Local Fourth of July Fireworks, Parades, and Celebrations Away From the National Mall

If you want to avoid the Fourth of July crowds on the National Mall, local communities and surrounding small towns are offering alternative celebrations. You can still see fireworks and also enjoy live music, parades, and other fun activities.

Virginia

Vienna

Catch fireworks ahead of the holiday at this celebration on Wednesday, July 2 in Yeonas Park. Starting at 6 PM, enjoy live music—including a concert for kids—before the big fireworks display. Dine on BBQ, Himalayan dumplings, and more from the concessions stand and local food trucks. Fireworks: 9:30 PM.

Leesburg

The annual Independence Day parade kicks off at 10 AM in Idea Lee Park, making it’s way through historic downtown Leesburg. At 6 PM, return to the park for an evening of live music and summer foods such as ice cream and funnel cake, a fair favorite. Fireworks: 9:30 PM.

Manassas

Food and craft vendors are taking over downtown Manassas beginning at 3 PM. You can also expect comedy performances, a mime and magic show from Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty, plus kid-friendly rides and games. Once it gets dark, head over to the Manassas Museum lawn for a pyrotechnic show in the sky. Fireworks: 9:15 PM.

Herndon

Watch fireworks in Bready Park at the end of this celebration. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM with concerts, games, and face painting ahead of the display. Fireworks: 9:30 PM.

Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is offering free admission to sites in the Historic Area from 10 AM to 5 PM. For a historical take on the holiday, check out a reading of the Declaration of Independence by “Thomas Jefferson” and a celebration of 18th-century American music. Return at 8 PM for a patriotic sing-along before pyrotechnics above the Governor’s Palace. Fireworks: 9:30 PM.

Mount Vernon

Looking for an early night? George Washington’s estate puts on a daytime fireworks show over the Potomac River. In addition to the display, former California Governor and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is leading the annual naturalization ceremony at 10 AM. The schedule also includes performances inspired by 18th-century music and magic. Fireworks:1:00 PM.

Maryland

Takoma Park

The neighborhood celebrations starts with a parade that meanders around Takoma Park from 10 AM to 12 PM. In the evening, join a street party from 6 PM to 9 PM featuring food trucks, a beer and wine garden, activities for kids, and live entertainment by local musicians. For those sensitive to fireworks, this event does not have pyrotechnics.

Rockville

Head to Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park at 7 PM for live music and food stalls serving tacos, poutine, shaved ice, and more. Join in singing the national anthem before the 20-minute fireworks display. Fireworks: 9:15 PM

Germantown

Bring your blanket,coolers and lawn chairs to the South Germantown Recreational Park for the Fourth of July. (Alcohol is not allowed, so leave any booze at home.) From 7 PM to 10 PM, there will be food vendors and music, including a concert by the Central City Orchestra. Fireworks: 9:15 PM.

Poolesville

Beginning at 5 PM, the local the soccer field between Hughes and Sugarland Roads transforms into a rock-and-roll concert venue for a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Dine on fare from food vendors and join a raffle with a special prize: The winner gets the opportunity to press the button and start the fireworks show. Parking costs $10 per car. Fireworks: 8:30 PM

Frederick

In addition to fireworks, this summer party has beer and wine gardens for the adults, rides and activities for kids, and live music across two stages.  Fireworks: 9:00 PM. 

Annapolis

Maryland’s capital city is hosting a parade that begins at 6:30 PM. Get comfy along the waterfront for a fireworks show that launches from a floating barge in the Annapolis harbor. Fireworks: 9:15 PM. 

Solomons Island

A full day of festivities begin at 10 AM with a flag raising ceremony at Waterman’s Memorial. Afterwards, parades take place on land and water: a children’s bike parade starts pedaling at 11 AM followed by a boat parade at 12 PM. In the evening, relax with live music from 5 PM to 9 PM. Fireworks: 9:15 PM. 

Sam Cabral

Editorial Fellow