PanLara Steel Orchestra JULY 1ST, 2016 AT 12:00 PM | FREE | TEL: 202-357-5000 | EVENT WEBSITE
PanLara Youth Steel Orchestra, D.C.’s own steel-pan orchestra, will perform on the steps of the National Archives. PanLara is an organization that provides a forum for youths from diverse communities in the D.C. metropolitan area. It creates performance opportunities to market and enhance their talent and share their African Caribbean culture.
National Archives, Constitution Avenue, NW, between 7th and 9th Streets
Gallery Talk: Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree JULY 1ST, 2016 AT 12:30 PM | FREE | TEL: 202-633-4674 | EVENT WEBSITE
Chief Curator Stéphane Aquin discusses Yoko Ono’s participatory “Wish Tree for Washington DC” in the Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Garden. From July 1 through Labor Day, visitors are invited to tie written wishes to the tree.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, 700 Independence Ave. SW
Jazz in the Garden JULY 1ST, 2016 AT 05:00 PM | FREE | TEL: 202-737-4215 | EVENT WEBSITE
Speakers of the House is a mash up of two of the D.C. area’s more popular and diverse bands: All Mighty Senators and the Junkyard Saints. The band was formed in an effort to play the old school funk, boogaloo and rock that we all listen to.
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW
Baseball and Fireworks at Nationals Park JULY 1ST, 2016 AT 06:05 PM | EVENT WEBSITE
At Nationals Park, fans can celebrate Independence Day weekend with America’s pastime. Freedom fireworks will follow the 6 p.m. baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE
“La Cage aux Folles” Pride Night JULY 1ST, 2016 AT 08:00 PM | $40-$96 | TEL: 703-820-9771 | EVENT WEBSITE
The beloved gender-bending musical comedy and winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical closes out the Signature season. With an iconic score by Jerry Herman and hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein, “La Cage Aux Folles” is a fabulously fun musical about family, identity and loving who you are. Pride Night is a special event for members of the LGBTQ community, family and friends, with a lively post-show reception. Note: Pride Night is sold out, but performances are available on Saturday and Sunday.
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Virginia
Happy Birthday, America and Happy Birthday, Tudor Place! JULY 2ND, 2016 AT 01:00 PM | FREE – $5 | EDUCATION@TUDORPLACE.ORG | TEL: 202-965-0400 | EVENT WEBSITE
The public is invited to a bicentennial birthday party. The historic Georgetown estate celebrates #TP200 with a festive, one-time event for all ages in the gardens. Guests will play traditional American outdoor games, take self-guided garden tours, make patriotic crafts and, of course, enjoy a piece of the giant Tudor Place birthday cake from Dog Tag Bakery (while it lasts).
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, 1644 31st St. NW
Fireworks at the Workhouse JULY 2ND, 2016 AT 05:00 PM | ADMISSION IS FREE; PARKING IS $10 PER CAR. | INFO@WORKHOUSEARTS.ORG | TEL: 703-584-2900 | EVENT WEBSITE
This family celebration at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton includes art exhibits, food trucks, local craft beer and wine, live music and a spectacular fireworks show. Live music begins at 7 p.m., the fireworks begin at dusk (typically at 9 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, Virginia
July 4th Costume Competition JULY 2ND, 2016 AT 06:00 PM | EVENT WEBSITE
Judges will give prizes to patriotic, sexy and creative costumes at this July 4th party (on July 2nd) at the Gryphon restaurant near Dupont Circle.
Gryphon, 1337 Connecticut Ave. NW
Art on 8th: Ernesto “Gato” Gatell JULY 2ND, 2016 AT 06:30 PM | FREE | EVENT WEBSITE
Dance Place presents Ernesto “Gato” Gatell, one of the most recognized and beloved Cuban singers alive today. His list of accomplishments over the past 30 years are far too vast to enumerate, but he has recorded and toured with the biggest names in Afro-Cuban music and been a member of several All-Stars groups. His recordings have been nominated for and/or won the top music industry awards in three countries: the U.S., Canada and Cuba.
