All fireworks are Sunday, July 4, unless otherwise noted.
VIRGINIA
Herndon: Kid-friendly Herndon is hosting its fireworks presentation at Bready Park at the Herndon Community Center. Events kick off at 6:30 with bounces, rides, games, races, arts and crafts, and even bingo. There’ll be a $2 charge for the moon bounces as well as some of the rides, and food items—hot dogs, hamburgers, and funnel cakes—will be available for purchase. Fireworks start at 9:30. Bready Park, Ferndale Ave. and Vine St.
Vienna: Events this year begin at 11 AM and include a performance by B2B, a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band that also plays tunes by the Beach Boys and Charlie Daniels. A children’s stage features an afternoon magic show. Fireworks start at 9:15 and can be viewed from the neighboring Yeonas Park. Southside Park, Ross Dr. and Patrick St.
Alexandria: The City of Alexandria is combining its 259th birthday celebration with festivities marking the United States’ 232nd birthday. The event takes place Saturday, July 12, with activities for kids, vendors, a jazz performance, and more. Festivities get underway at 4. In keeping with the birthday theme, the mayor and other members of City Council will distribute a birthday cake starting at 8. Fireworks start at 9:30. Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture—complete with cannons sounded by the United States Marine Corps—will accompany. Oronoco Bay Park, Madison St. and the Potomac River.
Fairfax: The football stadium at Fairfax High School is overrun with families and small children each Fourth of July—and for good reason: Dozens of booths with trinkets for the kids draw crowds, as do the kid-friendly bands and singing acts that come to perform each year. Festivities start at 7 PM July 3, and fireworks start at 9:20. Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run.
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MARYLAND
Antietam National Battlefield: It might be a bit of a drive, but the spectacular Antietam National Battlefield is a can’t-miss attraction. Take it all in with a day touring this Civil War relic and finish it off with a performance from the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, which is performing 7:30 and will continue through the fireworks show at dusk. 5831 Dunker Church Rd., Sharpsburg.
Gaithersburg: Don’t feel like grilling? Montgomery County Fairgrounds is a great place to lay out a blanket and enjoy a picnic under the rockets’ red glare. Gates open at 5; a variety band, Appaloosa, starts at 7; and fireworks launch at dusk. Montgomery County Fairgrounds; 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg.
Takoma Park: Perhaps one of the most festive shows in the area, Takoma Park starts its Fourth of July with a 10 AM parade through the heart of the town and continues with a community barbecue t Lincoln and Maple avenues until sundown. At 7, events move over to Takoma Park Middle School for music and festivities, followed by fireworks at 9:30. Takoma Park Middle School; 7611 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring.
