This weekend, celebrate Independence Day in the nation’s capital or enjoy the lineup of community festivals in one of the surrounding cities. However you decide to spend your 4th of July weekend, make sure to stay safe and leave the fireworks to the pros!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Check out these Maryland area events, performances, and family-friendly activities! With July 4th this Friday, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious local food trucks and to catch spectacular patriotic parades and firework shows!
First Friday Festival
Where? 450 Pennington Avenue, Havre de Grace
When? July 4th
First Fridays in Havre de Grace are a summertime staple in Maryland! From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the first Friday of the month, enjoy a family-friendly celebration throughout closed downtown streets. Visitors can enjoy live music, local art, vendors, and a variety of food options from area food trucks and local restaurants. Kids of all ages will enjoy the kids’ zone, as well as the array of unique goodies for sale throughout the streets. Love to shop? Peruse the specials from area shops! Keep the good times rolling on Friday with the Summer Concert Series in the Park, which is a free performance at the Millard Tydings Memorial Park from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Frederick’s Independence Day Celebration
Where? 21 North Bentz Street, Frederick
When? July 4th
Celebrate the 4th of July at the largest holiday event in the county, featuring two stages for live entertainment, a variety of family-friendly rides, activities, and, of course, fireworks! Activities and events throughout the day include a pickleball tournament, inflatable amusements and rides, face painting, and a DIY peanut butter and jelly tent from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Other food options will be available on Second Street, including lobster rolls, crab mac and cheese, pulled pork, cheeseburgers, tofu nuggets, and mango sticky rice. The fireworks show will be shot at dusk from the Parkway Elementary School, so grab your seat early because the park is expected to fill quickly! Other suggested viewing locations include the Frederick High School lawn and the Fleming Avenue Swimming Pool area.
2025 Fourth of July Celebration
Where? 500 South Center Street, Westminster
When? July 4th
Westminster’s 4th of July Celebration will be held at the Carroll County Farm Museum from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Featuring the county’s largest fireworks display, you won’t want to miss the spectacular show! Admission is priced at $10 per vehicle (cash only) and there will be food, live entertainment, and children’s activities onsite. Fireworks are scheduled for sundown, which is approximately 9:30 PM. Pets are not permitted, nor is outside alcohol, glass containers, or personal fireworks and sparklers. Guests are asked to use clear bags only.
Sea Glass & Beach Crafts Market
Where? 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons
When? July 5th
AnnMarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center welcomes visitors to experience the Sea Glass & Beach Crafts Market this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Admission to the market area is free, so swing by to see what’s on display! Browse from over 70 booths, all featuring an exceptional variety of handmade, homemade, and homegrown products. The food truck lineup will feature The Jamaican Grill, Cousins Maine Lobster, and She’s Fresh Lemonade and there will be live music performed by Bethany Yeh. The market is pet-friendly, so bring Fido along on a leash 6 feet or shorter.
Summertime Liqueur Release
Where? 55 East Patrick Street, Frederick
When? July 5th
This Saturday, check out the Summertime Liqueur Release at Tenth Ward Distilling Company. Sip on one of the newly released summer cocktails and enjoy the flavors of the apple brandy that’s distilled right here in Frederick! The liqueur is packed with delightful flavors, ranging from hibiscus tea, white tea, raspberries, lemon balm, roasted rhubarb, orange blossom water, and more. The Distilling Company is woman-owned, so come on out and support locals and enjoy the flavors of non-traditional and unconventional.
First Sunday Arts Festival
Where? First block of West Street and Calvert Street, Annapolis
When? July 6th
On the first Sunday of the month from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, head over to West Street and Calvert Street for a family-friendly festival featuring a whopping 150+ vendors and food trucks! The festival will have live music and cafe dining across eight mouthwatering restaurants, so come hungry and leave happy! This event is sponsored by the Inner West Street Association. From May through November, thousands of visitors enjoy shopping along the spectacular West Street in historic downtown Annapolis. Whether you want to spend your afternoon shopping, chilling, or just spending time out in the community — you can do it all at the Arts Festival!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
Don’t miss out on exciting 4th of July events throughout the capital city, including the beloved Independence Day Parade or the spectacular firework display from the National Mall! You can also catch America’s favorite pastime at Nationals Park as the home team defends against the Boston Red Sox.
National Independence Day Parade
Where? Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street
When? July 4th
America’s National Independence Day Parade takes place each year at approximately 11:45 AM along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street. The parade is set to feature bands, drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, drill teams, and even celebrities and national dignitaries! Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected, so arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot. There will be limited seating available on the steps of the National Archives Building. If you can’t make it out in person or you’d prefer to skip the crowds, you can catch a full recording of the event via the parade’s YouTube channel shortly after it concludes. The parade is expected to run until 2:00 PM.
