How to Spend the 4th of July in DC

America’s National Independence Day Parade is an annual parade that takes place on July 4th at 11:45 am in Washington, D.C., on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street. People can join the street audience among hundreds of thousands of other spectators. If you’re viewing the parade in person, generally, the closer you get toward the end of the parade route, at 17th St NW, the less crowded it is and therefore it’s easier to see the route.

If you can make it, you can stream the parade live on Facebook or watch a recording of the parade later on Youtube.  The parade features bands, fife and drum groups, military units, VIPs, drill teams, celebrities, and national dignitaries. You can learn more, join the parade. or sign up to volunteer with helping to organize this large-scale and fun event on the parade’s website here.

Each year, the National Park Service and other partners work together to host an incredible fireworks display for Independence Day in DC. On July 4, 2022, people can come to the National Mall to watch the extravagant 35 minute fireworks show among the capital’s most iconic monuments and memorials. The fireworks will start at 9:07 pm and end at 9:42 pm., as long as the skies are clear.

Some of the best viewing options for the fireworks include:

• Lincoln Memorial
• U.S. Capitol
• The National Mall
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial
• As well as other locations in DC and Virginia as well 

If you’re interested in learning about the memorials and viewing spots, check out our educational and fun tours here and read more about the fireworks and other tips, safety, and scheduling information here.

After two years of virtual performances during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 42nd annual “A Capitol Fourth” concert will commence live in front of the United States Capitol and will be open to the public. Hosting the concert is four-time Grammy-nominee and country music star Mickey Guyton. Other performers include Darren Criss, Cynthia Erivo, Yolanda Adams, Andy Grammer, Chita Rivera, and many more.

The Concert will air live from the West Front of the Capitol building on Monday, July 4th at 8pm, and people can watch the dress rehearsal at 8pm on July 3rd as well. Both events are open to the public, and gates open at 3pm for those interested. No tickets are required and public entrances to the West Front of the Capitol building include the North/Senate Side of Capitol Square (Third Street, NW, and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW) and South/House Side of Capitol Square (Third Street, SW, and Maryland Avenue, SW). It is recommended that those attending the concert use public transportation as parking is limited in the surrounding areas and there is no public parking in the immediate area of the U.S. Capitol. Read the USPC press release for more information about security, prohibited items, and inclement weather, and for more on the details of the concert, performers, and how to stream it, check out PBS’s ‘A Capitol Fourth’ page.

We understand that there’s a lot to know about in the nation’s capital, and taking a trip to DC may be a bit overwhelming. For a simple and fun way to learn about the city and its various incredible landmarks, consider taking a tour to learn about the iconic monuments and memorials in a stress-free way! This is the perfect way to supplement your Fourth of July celebrations in DC. Our narrated tour goes down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol and through the heart of the National Mall where you can see various monumental landmarks, memorials, and other sites that show the interesting details of the nation’s capital. Schedule a day or night tour here to see the beautiful sites of our nation’s capital this 4th of July weekend!