Independence Day – also known as the Fourth of July – is a holiday that everyone seems to enjoy.

 

A mid-summer tradition of cookouts; parades; backyard parties; swimming; the beach and, of course, plenty of fireworks are always on the menu of fun when celebrating our nation’s freedom.

 

This year will be no exception with July 4th celebrated on a Monday, it means a long, three-day weekend for most of us. If you need “things to do” ideas, here are some activities scheduled to take place in the Washington DC metro area July 1-2-3-4.

 

The National Independence Day Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. on July 4th at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street. http://www.july4thparade.com/

 

A Capitol Fourth is a free concert set for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with fireworks over the National Mall. You can get a sneak peek by attending the full dress rehearsal on July 3 at 9 p.m. http://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/home/

 

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is set for June 29-July 4 and July 7-10 on the National Mall featuring artists; artisans and performers. https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/smithsonian-folklife-festival

 

If you’re looking to cool off, check out Canal Park and its 42 dancing water jets and green spaces. There’s a free concert every Friday night, including July 2. http://www.canalparkdc.org/

 

The National Air and Space Museum re-opens and celebrates its 40th birthday on July 1 with an all-night party from 8:30 p.m. – 8 a.m. https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/national-air-and-space-museum

 

There will be plenty of local and neighborhood parades, including the ever-popular Palisades neighborhood. http://www.palisadesdc.org/annual_events.php

 

For other area events and ideas visit:

 

“20 Ways To Celebrate Independence Day in Washington, DC” https://washington.org/ways-celebrate-independence-day-washington-dc

 

“Visit Baltimore” http://baltimore.org/events

 

“July 4th in Virginia” http://www.virginia.org/july4th/

 

“Fourth of July Fireworks in Maryland” http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/4thofJuly_2.htm

 

“Chesapeake Family” http://www.chesapeakefamily.com/fun/seasonal-events/195-summer/2305-4th-of-july-events-in-the-annapolis-baltimore-washington-dc-area

 

Plan now. Stay safe. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen!

 

(Flickr Photo by Ben Stanfield)