National Mall Fireworks
Where? Constitution Avenue
When? July 4th
Celebrate the nation’s birthday with an awesome fireworks show in the heart of the country’s capital! This Friday, watch the amazing 17-and-a-half-minute fireworks display, featuring DC’s iconic monuments and memorials as a one-of-a-kind backdrop. The show is scheduled to kick off beginning at 9:09 PM, weather permitting. The best viewing areas on the National Mall will be near the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool, which will both only be accessible through secure access points. Other viewing areas can be found at Anacostia Park, the White House Ellipse, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and even in Virginia at locations such as George Washington Memorial Parkway, Gravelly Point Park, and more.
Washington Nationals vs. Boston Red Sox
Where? 1500 South Capital Street SE
When? July 4th-6th
The Washington Nationals are facing down the Boston Red Sox on a home stand this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Nothing says happy birthday to the nation quite like a baseball game in the capital city! Snag your tickets for this Patriotic Series presented by U.S. Steel. Sunday’s game will feature a kids batting glove giveaway for ages 12 and under. Friday’s game is early at 11:05 AM, followed by a 4:05 PM start time on Saturday and 1:35 PM on Sunday. Go Nationals!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Enjoy the holiday festivities across NoVA this weekend, with exciting parades, celebrations, festivals, and more! Whether you’re into patriotic community events or you want to sample local beer and bourbon while you participate in a corn hole tournament, there’s a touch of something for all interests!
City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade and Celebration
Where? 10209 Main Street, Fairfax
When? July 4th
The Independence Day Parade in Fairfax is a must-see for the whole family! Celebrate July 4th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Downtown Fairfax, rain or shine. This annual parade dates back all the way to 1967 and has developed into the largest parade celebration in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Featuring marching bands, floats, motorcycles, old fire engines, clowns, and more, spectators will have a blast. Check out concessions from local food trucks and businesses and swing by the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center for an Independence Day Lawn Party! Free secure bike and scooter parking will be available at George Mason University and Armstrong Street. If you’re driving, be aware of road closures in the area.
Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon
Where? 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
When? July 4th
Independence Fireworks at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a must for area residents and tourists alike this 4th of July! From 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, come on out and enjoy a lively evening complete with family fun, fireworks, and patriotic music. Tickets for the general public are priced at $36, with members receiving a discounted rate of $28.80. Kids ages 5 and under get in free. Catch a wreath laying at the Washington Tomb at 6:45 PM, 7:15 PM, 7:45 PM, or 8:15 PM, and swing by the east lawn from 7:45 PM to 9:10 PM for a special patriotic concert. There will also be 18th-century-themed activities, such as an “iced cream” demonstration, dance demonstrations, and an array of tavern and lawn games. Fireworks over the Potomac River will begin at approximately 9:15 PM.
American Craft Beer & Bourbon Festival
Where? 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
When? July 5th
Shipgarten is excited to host the American Craft Beer & Bourbon Festival this Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Patrons can sample a wide array of food and beverage and even compete in exciting festival events for the chance to win prizes! With over 40 beers and cider samples from local breweries, you’re sure to find something you like. The event schedule features a water pong tournament, a corn hole tournament, and live music from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM! Stay late for Shipgarten After Dark featuring Bianca Diamond from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Shipgarten is also 100% dog-friendly, so bring Fido along to enjoy the off-leash dog park. Parking is free and there will be a kid’s corner with face painting, crafts, and a moon bounce!
Reston Concerts on the Town
Where? 1818 Discovery Street, Reston
When? July 5th
Reston Concerts on the Town are scheduled through August 23rd, so take advantage of a multitude of summertime concerts during the 32nd season of this beloved community staple. From 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, enjoy live tunes from Scott Tournet & The Spark. This is a free live music event held in the pavilion and there are plenty of options for bites and sips from nearby restaurants. Arrive early at 6:00 PM and swing by one of the participating locations, such as Capital Burger, North Italia, Sixty Vines, True Food Kitchen, Makers Union, and many more.
The United States 257th Army Band
Where? 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale
When? July 6th
Head on over to the Mason District Park Amphitheater this Sunday to catch a performance by The United States 257th Army Band! Hailed as “The Band of the Nation’s Capital,” the group is the official musical ambassador for the D.C. Army National Guard. Within the Band, various musical groups specialize in a variety of music from classical, jazz, rock, and many others. This is a free concert, so bring the family out and enjoy the perfect finale to your Independence Day weekend!
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
This is gearing up to be an exciting weekend for all! Enjoy your 4th of July festivities as you celebrate responsibly. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly event or you’d like to kick back with a cold one, you can do it all in the great DMV! Remember to visit us again next week for an updated collection of the best of the best weekend events throughout the region.