Independence Day in America is pretty much what summer is all about, at least in Washington, D.C. Whenever I search for 4th of July fireworks near me, I’m bombarded with information about the National Mall, U.S. Capitol and spots across Maryland and Northern Virginia.
And fireworks aren’t just on July 4th.

Table of Contents
When are DC Fireworks?
D.C. fireworks start the weekend before, and pick up in frequency as fireworks displays pop up July 2 and July 3rd, with the majority being on July 4th.
Is there a rain date for 4th of July Fireworks?
Rain dates are usually July 5th or the following weekend.

Washington DC Fireworks
National Mall Fireworks
Viewing areas on the National Mall near the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool will be accessible only through secure access points.
Triple check the National Park Service website before you head out to check road closures, and to make sure you can get to the area you want to camp out in to watch the pyrotechnics and fourth of July festivities.
Where to view the fireworks on the National Mall
- U.S. Capitol
- Lincoln Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- National Mall
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- the White House Ellipse
- West Potomac Park
- East Potomac Park (Hains Point)
- Anacostia Park
- President’s Park
- The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and Netherlands Carillon
- Columbia Island/Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove
- Lady Bird Johnson Park
- Gravelly Point (north of Reagan National Airport)
- Washington Sailing Marina at Daingerfield Island
- Constitution Park
U.S. Air Force Memorial
Just across the Potomac River in Virginia, near Arlington National Cemetery, you can spread out your picnic blanket at. theU.S. Air Force Memorial to watch the fireworks.

Supreme Court
There is plenty of room in the plaza to spread out, but get there early to claim your spot. Late arrivers will be out of luck and turned away.
Washington National Cathedral
Take a seat on the grassy slope at the National Cathedral for views of the fireworks on the National Mall.

The Wharf
The Wharf is the place to party for the Capitol Fourth, as there are several rooftop bars, hotels and even a rooftop pool to enjoy as you watch the fireworks burst over the nation’s capital.

Potomac River
There are loads of spots along the Potomac River where you can view the fireworks in D.C. for free
- Francis Scott Key Bridge
- The Kennedy Center Terrace
- Hains Point
- Gravelly Point
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
- Iwo Jima Memorial
Fireworks Cruise
Embark DC Boat Tours, City Cruises and DC Sail all offer Fourth of July Fireworks Cruises along the Potomac River. Some include dinner and drinks, while others invite you to bring your own picnic aboard to enjoy with the fireworks.

Rooftop Bars
- Top of the Gate at The Watergate, 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Johnny Pistolas, 2333 18th St NW, Washington, DC
- POV Rooftop Lounge and Terrace
- The Sky Bar
- Summit
- Officina,
- La Vie
- Jack Rose
More Rooftop Bars in D.C.

4th of July Viewing Party
- Address: Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company, 1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC
- Date: July 4th
Join your friends at the annual 4th of July BBQ & Fireworks Viewing Party at Tiki TNT.
Watch the Fireworks on PBS
Don’t want to leave the house? Tune into PBS to watch the fireworks on the National Mall.

Virginia Fireworks
Where to watch the National Mall fireworks from Virginia
- George Washington Memorial Parkway
- US Marine Corps War Memorial
- Netherlands Carillon grounds
- Lyndon Baines Johinson Memorial Grove
- Gravelly Point Park
- Mount Vernon Trail (14th Street Bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island)

Fireworks BEFORE the 4th of July in Virginia
Not on the Fourth Fireworks @ Tim’s Rivershore
- Address: 1510 Cherry Hill Road, Dumfries, VA 22026
- Date: Saturday before July 4th
Launched from the barge in the Potomac River. Grab a table at the Tiki Bar, outdoor seating area, or on on the beach.
Fireworks in Hillsboro, VA
- Address: 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132
- Date: Sunday before the 4th of July
Join the festivities and start celebrating early with Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Display
Workhouse Fireworks in Lorton, VA
- Address:
- Dates: July 2nd, 5-10pm
Experience the region’s largest pre-Independence Day fireworks show
Fireworks in Big Stone Gap, VA
- Address: 306 Wood Ave E, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
- Date: June 28-July 4
Celebrate America’s independence for a week up to July 4th. Big Stone Gap is painted red, white, and, blue with live music from local bands, food vendors from across SW Virginia, games and contests.
End the week with a huge July 4th parade and a concert at Bullitt Park. Stay until dark for an incredible fireworks display.
Fireworks in Mount Vernon, VA
- Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- Date: last weekend of June, plus July 4
Head to the first president’s house for family fun, patriotic music and spectacular fireworks.
Return on July 4th to meet George Washington, watch daytime fireworks, observe as candidates become U.S. citizens, listen to 18th century music, and learn hot air balloons were flown in the 18th century. Watch a musical performance by the National Concert Band.
Fireworks in Warrenton, VA
- Address: Warrenton, VA
- Date: July 2, 9:30pm
Experience an early fireworks show in Warrenton, VA. Grab a spot in the WARF parking lot for a 12 ½-minute fireworks.

