Ready to celebrate America’s birthday? You’ll find plenty of ways to get in the patriotic spirit this July 4th weekend, whether it’s family fun with the kids or rooftop cocktails with fireworks as a backdrop. Here are some festive holiday happenings around Northern Virginia. Plus, avoid bridge traffic and check out our list of great places to view the D.C. fireworks from the Arlington side of the river.
McLean Independence Day Celebration
For an early holiday salute with all the pomp and circumstance, swing by the Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration June 28, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Langley High School in McLean. Grab some food truck eats, dance to a live DJ spinning tunes and enjoy free giveaways. The festivities conclude with a fireworks show. The event and parking are free. Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Independence Day at Mount Vernon
The Terminator (aka Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger) will deliver a keynote address to 100 new American citizens on Independence Day at Mount Vernon. The famed actor, bodybuilder and politician, an Austrian who became a U.S. citizen in 1983, will speak during a naturalization ceremony at 10 a.m. July 4 at George Washington’s estate. For little ones who are too young to stay up late, Mount Vernon is also staging a made-for-daytime fireworks show at 1 p.m. In addition, head to the upper garden between 12:30 and 3 p.m. for an 18th century magic show, then hear a fife-and-drum performance commemorating the American Revolution at 2:30 p.m. Find the full schedule of events, including a performance by the National Concert Band on the website. Tickets are $15 for kids ages 6-11 and $28 for adults. Kids 5 and under get in free. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Arlington Neighborhood Celebrations
Love a July 4th parade or party? Multiple Arlington neighborhoods will be taking over the streets on Independence Day with stars and stripes regalia.
9:15 a.m. Bellevue Forest Citizens’ Association Parade: A procession of bikes, trikes, wagons, strollers and four-legged friends rolls through with prizes and refreshments at the end of the parade. Starts at the intersection of Roberts Lane and Oxford Street, Arlington
10 a.m. Fairlington Villages July 4th Parade: Every year, hundreds of spectators show up to watch or participate in this annual parade. Anyone can march, including kids on bikes and dogs on leashes. Enjoy ice cream and temporary tattoos and buy tasty treats. Sales benefit the No Kid Hungry bake sale. Starts at the Fairlington Fire Station on S. Abingdon St., Arlington
10 a.m. Douglas Park Civic Association Parade & Potluck: This event kicks off with bicycle decorating for children at Monroe Park. At 10:30, the parade marches to Douglas Park (decorated floats and vintage cars welcome). Then enjoy live music, a potluck lunch, fire truck, bouncy house and water slide. Start: 1330 S. Monroe St., Arlington, Finish: 1718 S. Quincy St., Arlington (Douglas Park)
12 p.m. The Bluemont neighborhood celebrates Independence Day by ringing the bell in Constitution Garden Park. Everyone gets to ring the bell, young and old. Enjoy cupcakes, bubbles, books and more for kids—and the young at heart. Corner of N. George Mason Drive and Wilson Blvd., Arlington
2 p.m. VFW 3150 July 4th National Bell Ringing & Pulled Pork BBQ: This tradition commemorates the ringing of bells at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 4,1776. Celebrate Independence Day with delicious pulled pork BBQ with all the fixings. 2116 19th St. N., ArlingtonÂ
SER 4th of July Block Party
Break out your flags, grab your crew and head to Ballston for a street party and seafood festival, complete with classic cookout fare and an all-day happy hour until 7 p.m. Find oysters for $2, jumbo shrimp for $3 and grilled lobsters for $50, plus burgers on the grill and the Spanish restaurant’s take on hot dogs made with chorizo ($10) or skewers ($5). Ser will have “Red, White and Booze” drink specials, including Sangria and mocktails. Bring the whole family and enjoy cornhole and other outdoor games. Reservations are encouraged.
Shipgarten All-Day Party and Early Fireworks
Enjoy a full day of family-friendly 4th festivities at this Tysons Corner watering hole with its own backyard and playground. The party runs from 11 a.m. to midnight with face painting, moon bounces and arts and crafts available until 6 p.m. Let the little ones play while you enjoy live music and grown-up drinks, then get your fireworks in early, with displays at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Pups are also welcome, on leash, or in the off-leash dog park. Treat your furry friend to pup cups and Kongs filled with peanut butter. The 21+ Red, White & Booze Party starts at 8 p.m. Admission is free. 7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean
Skydome
Watch the D.C. fireworks from the comfort of a table with air conditioning and a spectacular view of the capital skyline. The revolving Skydome restaurant in National Landing will host two prepaid fireworks watch parties July 4, 6-11 p.m. Guests 21 and over can enjoy the “Fireworks Watch Party in the Sky,” with a buffet dinner featuring seasonal poached lobster salad, smoked ribs and honey-lime grilled corn. A “Family-Friendly Fireworks Watch Party,” held one floor below Skydome in the Monument View Room, features a classic American buffet with roasted Old Bay potato salad, chipotle black bean burgers, hot dogs and red, white and blue cookies. The evening includes a live DJ, entertainment, games and theater-style seating to watch the fireworks. See website for ticket prices and reservations.
Hotel Heron Red White & Boom Rooftop Party
This Old Town, Alexandria, hotel is cranking up the patriotic party dial on July 4 with a rooftop shindig at Good Fortune on the sixth floor. Enjoy open-air lounge seating, unlimited cocktails, a BBQ station and a DJ set from Ulises Morello as you wait to take in skyline views of D.C.’s fireworks display. Early bird tickets are $172 until June 23 when the price goes to $215. 699 Prince St., Alexandria
Other Spots for Viewing the D.C. Fireworks from Virginia
If you love watching the fireworks above our nation’s capital but would rather avoid the National Mall, the Virginia side of the Potomac has several prime viewing locations. Pack chairs and blankets and stake out a spot at Long Bridge Park, Gravelly Point, the Mount Vernon Trail, the Key Bridge or the Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) War Memorial and Netherlands Carillon. D.C.’s dazzling fireworks display will begin at 9:09 p.m. Note: The Air Force Memorial remains closed to the public this year due to construction.Â
Falls Church Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate American Independence with a sweet treat and a scoop of history. Hand crank your own ice cream and tie-dye a t-shirt at Cherry Hill Farmhouse July 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Try out old-school yard games on the lawn and take a guided tour to learn the history of the farmhouse. This event is free, with no registration required. T-shirts for tie-dying are free while supplies last. Want to guarantee your t-shirt size or have something else in mind to tie-dye? Feel free to BYO your own duds for dyeing. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
City of Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration
Want to keep the party going? Head to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria on July 12 from 6-9:45 p.m. for a celebration in honor of Alexandria’s 276th birthday and America’s 249th. The fun includes live music and food and drink vendors, culiminating in a fireworks display over the Potomac River. Admission is free. 100 Madison St., Alexandria