Fourth of July Weekend Round Up, June 30 – July 4
By • June 30, 2022 0 2427
Who else is as excited for this three-day Fourth of July weekend as we are? If you’re in town, you’re in luck. There are so many things to do! From a Black Girls Rock music and film festival at the Kennedy Center to the National Building Museum’s latest Summer Block Party iteration, to everything Independence Day, there’s something for everyone. Go forth and have a happy Fourth!
Black Girls Rock! Fest with India.Arie and Black Girls Rock Film Fest
This evening and tomorrow night only, Black Girls Rock! Fest™ makes its return to the Kennedy Center and for the first time, the National Symphony Orchestra will be collaborating. Grammy Award winning artist India.Arie will headline the event. Also, don’t miss Saturday at 2 p.m., the Kennedy Center is hosting an exhibition of Black women filmmakers and Black women-centered content. More on the music fest can be found here and the film festival can be found here.
India.Arie will headline The Kennedy Center’s Black Girls Rock Festival this weekend. Courtesy Kennedy Center.
The National Building Museum and Folger Shakespeare Library Collaborate on “The Playhouse”
This weekend marks the opening of “The Playhouse,” the National Building Museum’s latest “Summer Block Party” edition. The collaboration with Folger Shakespeare Library, in association with the University of South Carolina, will include unique theater-related experiences and at night, it will transform into a stage for Shakespeare’s magical fairy wonderland comedy. More on The Playhouse can be found here.
The National Building Museum’s highly anticipated “Playhouse” opens tomorrow. Courtesy NBM.
Fourth of July Special Weekend Section
July 4th weekend is upon us! Here are just a handful of the many events happening over the three-day weekend. Celebrate the United States, relax with some yoga, take in a parade, go on a cruise and much, much more. Happy 246th Birthday, America!
Celebrate the 4th at the Wharf
Celebrate Independence Day at The Wharf with a free celebration at the District Pier presented by Lockheed Martin. There will be a bar, music and views of the National Park Service fireworks from the National Mall (sans all the crowds!) There’s also a $60 VIP fireworks viewing experience benefitting the USO, which gets you Dockmaster Building access, drink tickets, more food, a photo booth, and more. More on the celebration can be found here.
You can see the NPS fireworks on the National Mall from The Wharf this weekend. Courtesy The Wharf.
Relax Before Independence Day
The eighth annual summer Sunday Yoga Series at Dumbarton House runs Sunday July 3 from 10-11 a.m. The peaceful outdoor space is a great place for a one-hour all-levels class. Attendees are asked to bring their own yoga mats and will need to sign a waiver to participate. A five dollar per person donation is suggested. If rain’s in the forecast, class will be canceled by or after 8 a.m. the morning of the class. Rain cancellations are confirmed on Dumbarton House’s social media pages. Sign up for the class here:
Take in the National Independence Day Parade
Don’t miss one of the best parts of D.C. — celebrating July 4 with the annual National Independence Day Parade. The patriotic procession will take place July 4 at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Ave. from 7th to 17th Streets. More information on the parade can be found here.
A snapshot from the 2019 National Independence Day Parade. Courtesy NPS.
Palisades July 4th Parade and Picnic The 56th Annual Palisades July 4th Parade and Picnic is a hometown D.C. tradition. Put on by those who live in the Palisades, the parade along MacArthur Boulevard starts sharply at 11 a.m. on Whitehaven Parkway and ends at the Palisades Recreation Center with a free picnic for all. Everyone is invited to join in the fun. No registration necessary. Go to www.palisadesdc.org for more information. Contact Jessica Davis if you want to volunteer — davis.jessicaL@gmail.com.
Cruise Around the Potomac River Before the Fireworks Spectacular
The luxury yacht “Spirit of Mount Vernon” is sailing the Potomac River this July 4. Grab tickets for a three-course dinner buffet, open bar, Top 40 DJ and of course, view the Independence Day fireworks from the water. More information on tickets can be found here.
Enjoy an Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band at City Winery
Nothing says summer like Earth Wind & Fire. A tribute to the iconic band will be performing at City Winery (1350 Okie St. NE) on July 4. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. End Independence Day weekend with lots of fun R&B, funk and jazz sounds. More information on the event can be found at Citywinery.com.
History Buff? Take a Walking Tour All About Jefferson
On July 4 at 11 a.m., meet at the George Mason Memorial for a walking tour all about former President Thomas Jefferson (the first two-term president). You’ll learn about Jefferson’s accomplishments, such as his penning of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the many crises he faced from the American Revolution onward. You’ll also hear about his friends and rivals, from George Mason, to Alexander Hamilton, to George Washington, John Adams and more. Register for the tour here.
Celebrate America with A Tribute to Our Veterans
On Sunday July 3 at 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center is hosting “Celebrate America: A Tribute to Our Veterans.” A 250-voice American Festival choir will be performing, in addition to musical artists Charles Billingsley, April Duren and TaRanda Greene. Don’t miss a special tribute to all veterans who attend! More information on the concert can be found here.
Mount Vernon Fetes Independence Day
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is hosting an all-day event July 4 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Gen. Washington himself will be on hand, as well as a special made-for-daylight fireworks show. There will also be musical performances by the National Concert Band and 18th-century music in the Upper Garden. A ceremony where people from around the world become U.S. citizens will also be held. More information on the day’s events can be found here.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon celebrates Independence Day unlike any other. Courtesy Mount Vernon.
Don’t Miss the Annual Fireworks Display on the Mall
The National Park Service will again host the annual Independence Day fireworks on the National Mall. The spectacular event starts Monday July 4 at 9:09 p.m. with fireworks launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. More information can be found here.