July 3rd Fireworks In Virginia
Fireworks in Abingdon, VA
- Address: 425 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210
- Date: July 3, 9:45 pm
Fireworks will launch from Latture Field in downtown Abingdon, VA.
Fireworks in Norton, VA
- Address: City of Norton Parks and Recreation Department, 201 Park Ave NE, Norton, VA 24273
- Date: July 3rd
Enjoy a 4th of July parade, live music and fireworks.

Northern Virginia 4th of July Fireworks
City of Fairfax’s Fireworks Show
- Address: Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA
- Date: July 4th, 7:30 PM
Celebrate American in Manassas, VA
- Address: Historic Manassas, 9431 West St, Manassas, VA
- Date: July 4th, 3-10pm
4th of July Celebration at Sinistral Brewing Company
- Address: Sinistral Brewing Company, 9419 Main St, Manassas, VA
- Date: July 4, 1pm- 11pm
Fourth of July at Dirt Farm Brewing
- Address: Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA
- Date: July 4, 6- 10pm
4th of July in Herndon
- Address: Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon, VA
- Date: July 4th, 6:30pm- 9:30pm Fireworks
Start your night with games, arts & crafts, festival food and live music before the fireworks start after dark.
Fireworks in Vienna, VA
- Address: George C. Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Dr SW, Vienna, VA
- Date: July 4th, 9:30pm
Head to Vienna for the 4th of July Fireworks at 7pm for live music before the fireworks start going off after dark (about 9:30pm).
Fireworks in Great Falls, VA
- Address: Turner Farm Park, Great Falls, VA
- Date: July 4th
Tailgating begins at 6pm in Turner Farm Park with music, games, contests and food trucks.

July 4th Fireworks in Virginia
Fireworks in Fredericksburg, VA
- Address: 42 Jackie Robinson Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
- Date: July 4th
Watch the pyrotechnics wonder at FredNats Ballpark in Fredericksburg, VA.
Fireworks in Chincoteague Island, VA
- Address: 3648 Main Street, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
- Date: July 4th, 10pm
Head out to Chincoteague Island, VA for the annual Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival held conjunction with the Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction. The carnival runs June through July, but Independence Day celebrates with fireworks at 10pm.
Fireworks in Hillsville, VA
- Address: 410 M. Main Street, Hillsville, VA 24343
- Date: July 4th
There will be loads of free food, games and music after a 4pm parade. Fireworks start as soon as it gets dark.
Fireworks in Roseland, VA
- Address: 3224 East Branch LoopRoseland, VA 22967
- Date: July 4th
Live music on the Bryant’s Cider Farm from 11am-8pm.
Fireworks in Poplar Forest
- Address: 1542 Bateman Bridge RoadForest, VA 24551
- Date: July 4th
Head to Thomas Jefferson’s Bedford County retreat for a full day of 4th of July fun. Check out the colonial-style entertainment, demonstrations by artisans and craftspeople, archaeological displays, old-fashioned games, pony rides, and even a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Guided tours of the octagonal villa are available for an additional fee.
Fireworks at Graves Mountain Lodge
- Address: 205 Graves Mountain Lane, Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, VA 22743
- Date: July 4th
Listen to live music from 4pm-8pm, but stay for the fireworks after 9pm.
Fireworks in Yorktown, VA
- Address: Riverwalk Landing, 331 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690
- Date: July 4th
Your paid admission to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown gives you loads of Independence Day fun, or you can head into town for free family-friendly fun. The morning starts with an 8k run and ends with a big fireworks finale after dark.
Fireworks in Tazewell, VA
- Address: 2330 Fincastle TurnpikeTazewell, VA 24630
- Date: July 4th
Celebrate Independence Day with food trucks, live music, children’s activities and one heck of a fireworks display.

