When is the National Independence Day Parade?

The parade takes place on July 4th every year, which in 2023 falls on a Tuesday. It begins at 11:45am and runs until 2pm.

 
Kids will marvel at the giant, colorful balloons.

About the National Independence Day Parade

The DC 4th of July parade consists of marching bands, drum corps and drill teams, military and specialty units, floats, giant balloons, VIPs, national dignitaries, notable celebrities, and equestrian teams. The Parade National Selection Committee's goal is to have representation from all 50 states. Each year the event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators.

National Independence Day Parade Route

The parade goes down Constitution Ave NW between 7th and 17th Streets NW. For those familiar with the National Mall, that means the parade starts on Constitution Ave in front of the National Archives and across from the Sculpture Garden; goes past the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture; and ends across from the White House and the Washington Monument.

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Many of the parade floats have fun, patriotic themes.

Best DC 4th of July Parade Viewing Spots

Die-hard parade fans swear by watching the parade from the steps of the National Archives building. Here, you can watch live entertainment throughout the morning and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence right before the parade starts. There is limited seating on the steps, so you have to get there early—preferably between 8 and 9am. If you want to visit the National Archives after the parade ends, be sure to reserve tickets in advance, because this is a popular day for viewing our nation's founding documents.

If you can't arrive that early, your best bet is to head to the end of the parade route. The further you get to the end of the route at 17th Street NW, the easier it is to get a spot. Still, be prepared for big crowds wherever you set up shop, and plan to get to the parade as early as possible.

Other Ways to Watch the DC 4th of July Parade

If you can't make it in person, the parade is streamed live on the National Independence Day Parade Facebook page at 11:45am EDT. The parade is also available to watch on YouTube later in the day.

After the National Independence Day Parade

After the parade, the festivities don't stop. Head over to the National Mall for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a free event celebrating cultures around the world with music, crafts, games, and traditional recipes.

Another famous Independence Day event is A Capitol Fourth, a patriotic concert happens on the west lawn of the US Capitol building. Gates open to the public at 3pm, and the concert begins at 8pm. Once the concert is over, the most dramatic fireworks display in the country—the DC fireworks on the National Mall—starts at 9:09pm. Both events are open to the public and no tickets are required—just the fortitude to get through the day and find a good spot to sit.

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There is no shortage of American flags on display. 

More to Know About the DC 4th of July Parade

1. Getting to the Parade

There are many road closures on Independence Day weekend and parking is scarce, so it's best not to drive. Many bus routes, including the DC Circulator National Mall route, are also not running. So, parade organizers highly recommend taking the Metro. Smithsonian is the busiest stop that day, so they advise not getting off at Smithsonian. There are many stops close to the National Mall on all lines of service including Federal Triangle, Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter, Federal Center SW, and Judiciary Square. It's best to pick a station on the same line as your origin station to avoid transfers.

2. What to Wear

Dress comfortably, because you will be walking and standing a lot. Good walking shoes, sunglasses, hats, and light clothing will help everyone stay comfortable in the summer heat.

3. What to Pack

Whatever you bring will need to be carried all day, so pack as light as possible. We recommend sunscreen and a small snack and water bottle for each family member. There are lots of vendors selling food and drinks, so it's easy to buy something if you run out of food or water.

If you plan to enter the National Mall (it's fenced off for the fireworks later in the day), there are restrictions on what you can carry. Prohibited items include grills, alcohol, personal fireworks, glass of any kind, sharp tools, large umbrellas, laser pointers, drones, and coolers larger than 23x15x15 inches. Expect security screenings at all National Mall access points and museums.

4. Bathrooms

Many, many portable toilets are at the ready. You can also enter museums to use the bathrooms, but plan for those security checkpoints and crowds.

5. Weather Considerations

The parade goes on rain or shine unless the weather is very severe, in which case it will be canceled and not rescheduled.

Happy 4th of July from our Mommy Poppins family to yours!

All photos courtesy of the National Independence Day Parade Facebook page