National Park Service Presents 2024 Independence Day Celebration In The Nation's Capital (2024)

The National Park Service will once again host the annual celebration of Independence Day on the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to more than a dozen memorials that commemorate great Americans and significant events in the nation’s history.

Events on the National Mall this year include the National Independence Day Parade;A Capitol Fourth, the annual star-studded concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol; and one of the largest fireworks displays in the nation. Complete information and updates on the Independence Day celebration can be found at this site.

Schedule of Events – Thursday, July 4, 2024

  • National Independence Day Parade– Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street to 17th Street NW
    11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America's birthday!
  • Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area – southeast grounds of the Washington Monument
    1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
    Calling all junior spies! Report to the Sylvan Theater and use the passwordOperation Independence!to embark on a scavenger hunt and learn about spying techniques during the American Revolution. This family activity is geared towards ages 10 and up and involves approximately a half-mile of walking around the Washington Monument grounds. You can also complete your Independence Day Junior Ranger booklet full of family-friendly, fun activities to earn a special Fourth of July Junior Ranger badge.
  • A Capitol FourthConcert – West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
    8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
    Join host Alfonso Ribeiro and performances by Smokey Robinson, Fantasia, Darren Criss, Shela E., the National Symphony Orchestra and many more, for this star-studded salute to Independence Day. The concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol is open to the public to enjoy and will be broadcast live on PBS stations across the country.
  • Fireworks Display
    9:09 p.m. – 9:27 p.m.
    Independence Day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from the area of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and will be visible from many locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia. The firework display can also be viewed live online via the Trust for the National Mall’sMonument Cam, in partnership with Earth Cam and the National Park Service.

Automated Notification System

Sign up for a free text notification service to quickly receive important and emergency event information. Cell phone users can receive notifications via text message by texting JULY4DC to 888777.

Public Access

National Mall- The following public entry points for the National Mall will open at 1 p.m. and will remain open until 9 p.m. Visitors will be screened at all access points.

  • Constitution Avenue NW at Henry Bacon Drive NW
  • Constitution Avenue NW and 17th Street NW
  • 15th Street NW at Madison Drive NW
  • 14th Street SW at Jefferson Drive SW
  • East Basin Drive just south of the Jefferson Memorial (visitors will not be able to access the National Mall from here)

George Washington Memorial Parkway– Fireworks can be viewed from the following locations along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. There is no access to the National Mall from these locations:

  • U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and Netherlands Carillon
  • Columbia Island/Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove ( Access to the Potomac Riverfront is possible via the bike/pedestrian tunnel that runs underneath the Boundary Channel Bridge (a.k.a. the “Humpback Bridge”)
  • Gravelly Point, north of National Airport
  • Washington Sailing Marina/Indigo Landing Restaurant at Daingerfield Island

Getting There

Visitors are strongly advised to use public transportation. Metrorail riders should try stations other than the Smithsonian/National Mall or Federal Triangle, which have the heaviest use on the Fourth of July. The L’Enfant Plaza, Metro Center, and Archives/Navy Memorial stations are also within walking distance. Up-to-date information on Metro can be found atwww.wmata.com.

Prohibited Items and Activities

Visitors will be screened at all entrance points. All coolers, backpacks, packages, and persons will be subject to inspection.

  • No grills, alcohol, glass containers, or personal fireworks are permitted on National Park Service property
  • Launching, landing or operating unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft on National Park Service property is strictly prohibited.
  • Personal tents that block other visitors’ views and tents that require stakes are prohibited on the National Mall and along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
  • Due to limited space on the Washington Monument grounds, visitors are asked to refrain from recreational activities (e.g. – volleyball, badminton, etc.).
  • It is strongly recommended that pets be left at home.
  • Possession of firearms in national parks is prohibited, governed by federal as well as local law, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the national park is located. All visitors should be aware of and follow applicable firearms laws of the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • There is no parking allowed in the lanes of, or the grassy areas adjacent to, the George Washington Memorial Parkway at any time.
  • The full list of prohibited items includes:
  • Alcohol
  • Ammunition
  • Balloons
  • Bladed, edged or sharp tools or implements
  • Coolers/thermal containers larger than 36 quarts (23"x15"x15")
  • Club-like items and striking devices, including selfie sticks and golf umbrellas (small folding umbrellas are permitted).
  • Destructive devices, explosives or combustable chemical compounds and mixtures
  • Disabling chemicals, including mace and pepper spray
  • Firearms and projectile weapons
  • Glass bottles or containers
  • Laser pointers
  • Packages, including wrapped packages, parcels, containers, or bundles where the inside cannot be visually inspected, including gift wrapped or plain paper wrapped packages
  • Structures, including props and displays, such as coffins, crates, crosses, theaters, cages and statues; furniture and furnishings, such as desks, chairs, tables,bookcases, cabinets, platforms, podiums and lecterns; shelters, such as tents, boxes and other enclosures; and wagons and cars. Wheelchairs in active use by disabled persons, strollers and bicycles are permitted.
  • Supports for signs (cannot exceed four (4) feet in length, one-quarter (1/4) inch in thickness, with no sharp points and may not be made of wood, steel or metal.
  • Unmanned aerial systems (drones)
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard.