Independence Day In Maryland Fireworks
July 2 Fireworks
Fireworks in Boonsboro, MD
- Address: Shafer Park & Surrounding Area, 37 Park Drive, Boonsboro, MD 21713
- Date: July 2nd, 9pm
Fireworks in Shafer Park are free and open to the public.
Fireworks in Williamsport, MD
- Address: Byron Memorial Park, Williamsport, MD 21795
- Date: July 2nd (Rain Date: July 3rd)
Pop over to the Williamsport Community Band’s Patriotic Concert, starting at 6pm that ends with a ton of fireworks. You can see the fireworks from various places around town. Bring your own chair to relax and enjoy a summer evening.

July 3 Fireworks
Fireworks in St. Michaels, MD
- Address: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, Maryland 21663
- Dates: July 3 after dusk
Bring your own food and drinks starting at 5pm to grab a spot to see the fireworks in St. Michaels, MD at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Fireworks in Crisfield, MD
- Address: Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield, MD
- Dates: July 3 at 9pm
Stay in your car or boat to view the fireworks in Fireworks in Crisfield, MD.
Fireworks in Rock Hall, MD
- Address: Rock Hall, Maryland
- Date: July 3rd
Enjoy fireworks for a full 30 minutes, one of the longest fireworks displays we’ve found so far near D.C.

July 4th Fireworks
Fireworks at Deep Creek Lake
- Address: Deep Creek Lake Area, McHenry, MD 21541
- Date: July 4th (Rain Date: July 5)
See the fireworks launched from the Bear Claw Tubing Park at Wisp Resort as they light up over Deep Creek Lake.
- Scenic overlook on Rt. 219
- Wisp Resort
- Lawn at Garrett College
- McHenry Cove on Deep Creek Lake
- McHenry, MD
Fireworks In Hagerstown, MD
- Address: Fairgrounds Park, 351 N. Cleveland Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740
- Date: July 4th
Watch 30 minutes of fireworks at the Fairgrounds. You can see the fireworks from spots outside of the park too, so don’t stress if you don’t get a spot.
Fireworks in Cumberland, MD
- Address: Near Constitution Park & City-Wide , Cumberland, MD
- Date: July 4th (Rain Date: July 5), 9:30pm
Watch the fireworks being launched from Constitution Park and can be seen all across the city.
Howard County’s July 4th Fireworks
- Address: Downtown Columbia Lakefront at Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, MD
- Date: July 4th, 9:20pm
Enjoy 22-minute of nonstop fireworks on Lake Kittamaqundi. You are welcome to snag your spot with a picnic blanket after 3pm.
Frederick’s 4th of July
- Address: Downtown Frederick, Frederick, MD
- Date: July 4th
Traditional July 4th activities take place in Baker Park, however, Celebrate Frederick is actively planning a fireworks display at an alternate location to watch from your car.
Annapolis Fireworks Cruises
- Address: Watermark Journey, 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD
- Date: July 4th
Grab tickets on the Watermark boat for the annual Annapolis Fireworks Cruise. A DJ will be spinning the tunes and light food is served.
July 4th at the Charles County Fair
- Address: 8440 Fairground Road, La Plata, MD
- Date: July 4, 3-10pm
Come for a full afternoon and evening of food, live music, pony rides and of course, epic Fourth of July fireworks.
Fireworks on the Bohemia River
- Address: Chateau Bu-De Vineyard & Winery, Bohemia Manor Farm, 3822 MD-213, Chesapeake City, MD
- Date: July 4th (Rain Date – July 5)
Fireworks run from 8:45-9pm with great festival food and drinks for sale onsite.
Fireworks in Kent Island, MD
- Address: Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center, 425 Piney Narrows Road, Kent Narrows, MD
- Date: July 4th
Grab a spot at the Visitors Center or watch the fireworks from your boat moored off Kent Island.
Fireworks in Easton, MD
- Address: Marlboro and St. Michael Roads, Easton, MD
- Date: July 4th
Grab a seat at the best spot to view the fireworks from the field at Marlboro and St. Michaels Roads. Fireworks start at approximately 9:30pm and a little more than 20 minutes.
Fireworks in Ocean City, MD
- Address: two locations
- North Division Street at the Beach
- 125th Street at Northside Park
- Date: July 4
Fireworks displays and music can be viewed from two posts along the beach.
Looking for a Washington DC Hotel?
- Hotel Hive – Affordable, trendy, pet-friendly hotel
- Eaton Hotel – Stay in the heart of DC
- Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC – DC luxury at it’s best
- Kimpton Hotel George – Great for families and pets
- Willard InterContinental Washington – Historic hotel right near the White House