Fourth of July: DC's Schedule of Events, Parades, 'A Salute to America' and More
Independence Day festivities in Washington, D.C., kick off at 11:45 a.m. with a parade on Constitution Avenue
Published Jun 26, 2019 at 2:11 PM | Updated at 9:45 PM EDT on Jul 4, 2019
Police Prepare for Trump's Fourth of July Celebration on National Mall
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Police Prepare for Trump's July 4th Celebration on Mall
Every year's Fourth of July celebration is "all hands on deck" for U.S. Park Police. But the changes to this year's celebrations mean that there's a lot more going on - and a few more layers of security. News4's Cory Smith has the story. (Published Monday, July 1, 2019)
Much of the National Mall will be gated off on July 4, accessible via six access points
Expect security for "A Salute to America" at the Lincoln Memorial and "A Capitol Fourth" on the West Lawn of the Capitol
Washington, D.C.'s, fireworks are set to go off at 9:07 p.m. from West Potomac Park
The Fourth of July in Washington, D.C., is always a spectacular affair with a parade down Constitution Avenue, concerts, fireworks and more.
This year, spectators can also expect a tribute to the military, complete with flyovers and demonstrations and an appearance by President Trump at the Lincoln Memorial.
For Your Weekend: What to Do in DC for the Fourth of July
Here's the rundown of the major festivities on the National Mall.
National Mall Secure Area Opens
A swath of the National Mall will be gated off for security reasons, but the public can enter through secure access points starting at 10 a.m.
The secure area encompasses the area from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument and surrounding the Tidal Basin.
Even if you just want to pass by a memorial, you'll need to enter through an access point. Here's a full list of access points.
Weapons, alcohol, glass and some other things are prohibited. Here's a full list.
You'll need to go through secure access points to visit some areas of the National Mall on July 4, 2019.
Photo credit: NPS
National Independence Day Parade
11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW
Would it be the Fourth of July without drum corps, marching bands, dancers and giant ballons? The National Independence Day Parade has all the patriotic fixings, and it's free to attend.
Arrive early and head to the end of the route for a better chance to beat the crowds.
"A Salute to America"
Gates open at 3:30 p.m.
Event goes 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Memorial
President Donald Trump's pet project in the capital's Fourth festivities is "A Salute to America," which honors the armed forces. Expect music, military demonstrations and more, the National Park Service says.
The Blue Angels, Air Force 1 and aircraft from all five branches of the military will conduct flyovers.
President Trump will also deliver a speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Tickets are required to get close to the president's address and those must be acquired through the White House.
The U.S. Army Band, U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team and the Old Guard Fire and Drum corps are a few scheduled participants.
You'll need to enter the secure area to attend this event, and expect the tightest security restrictions near "A Salute to America". Large bags, coolers, canned drinks, iPads and tablets will not be allowed.
The area closest to the memorial will be reserved for ticket holders, but there will be standing room open to the public near part of the Reflecting Pool.
"A Capitol Fourth"
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Carole King, Vanessa Williams, Colbie Caillat and Vanessa Carlton just a few perfomers set to take the stage in honor of America's 243rd birthday. John Stamos will host "A Capitol Fourth" and even the Sesame Street Muppets will make a special apperance.
The concert is free and open to the public. General Admission gates usually open at 3 p.m., organizers say. You'll have to pass through security to enter. Food and drink are allowed, but alcohol is prohibited.
9:07 p.m. and 9:22 p.m.
Launch Site: Lincoln Memorial and West Potomac Park
This fireworks display is being hyped as one of the biggest the nation's capital has ever seen. West Potomac Park will close to the public so two companies reportedly can join forces for a pyrotechnic blowout visible from much of D.C. and Northern Virginia. Taxpayers won't be footing the bill on this display, though: the companies have said they're donating their fireworks to set a record for the biggest show.
More About the Fourth of July in D.C.
See Road Closures, Public Access Points for DC's Fourth of July Celebrations
Your DC-Area Fourth of July Fireworks Finder: DC, Maryland, Virginia
A Capitol Fourth Lineup Features Carole King and Host John Stamos