How to Celebrate the 4th of July in Washington, D.C.

Here are a few ways to celebrate the 4th of July that we found on www.washington.org. From parades, to concerts to historical reenactments and fireworks, this list has it all!

However, before we get to this list-I wanted to share one of my favorite ways to celebrate the 4th in DC. I highly recommend the "Capital 4th" concert on the lawn of the Capital. Get there early and pack a picnic to enjoy the music and the fireworks. It is a great way to spend the holiday. If you are looking for a quieter place to watch the fireworks with the whole family-- head over to the lawn of the Iwo Jima memorial. It is a quiet spot in Rosslyn overlooking the Potomac River, the monuments and a great spot to catch the fireworks! There is a safeway in Rosslyn a few blocks away where you can stop to pick up your picnic.

Here is the official list of 4th of July activities from www.washington.org. Enjoy!

Celebrate Independence Day in the Nation’s Capital. There’s no better place to celebrate our nation’s birthday than in its capital city, with a parade, a star-studded concert and more.

Starting at 8:00 am, An American Celebration will take place at Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, featuring military reenactments, a musical performance by the National Concert Band of America, a wreath-laying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit from General and Mrs. Washington.

The National Archives' July 4 celebration kicks off at 10 am with a ceremony including a Presentation of Colors by the Continental Color Guard, a performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Fife and Drum Corps and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. From 11 am - 2:30 pm, other activities will take place, along with appearances by George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

The 43rd Smithsonian Folklife Festival runs June 24-28 and July 1-5. Open 11 am - 5:30 pm, the annual celebration of cultural diversity turns the National Mall into a global bazaar with music, dancing, crafts and demonstrations exploring different cultures around the world. This year’s festival features Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture, The Americas: A Musical World, and the nation of Wales.

At 11 am, catch the free Annual Independence Day Organ Concert at the Washington National Cathedral, featuring organists Scott Dettra and Christopher Jacobson. The program of music includes both classical and popular traditions designed for the whole family to enjoy.

For the quintessential 4th of July experience, don’t miss America’s National Independence Day Parade, which features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIPs. The parade starts at 11:45 am at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW.

Round out an exciting day with a visit the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn for "A Capitol Fourth," a free, 90-minute live musical extravaganza. Hosted by Jimmy Smits, the concert’s headliners include famous acts such as Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, and the cast of Jersey Boys as well as the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel. Gates open at 3 pm and the concert begins at 8 pm.

Conclude the evening with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. They can be viewed from the West Lawn, or, for a more unconventional viewing, have dinner at one of DC’s many restaurants offering rooftop dining, and view the colorful bursts from there. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:20 pm.

Or, celebrate the nation’s birthday aboard the Sprit of Washington on its Fireworks Dinner Cruise. Coast along the Potomac from 8 - 11 pm and enjoy a premium open bar, dinner buffet, great music and an incredible view of the fireworks over the Washington Monument.

Hotel packages: Beat the traffic and make it a long weekend when you book a "Staying Power" package at washington.org. Hotel rates start at just $99 per night, and when you stay 3 nights, you’ll save 30% on your entire stay.

Note: Most museums and attractions will be open on the Fourth of July and throughout the holiday weekend, including the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the International Spy Museum, Newseum, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Madame Tussauds and many others. Some federal buildings will be closed. For details on National Mall access points, parking and transportation options on Independence Day and much more, Click here for information directly from the National Park Service.