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4th of July Weekend in DC: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids

Put on your most patriotic clothing and join the parade at the 4th of July Hometown Celebration in Great Falls. Photo courtesy of Celebrate Great Falls
Put on your most patriotic clothing and join the parade at the 4th of July Hometown Celebration in Great Falls. Photo courtesy of Celebrate Great Falls
6/28/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It’s 4th of July weekend, and there's no better place to celebrate than our nation's capital! This year, the holiday falls on a Tuesday so there's lots of fun to be had over the weekend and on the actual 4th.

Kick off Independence Day with the big parade in Washington, DC, or head to a smaller hometown celebration such as Kensington's Fourth of July Bike Parade or the 4th of July Hometown Celebration & Fireworks in Great Falls, Virginia. Of course, there are plenty of fireworks shows to choose from, including the biggest one of all—the DC fireworks on the National Mall.

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Mommy Poppins beach towel. Plus, each entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

And don’t miss our lists of the best places to watch the DC fireworks, the best of July in DC, and the best free public swimming pools in DC.

More Things To Do in Washington, DC this Week with Kids:

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Marvel as the DC fireworks light up the night sky. Photo by Chalice Keith, courtesy of the National Park System
Marvel as the DC fireworks light up the night sky. Photo by Chalice Keith, courtesy of the National Park System

Top Things to Do in DC this Weekend with Kids

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, DC - Daily, through July 9 (except July 5)
Free
Through cultural performances, storytelling, workshops, food, and more, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival aims to spark curiosity of various cultures and nurture human connection. READ MORE

Tot Rock: Rainbow Rock Band

Washington, DC - Friday, June 30
The Rainbow Rock Band entertains young audiences with tunes and laughs while listeners learn about shapes, colors, and movement. The show is a mix of musical genres from folk to pop rock to rockabilly, all while being educational and fun. READ MORE

Star Spangled South Riding

South Riding, VA - Friday, June 30
Free
Celebrate Independence Day a few days early in South Riding. The event begins with the Star Spangled Parade, for which attendees are encouraged to decorate their bike, wagon, stroller, or car with Fourth of July-inspired frills. There will be live music and food available for purchase. A fireworks show begins at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Arco Iris

Tysons, VA - Thursday - Saturday, June 30 - July 1
Free
Iris is excited about taking a trip to el parque with Abuela! But while getting ready, Iris has a hard time deciding what color outfit to wear. As Iris and Abuela explore each of the colors, they discover the different ways colors appear in the world and their own unique beauty. Abuela reminds Iris that each color lives inside everyone, so even if we choose one, the rainbow is always a part of us.  READ MORE

Independence Fireworks

Mount Vernon, VA - Friday & Saturday, June 30 & July 1
Enjoy an evening of family fun and fireworks along with patriotic music at Mount Vernon to celebrate the nation's founding. READ MORE

UniverSoul Circus

National Harbor, MD - Thursdays - Sundays, through July 23
UniverSoul Circus celebrates urban pop culture with a thrilling circus at National Harbor. Performers reflecting cultural diversity from around the world showcase their talents in this interactive performance, which also includes circus arts, music, and theater.  READ MORE

O Say Can You Play

Washington, DC - Saturday, July 1
Happy Birthday America! Tudor Place celebrates Independence Day with a family-friendly outdoor program with traditional outdoor games and an opportunity to make a historic toy to bring home. Visitors can get a sneak peek at rarely displayed objects from the Tudor Place Collection. READ MORE

Six Flags America Coca-Cola July 4th Fest

Upper Marlboro, MD - Saturday - Tuesday, July 1-4 (except July 3)
Celebrate the 4th of July all weekend long at Six Flags America with rides, live music, and fireworks every night. READ MORE

All Aboard! at the National Capital Trolley Museum

Colesville, MD - Saturday, July 1
All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Usually on the first Saturday of each month, explore a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more. The program is designed for ages 4 and up, though younger children may succeed with adult assistance. READ MORE

