Fireworks, festivals and family fun—Independence Day weekend is packed with all kinds of ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. From kid-approved activities to cocktails with a front-row view of the fireworks, there’s plenty to do around Northern Virginia. Here are the area’s best July 4 celebrations, along with the best spots on the Arlington side of the river to watch the fireworks over Washington, D.C. No bridge traffic required!
McLean Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
For an early holiday salute with all the pomp and circumstance, swing by this patriotic celebration June 27, 5-10 p.m., at Langley High School. Grab some food truck eats, dance to live music and pick up some free giveaways. The festivities conclude with a fireworks show. The event and parking are free. Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Civic Jam in The Little City
The City of Falls Church is readying for a big party in the park July 3, 6-10 p.m. There won’t be fireworks, but there will be opportunities to dance and jam out to music that reflects and celebrates life in The Little City. Other features include a watermelon roll, sack race, beer garden and “classic summer fun.” See all the America 250 events planned on this website. Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
All-American Rooftop Fest at Clarendon Ballroom
Want to keep the party going all weekend? Swing by Clarendon Ballroom on July 3, 5-10 p.m., and head to the rooftop for a Pre-Independence Day Rooftop Bash with yard games, patriotic giveaways and photos ops. Early birds can enjoy happy hour drink specials from 3-7 p.m., including $5 “Freedom Shooters” and domestic beers, $6 seltzers and Sun Cruisers, and $10 Merica Frozen Cocktails. On July 4 proper, a bash extending from 3-10 p.m. features barbecue bites, rooftop cabanas and the same drink deals from 5-7 p.m. Stick around for an After-Fireworks Rooftop Party, which runs until 1 a.m. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Clarendon’s All-American Access Party Pass
Care to raise a glass with a bar crawl? Pre-party July 3, 7:30-10 p.m., with a pass that gets you into BOE, Clarendon Ballroom and Hyde Social. Dress to impress in your red, white and blue best for costume contests and enjoy drink specials until 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance. Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Independence Day at Mount Vernon
Get ready for a packed day on July 4 at the estate of America’s first president. Welcome new American citizens during a 10 a.m. naturalization ceremony, then listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence and watch a military drill involving Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army troops at 11 a.m. Not planning to stay up late for the fireworks over the Potomac? Catch a made-for-daytime fireworks show at 1 p.m. Visitors with kiddos can also head to the Interpretive Center for story times at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to hear how Washington decided to run for president, and to the bowling green at noon and 2 p.m., where magician Peter Gardiner will perform tricks. Find the full schedule of events, including a performance by the National Concert Band on the website. Tickets are $16 for kids ages 6-11 and $30 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 North 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 South Abingdon Street, 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, a fire truck, a moon bounce and a water slide. Start at 1330 S. Monroe St., Arlington, and finish at 1718 S. Quincy St., ArlingtonÂ
- 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 North 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 on July 4, noon-3 p.m., complete with food stations. Save your appetite for grilled goodies, paella, raw bar, sangria, beers and mimosas. Tickets are $87. 1110 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
Shipgarten All-Day Party and Early Fireworks
Enjoy a full day of family-friendly festivities on July 4, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., at this Tysons Corner watering hole with its own backyard and playground. The fun includes potato sack races, a water pong tournament and kid-specific activities, including face painting, moon bounces, and arts and crafts. Fireworks go off early, with displays at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Pups are also welcome, on leash, or in the off-leash dog park. The 21+ Shipgarten After Dark starts at 8 p.m. Admission is free. 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
Skydome
Watch the D.C. fireworks over the Potomac 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 three prepaid fireworks watch parties July 4. Reserve a spot on the Jefferson Rooftop Lounge (with reservations starting at 6 p.m.) and enjoy an open bar and a buffet of American classic foods. It’s limited to 30 people and costs $250 per person. Alternately, book a table in the restaurant for $225, which includes a curated multi-course menu and a free open bar from 5-6 p.m. The third option gives you access to the 14th-floor banquet spaces for $100-$150 per person. Those areas have a live DJ, a game room, a cash bar and a buffet. 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Marymount University’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Viewing Party
Head to campus July 4, 7:30-10 p.m., and gather on the Converse Family Field for complimentary sliders, fries, frozen treats and beverages, plus a spectacular view of the D.C. fireworks. The university’s hilltop position provides an ideal vantage point. 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
Hotel Heron Red White & Views Party
This Old Town, Alexandria, hotel is cranking up the dial on July 4 with a patriotic rooftop shindig at its sixth-floor open-air lounge, Good Fortune. The soiree includes unlimited cocktails and barbecue (burgers, hot dogs, ribs, brisket and all the fixin’s) and scoops of Goodies frozen custard as you take in skyline views of D.C.’s fireworks display. Early bird tickets are $250. 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. Â
City of Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration
Keep the celebrations going strong July 11, 6-9:45 p.m., at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria. The fun will continue with a celebration in honor of Alexandria’s 277th birthday and America’s 250th, with live music and food and drink vendors, culminating in a fireworks display over the Potomac River. Admission is free. 100 Madison St., Alexandria
