City Council
• 8:30 p.m.: Performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
• 9:30 p.m.: Grand finale fireworks display with Alexandria Symphony Orchestra performing 1812

Fireworks will be viewable at Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza) , Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.), Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.), Founders Park (351 North Union St.), Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.), Point Lumley Park, (1 Duke St.), Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.), Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.), Jones Point Park (Jones Point Drive) and George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Drive).

Mount Vernon's Independence Fireworks

When: Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA

Enjoy fireworks set to patriotic music while the mansion is lit in red, white and blue. There will be concessions on the East Lawn, live music from the National Concert Band, The Fifes & Drums of York Town, a visit from George Washington, mansion tours, wreath layings at the Washington tomb, 18th century lawn games, ice cream making demonstrations and more. This event is ticketed and already sold out.

Workhouse Arts Center Fireworks

When: Saturday, July 1, starting at 6 p.m.

Where: Workhouse Quad, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA

This pre-Independence Day event is one of the largest in the region. While the event is free, it costs $40 for a vehicle to enter. A ticket comes with access to a concert under the Rizer Pavilion with The Radio Sparks band, access to the Workhouse quad starting at 6 p.m. fireworks display around 9:15 p.m., access to artist studios, galleries and Lucy Barns Museum, and access to food trucks and drinks for purchase.

City of Falls Church Independence Day Celebration

When: Sunday, July 2, 6 p.m.

Where: Meridian High School, 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA

Fireworks return to the Little City along with family activities and live music. The main fireworks viewing area will be the lawn and track at the Meridian High School Stadium, but overflow viewing will be available in the Virginia Tech lot. Attendees can bring small bags, coolers, food, beverages not in glass containers, blankets, and camping or stadium style chairs. Snacks will be available for purchase. Fireworks will begin around 9:20 p.m.

McLean Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

When: Saturday, July 1, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA

This event features fireworks beginning around 9:15 p.m., gourmet food trucks, a DJ and giveaways. There will be limited parking on site. A shuttle will serve parking locations: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 11 p.m.; Churchill Elementary School, 7100 Churchill Ave. from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 11 p.m.; and St. Luke Catholic Church and School, 7001 Georgetown Pike from 7 p.m. to approximately 11 p.m.

City of Fairfax Independence Day Evening Show and Fireworks

When: Sunday, July 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA

The fireworks have been a tradition since 1967. Enjoy performances from Ocho de Bastos, national anthem from the Vienna- Falls Chorus, speeches, and a fireworks display from 9:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Bags and coolers will be checked at the event.

Vienna Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

When: Sunday, July 2, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Drive SW, Vienna, VA

This fireworks event is part of Vienna's third annual Liberty Amendments Month. Along with fireworks starting around 9:30 p.m., there will be live music, kids entertainment, games, food trucks and more. Food and drinks will also be available from the Vienna Little League concessions stand. Blankets and lawn chairs can be brought to the event, but chairs cannot be used on the baseball field.

Washington, DC Fourth of July Celebration

When: July 4

Where: Around National Mall, Washington, DC

There will be various events for Fourth of July in DC, including the National Independence Day Parade from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW with marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more. A Capitol Fourth Concert is a free event held on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol at 8 p.m. and will be livestreamed. Fireworks will be held starting at 9:09 p.m., launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

4th of July Celebration & Fireworks at the Military Women's Memorial

When: July 4, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Military Women's Memorial, Memorial Ave and Schley Dr., Arlington, VA

The Military Women's Memorial will host families for views of DC's fireworks. Attendees will enjoy a catered buffet, open bars, live music, family-friendly movies and popcorn, activities for all ages, photo booth, games and glowsticks.

City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade

When: Tuesday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Downtown Fairfax, VA

The Independence Day Parade has been a tradition since 1967 and is the largest in Virginia. Parade participants include marching bands, floats, Shriners' little cars and big motorcycles, old fire engines, clowns and more. The parade is typically followed by an Old-Fashioned Fireman's Day with children's fire safety activities. Parade food vendors will also be on site.