SummerFest at Bohrer Park

Gaithersburg, MD - Saturday, July 1
Free
Celebrate July 4th at Gaithersburg's SummerFest with live music, family activities, food, a fireworks display, and a SummerGlo after-party. READ MORE

Mid-County Sparkles

Wheaton, MD - Saturday, July 1
Free
Celebrations in Wheaton begin with music at 6pm and fireworks begin at 9:15pm. READ MORE

Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

McLean, VA - Saturday, July 1
Free
The city of McLean celebrates July 4th with an evening fireworks display, a DJ, and food trucks. Gates open at 6:30pm and fireworks begin around 9:15pm.   READ MORE

Summer of Sunflowers

Bluemont, VA - Daily, July 1-31
Visit Great Country Farms to pick sunflowers, enjoy fun farm activities (and live music on weekends), and take great family photos. Pick-your-own sunflowers are $1 per stem, or you can purchase a bucket.  READ MORE

Vienna's Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

Vienna, VA - Sunday, July 2
Free
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at Yeonas Park. Enjoy a live performance by the US Navy Concert Band, food, games, fun, and a fireworks show. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm. READ MORE

July 4th at the National Archives

Washington, DC - Tuesday, July 4
Free
Celebrate the 247th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The day includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music, presentation of the colors, and more. READ MORE

National Independence Day Parade

Washington, DC - Tuesday, July 4
Free
Families can watch marching bands, floats, military units, giant balloons, and more to celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic celebration of America's birthday. READ MORE

Washington DC 4th of July Celebration

Washington, DC - Tuesday, July 4
Free
The National Park Service hosts its annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall. The fireworks start at 9:09pm and launch from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. READ MORE

Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade

Washington, DC - Tuesday, July 4
Free
The 21st annual Capitol Hill Community Fourth of July Parade is back in person on Barracks Row. READ MORE

Fourth at The Wharf

Washington, DC - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Free
The Wharf hosts a 4th of July celebration with music and views of the National Park Service fireworks launched from the National Mall.  READ MORE

Germantown Glory

Germantown, MD - Tuesday, July 4
Free
Germantown celebrates 4th of July with music beginning at 7pm and fireworks at 9:15pm. READ MORE

Kensington's Annual Fourth of July Bike Parade

Kensington, MD - Tuesday, July 4
Free
This annual bike parade is open to any and all. Join in with bikes, scooters, wagons, and strollers as the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department leads the parade. READ MORE

Rockville's Independence Day Celebration

Rockville, MD - Tuesday, July 4
Free
Celebrate 4th of July with live music and fireworks at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park for Rockville's annual Independence Day Celebration. READ MORE

Takoma Park 4th of July Parade and Evening Celebration

Takoma Park, MD - Tuesday, July 4
Free
Takoma Park's 4th of July parade returns for its 134th year and begins at 10am. The evening celebration features music, games, food and drinks, and other fun activities.  READ MORE

An American Celebration

Mount Vernon, VA - Tuesday, July 4
Meet George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, listen to live music, watch a US citizenship ceremony, and more during Mount Vernon's annual Independence Day Celebration. READ MORE

City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade

Fairfax, VA - Tuesday, July 4
Free
Fairfax City's annual Independence Day parade, beginning at 10am, includes high school marching bands, large balloons, floats, and costumed characters. READ MORE

Celebrate America in Manassas, VA

Manassas, VA - Tuesday, July 4
Free
Celebrate Independence Day in downtown Manassas with a fun festival with lots of activities for kids beginning at 3pm, followed by a fireworks display at 9:15pm. READ MORE

4th of July Hometown Celebration & Fireworks

Great Falls, VA - Tuesday, July 4
Free
The city of Great Falls celebrates the 4th of July throughout the day with a parade and fun activities in the morning followed by a fireworks display at 9pm. READ MORE

Town of Herndon 4th of July Celebration

Herndon, VA - Tuesday, July 4
Free
Families can celebrate July 4th with activities, music, games, and a fireworks display in Bready Park. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Discovery Theater – Ripley Center
Historic Downtown Manassas
Great Falls Village Centre