July 4th Fireworks 2024 Around Washington DC

WASHINGTON, DC — Independence Day is fast approaching so it's time to decide where you can celebrate in and around Washington, D.C. Area events include fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun.

To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what’s going on in and the surrounding areas.

Many people will be heading to D.C. for the big 4th of July Celebration on the National Mall. The National Park Service has posted a schedule of events, maps and other information online to make sure you're in the best spot to watch the fireworks display when it starts at 9:09 p.m.

If you head to D.C. earlier in the day, you can catch the National Independence Day Parade, which kicks of at 11:25 a.m. at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W.

Southeast grounds of the Washington Monument, Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area: Visit the Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area on the southeast grounds of the monument for activities and a scavenger hunt about the monuments and memorials on the National Mall. You can also complete your Independence Day Junior Ranger booklet full of family-friendly, fun activities to earn a special Junior Ranger badge! Stop by from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Independence Day.

Fireworks on the National Mall: 9:09 p.m. to 9:27 p.m.
The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall. The display will be held on Thursday, July 4, starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

A Capitol Fourth, then annual concert broadcast by PBS, will start at 8 p.m. and provide a great place to watch the fireworks burst above the National Mall. This is a popular event, so get there early. Gates open at the U.S. Capitol grounds at 3 p.m.

More July 4 Events In DC

The annual Independence Day celebration at Mount Vernon includes visiting the estate's museums, enjoying gorgeous views from the mansion's piazza, strolling through the gardens, visiting the final resting place of George and Martha Washington and much more. Tickets are available now.

The Washington Nationals annually play at Nationals Park on Independence Day, holding an 11:05 a.m. game. This year, the Nats will take on the rival New York Mets. Check the Nats' website for ticket availability.

The reopened National Portrait Gallery's America’s Presidents exhibit is ideal for an Independence Day visit. The collection displays images of past presidents, as well as beautiful sculptures and famous paintings.

Dig deep into our country’s history at the National Museum of American History, which is free to enter. Observe the flag that inspired our national anthem, explore the Civil Rights movement, enjoy interactive displays and experience Entertainment Nation, a robust summary of decades of arts and culture filled with artifacts.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a family-friendly spot to spend an Independence Day afternoon. Observe elephants in training, help to feed the fish, meet a Great Ape keeper or explore a rainforest habitat.