Monroe Street Market, 716 Monroe St. NE
Afro-Cuban Jazz Dance JULY 3RD, 2016 AT 09:30 AM | TEL: 202-362-3042 | EVENT WEBSITE
This journey through the social and sacred folkloric dance traditions emphasizes the rich history of dance and culture of African, Caribbean and Black American dance, including the unique rhythms of Rumba, Salsa and Samba. Each class begins with a warm up of jazz and stretching dance techniques, along with the exercises to guide you to undulate your torso and hips. The cass is designed to promote proper alignment, grace and precision of movement.
Joy of Motion Friendship Heights, 5207 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Free Community Day JULY 3RD, 2016 AT 12:00 PM | FREE | TEL: 202-783-5000 | EVENT WEBSITE
The first Sunday of every month is a Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, with free admission. In addition to the permanent collection, current exhibitions include “She Who Tells a Story,” a display of work by contemporary Iranian photographers, and “Alison Saar in Print.”
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW
“A Capitol Fourth” Dress Rehearsal JULY 3RD, 2016 AT 08:00 PM | FREE | EVENT WEBSITE
No fireworks and no crowds: those who arrive a day early will see a dress rehearsal of the “Capitol Fourth” performance. Guest artists include host Tom Bergeron, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, “The Voice” winner Alisan Porter, Cassadee Pope, Gavin DeGraw, Amber Riley, Jackie Evancho, Sutton Foster, Yolanda Adams, Scott Hamilton and On Your Feet. Annual performers include Jack Everly, the National Symphony Orchestra, Choral Arts Society of Washington, the U.S. Army Band and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.
West Lawn, U.S. Capitol, E. Capitol St. and First St. NW
Independence Day at the National Archives JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 08:00 AM | EVENT WEBSITE
This traditional celebration will include a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence — proclaimed in 1776 — by historical re-enactors, family activities and live musical performance for all ages.
National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Palisades 50th July 4th Parade and Picnic JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 11:00 AM | FREE | EVENT WEBSITE
The Palisades Citizens Association presents the 50th Consecutive July 4th Parade and Picnic, starting 11 a.m. at MacArthur Boulevard and Whitehaven Parkway. After the parade, visit the Palisades Recreation Center for hot dogs, watermelon, drinks, live music and moon bounces. All are welcome to join or make a float.
5200 Sherier Place NW
National Independence Day Parade JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 11:45 AM | FREE | EVENT WEBSITE
America’s National Independence Day Parade takes place annually before a street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries and celebrity participants.
Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets NW
FANtastic Fourth Block Party JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 03:00 PM | $8-$10 | MOWAS-RESTRES@MOHG.COM | TEL: 202-787-6148 | EVENT WEBSITE
Only blocks from the National Monument, the Mandarin Oriental hotel boasts unobscured views of the famous fireworks. Families, couples and friends can enjoy music and barbecue favorites away from the crowds. The party starts at 3 p.m. on the Capital Room Terrace. Make a weekend of it with our FANtastic Fourth room package.
Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave. SW
NoMa’s July 4th Bash JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 04:00 PM | FREE | EVENT WEBSITE
The NoMa BID and Storey Park brings you NoMa’s July 4th Bash, 4 to 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy a live bluegrass band, moon bounces, face-painting and more. Free food will be available for the first 200 people.
1005 First St. NE
Fourth of July Kayaking JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 07:00 PM | $68 | TEL: 301-519-8030 | EVENT WEBSITE
Rather than watch the fireworks from the overcrowded Mall or on top of an unorganized dirty rooftop, participants can watch the celebration from a private and relaxing setting, kayaking on the river with fellow young professionals.
Atlantic Kayak Piscataway Creek, 13600 King Charles Terrace, Fort Washington, Maryland
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 07:30 PM | $126 | TEL: 301-519-8030 | EVENT WEBSITE
Embassy Experiences presents an Independence Day celebration aboard a private boat, featuring thrilling views of the fireworks and the monuments by moonlight.
Washington Harbour, 3050 K St. NW
“A Capitol Fourth” JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 08:00 PM | FREE | EVENT WEBSITE
This star-studded event is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home and our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network.
West Lawn, U.S. Capitol, E. Capitol St. and First St. NW
National Mall Fourth of July Celebration JULY 4TH, 2016 AT 09:15 PM | EVENT WEBSITE
D.C.’s main Fourth of July event, the fireworks on the Mall, will begin around 9:15 p.m.
National Mall