Area Closures

  • The National Mall will be closed between 14th Street and the Lincoln Memorial from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 for a security sweep. All visitors entering that area after 1 p.m. will be screened.
  • Due to limited access and safety concerns caused by construction, the Lincoln Memorial, including the steps and access ramp, will be closed on July 4.
  • The World War II Memorial will close at 4 p.m. on July 4 as part of the fireworks safety zone. Cleanup of the World War II Memorial will begin immediately following the fireworks show and the site will open as soon as the cleanup is complete.
  • Access to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will be limited after 8 p.m. The memorial will remain open, but the public will not be able to access the memorial from Independence Ave. after 8 p.m. Access will be available from West Basin and Ohio Drives.
  • The Washington Monument will be closed from noon on July 3 until 9 a.m. on July 5.
  • Paddle boats at the Tidal Basin will not operate.
  • Big Bus Tours will not operate on the Mall on July 4.
  • The D.C. Circulator’s National Mall route will not operate on July 4.
  • East Potomac Golf Course will remain open for normal operating hours (6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.).
  • East Potomac Tennis Center will close at 3 p.m.

Road Closures

The following roads will be closed and off limits to vehicles on Thursday, July 4:

  • Closed from 4 a.m. until approximately 10 p.m.
  • Arlington Memorial Bridge and Arlington Memorial Circle on the Virginia end, to and including Lincoln Memorial Circle in the District
  • Rock Creek Parkway south of Virginia Avenue NW to Lincoln Memorial Circle, including all approaches and ramps
  • Parkway Drive from Rock Creek Parkway to Lincoln Memorial Circle
  • Henry Bacon Drive NW
  • Daniel Chester French Drive SW
  • Lincoln Memorial Circle and all approaches and ramps into and out of Lincoln Memorial Circle, including Henry Bacon Drive N, Daniel Chester French Drive SW, 23rd Street NW and 23rd Street SW
  • Ramp from Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge to Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW and Ohio Drive SW; all inbound traffic from the bridge will be directed to the E Street Expressway
  • Constitution Avenue NW from 23rd Street NW to 14th Street NW
  • 7th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
  • 4th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
  • 15th Street NW from E Street NW south to Raoul Wallenberg Place SW
  • 17th Street, NW from E Street NW south to Independence Avenue SW
  • 18th Street NW between Constitution Avenue NW and Virginia Avenue NW
  • 19th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to C Street NW
  • 20th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to C Street NW
  • 21st Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to C Street NW
  • 22nd Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to C Street NW
  • Virginia Avenue NW from Constitution Avenue NW to 18th Street NW
  • C Street NW from 17th Street NW to 18th Streets NW
  • D Street NW from 17th Street NW to 18th Street NW
  • Raoul Wallenberg Place SW to Maine Avenue SW
  • Independence Avenue SW from 14th Street SW to 23rd Street SW, including merge with Rock Creek Parkway
  • Madison Drive NW from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
  • Jefferson Drive SW from 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
  • Ohio Drive, SW from the Inlet Bridge to Independence Avenue, SW
  • West Basin Drive SW from Ohio Drive SW to Independence Avenue, SW
  • East Basin Drive SW east of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial to Ohio Drive SW
  • Ramp from southbound and northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) to Memorial Avenue /Circle
  • Ramp from northbound Va. Route 110 to Memorial Avenue/Circle
  • Ramp from Va. Route 27 to Memorial Avenue/Circle
  • The right lane of northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway from the 14thStreet Bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Closed from 11 a.m. until approximately 10 p.m.:

