Washington DC 4th of July Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

Our nation’s capital is one of the best places to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Head down to the District for some of the best festivities around, from fireworks to festivals and beyond. Keep in mind that many of the main tourist attractions are closed for the holiday (or have VERY limited hours on the 4th). However, the city itself basically turns into a giant party for the duration, so you’re sure to have a great time. Plus, because the 4^th of July falls on a Thursday this year, attractions are open the weekend before and after, making it easy to visit a few attractions before or after the day itself. If you’re looking for Washington DC 4th of July Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Washington DC in July, including…

• National Independence Day Parade
• National Mall Fireworks
• A Capitol Fourth
• Washington Monuments Cruise
• and more...

Save on Admission to Popular Attractions

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from top Washington DC attractions & activities and save up to 40% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Washington DC attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass.

National Independence Day Parade July 4, 2019

This is the official Independence Day Parade for the entire country, and it’s one heck of an extravaganza. You’ll see a range of people, floats, bands that populate the parade route. So it's not a surprise that millions of people flock to this event each year to see this holiday tradition unfold. The parade begins at 11:45 am, but be in place long before that if you want any chance of getting close to the action. It runs along Constitution from 7^th – 17^th. Getting In: The Independence Day Parade is free to watch.

National Mall Fireworks July 4, 2019

Here it is… The granddaddy of all fireworks shows. The National Mall’s Fireworks show is one of the best Independence Day Fireworks shows in the country. They launch from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and are visible from many places in DC and across the river in Virginia. Many locals make an entire afternoon of it. Why not arrive on the National Mall early to snag a spot with a blanket and some chairs, and stick around for the fireworks after sunset a little after 9:oo pm? Getting In: The National Mall Firework show is free to watch.

A Capitol Fourth July 4, 2019

Another major part of DC’s 4^th of July landscape, this concert at the US Capitol Building takes place on the building’s West Lawn. The concert features top musicians from across the country alongside the National Symphony Orchestra and a set list of patriotic songs, including their signature, “1812 Overture.” Gates open at 3:00 pm and it’s highly recommended that you get there early to secure a spot. The concert begins at 6:00 pm. Getting In: A Capitol Fourth is free to attend.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival June 29-July 3 2019

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival features new peoples and cultures each year in a grand celebration of folk life around the globe and across history. The featured theme this year is the power of music to entertain, educate, inspire, preserve history, strengthen identity, and build community. The festival offers exciting free content including performances, demonstrations, and activities. The festival also encompasses food and drink, artisan tents, a substantial gift shop tent, concerts, and much much more. Getting In: The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is free to attend.

Hang Out on the Harbor

If you want to enjoy the summer air and the fireworks but don’t necessarily want to fight the crowds, it’s a good idea to hang out on the Georgetown Waterfront to enjoy a tasty meal alongside dockside views of the fireworks. Try Tony and Joe’s for some top seafood! While you’re there, send the kids to play around the Georgetown Waterfront Park, with beautiful vistas alongside fun water features. If you get a chance before the 4^th of July, you might also want to check out the nearby Washington Monuments Cruise, too! Getting In: Washington Monuments Cruise tickets are are available as an option with the Washington DC Explorer Pass.

Celebrate at George Washington’s Mount Vernon July 4, 2018

Who better to celebrate our nation’s birthday with than the first President? Head to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate for "An American Celebration," a fun event that honors this historic holiday. This annual event features special daytime fireworks and historic re-enactments that take place throughout the afternoon. You can also explore Mount Vernon another time. There are ample opportunities to learn about our first President's life and legacy, as well as the workings of his eighteenth-century estate. Getting In: An American Celebration is included with general admission to Mount Vernon; George Washington's Mount Vernon tickets are available as an option with the Washington DC Explorer Pass.

Explore DC History

If you want to really explore DC before or the holiday itself, you’re in luck – many attractions will still be open both weekends with regular hours. An option that’s popular with kids and teens is Madame Tussauds DC. A visit to this fascinating attraction is also a great opportunity to brush up on your Presidential history at the Hall of Presidents. (It’s also a nice complement to a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, where the official Presidential portraits are housed). Getting In: Madame Tussauds tickets are available as an option with the Washington DC Explorer Pass. Admission to the National Portrait Gallery is free.

DC Museums

There are plenty more museums to explore if you're interested in soaking up more history, culture, and arts. A popular option that makes sense around the 4th of July is the Newseum. It highlights the history of news-reporting and several newsworthy trends and events. It's also a great interactive museum that has much to offer visitors of all ages. Another fun option that showcases both history and nature is the National Geographic Museum. This institution features a variety of collections and exhibitions that cover a selection of topics from past and current magazines. Of course, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, which is basically the authority on all things US-history related in the area. They'll have plenty of fun 4th of July-themed souvenirs, too. Getting In: Newseum tickets and National Geographic Museum tickets are available with the Washington DC Explorer Pass. Smithsonian Museums offer free admission.

Enjoy America's Favorite Pastime

Can you get more American than a baseball game on the 4th of July, played in our nation's capital? (By a team named the Washington Nationals, no less?) Head to Nat's Park this July 4th to see their valiant efforts against the Marlins. The game on July 4 is at 6:05, giving you all day to celebrate the parades before heading to the stadium. If you don't have the time to make a game (baseball can be a big commitment), then join up with a tour the weekend before to enjoy exploring this charming ballpark. Getting In: Nationals Ballpark Tour tickets are available as an option with the Washington DC Explorer Pass; Ball game tickets are separately priced and are not included.

Go on a Patriotic Walking Tour

Explore the city on a themed walking tour that truly captures the patriotic spirit of this holiday weekend. With Washington Walks, you can choose from a variety of tours that focus on particular aspects of American history and DC culture, including a walking tour of Georgetown (on July 5, 2019). Getting In: Washington Walks tickets are available as an option with the Washington DC Explorer Pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Washington DC in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, a few of these great attraction options are available on the Washington DC Explorer Pass. Please note, the 4th of July events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available on the DC Explorer Pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your summer vacation itinerary. We know you’ll just have a blast this July 4^th in DC!