  • 3rd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Maryland Avenue SW
  • Constitution Avenue NW from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to 14th Street NW
  • 14th Street NW from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW

Closed from 3 p.m. until approximately 12 a.m., July 5

  • Eastbound U.S. Route 50 ramps to GWMP and roads in the immediate area of U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial;
  • Southbound GWMP ramp to 14th Street Bridge (9 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. as necessary)
  • Northbound GWMP ramp to 14th Street Bridge (9 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. as necessary)
National Park Service Presents 2024 Independence Day Celebration In The Nation's Capital (2024)

FAQs

Where do they shoot off DC fireworks? ›

This year's show begins at 9:00 p.m. with fireworks launching from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and crowds gather to see the dazzling display from the National Mall or from the Capitol's West Lawn.

How many people go to DC fireworks? ›

Travel Tips

About 700,000 people flock to the National Mall each year for the fireworks, making parking close to impossible, and police close many of the streets around the Capitol for security reasons.

What does DC do for the Fourth of July? ›

The National Mall is the most popular place to watch the fireworks display, with attendees staking out spots near the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and an array of other locales across DC's most scenic space.

Where are fireworks launched from DC? ›

The show, which is just over 17 minutes long, includes about $280,000 worth of fireworks. Several hundred mortars are lined up on both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. They are locked and loaded and ready to go.

Are fireworks banned in DC? ›

States where some fireworks are legal but many are restricted. Numerous states and Washington, D.C., restrict the sale, possession and use of consumer fireworks, even though professional fireworks displays are allowed with the appropriate licenses and permits.

Can you see the fireworks from the capitol? ›

National Park Service fireworks

Here's a list of prohibited items. The fireworks can be viewed from A Capitol Fourth concert, Fourth on The Wharf and many locations in the District and in Virginia. Our Fireworks Finder lists our favorite viewing spots. Or, check our list of watch parties on rooftops, boats and more.

What state sells the most fireworks? ›

Tennessee leads the states for fireworks exports

By state, Tennessee exports the highest value of fireworks. In 2022, this Southern state exported $3.2 million in fireworks to other countries, making up 39.5% of the $8.0 million in fireworks exported abroad.

What state has the biggest firework show? ›

New York City hosts America's biggest fireworks display

The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show is the biggest and most famous of its kind in the United States. In 2024, the pyrotechnics will launch from the Hudson River on a series of barges.

What city has the biggest fireworks? ›

The annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration in New York City is the country's largest pyrotechnic show, with fireworks shot from multiple barges along the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge. In addition to fireworks, the event features performances by A-list artists.

Is DC crowded on July 4th? ›

Thousands of people are expected to flock to downtown D.C. on July 4 for events including the National Independence Day Parade, A Capitol Fourth concert and watch parties for the extravagant National Park Service fireworks.

Is parking free in DC on July 4th? ›

Like other official and observed holidays, D.C. does not require parking meter fees to be paid on July 4.

How many people attend fireworks in DC? ›

Here you can enjoy watching the fireworks. About 700,000 people go to DC to watch the fireworks each July 4, so be prepared to arrive early and go with the flow when the fireworks are over.

How long are the fireworks in DC 2024? ›

As reported by NBC Washington, the fireworks are scheduled at 9:09 pm and will be fired from either side of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. There is no entry fee to watch the display; it will be 17 minutes long. The National Mall can be accessed through certain avenues as one can expect crowds and road closures.

Can you see DC fireworks from the National Harbor? ›

While National Harbor does not host their own fireworks' show, the MGM Hotel and Casino provides an excellent vantage point for celebrations all along the Potomac River. From the deck of the hotel, guests and visitors can view the main firework show on the National Mall as well as dozens of others across the region.

Can you see DC fireworks from Arlington? ›

Located on the west bank of the Potomac River in Arlington, Gravelly Point is just north of Reagan National Airport on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Famous as a site for watching airplanes take off and land, this national parkland is also a prime viewing area for the capital fireworks.

How early should I arrive for DC fireworks? ›

Arrive early

This year's fireworks show isn't scheduled to begin until after 9 p.m., but plan to arrive a couple of hours before that to stake out a prime viewing spot.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6028

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Birthday: 2001-07-17

Address: Suite 794 53887 Geri Spring, West Cristentown, KY 54855

Phone: +5934435460663

Job: Central Hospitality Director

Hobby: Yoga, Electronics, Rafting, Lockpicking, Inline skating, Puzzles, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.