Monuments and memorials, eclectic neighborhoods, true local flavor – Washington, DC is a place unlike any other. It’s your home away from home with free museums, award-winning restaurants and more. Plan your trip by checking out all the things to do, places to eat and ways to stay. We’ll see you soon. Bulky trash pickup will slide to Monday, July 7. Museums, pools, sports facilities and parks run by the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation will stay open. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The National Archives Museum will be open for extended hours July 3-5 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m ET. Top Fourth of July Washington DC Events in 2025 The Fourth of July Washington DC is packed with patriotic festivities. Here are the must-see events for 2025: National Independence Day Parade: Kicks off at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue (7th to 17th Street NW), featuring marching bands, floats, military units, and giant balloons. Washington, DC is in a league of its own when it comes to world-class museums, many of which are free to visit. Wander the halls of the Smithsonian Institution museums, explore cool off-the-Mall knowledge centers and discover groundbreaking exhibits. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The full schedule can be found at archivesjuly4.org. The National Archives Museum will be open to the public for extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 3–5. Timed entry tickets to see the original Declaration of Independence in person are encouraged, but not required. If you’re wondering what Trader Joe’s Fourth of July hours are in 2025, keep reading—we’ve got just the info you need to pull off a perfectly stocked celebration. On July 4th, visitors to Washington DC can choose from many different museum options, depending on their interests and preferences. Some museums may offer special exhibits or activities on this day, while others may have reduced hours or be closed altogether. If the thought of massive crowds on the National Mall has you reconsidering your Fourth of July plans, don’t worry — the D.C. region is packed with spectacular fireworks shows and family-friendly festivities happening closer to home. From Maryland’s beaches to Virginia’s historic towns, here’s your guide to catching the best Independence Day celebrations around the area: Maryland The July Fourth weekend is approaching; here's what you should know for your travel plans to Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Each year, Washington, DC celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang, meaning there are plenty of DC-flavored ways to honor Independence Day. Read below for some of our favorite selections and make sure to check out other summer activities in DC, including where to watch the fireworks on the Fourth. And stay tuned for ways to celebrate America's 250th through July 4, 2026. Headed to the National Mall or downtown D.C. on the Fourth of July? Here’s what to know about road closures, the best Metro stations and accessing the fireworks viewing area. Is the Smithsonian closed on July 4? 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. – All other Smithsonian museums, except for Air & Space and Natural History. In addition to varied museum hours over the holiday, several streets will be closed for the day. The Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, Arlington National Cemetery and the monuments and memorials will be open (regular hours) during the dates of your visit with this exception: Some of the monuments and memorials will likely be closed or have shortened hours on July 4th. Details should be available closer to the date on the National Park Service website for Fourth of July Celebrations Whether you are a local or a visitor to Washington DC, you may be asking yourself what to do on July 4th in Washington DC? What is open in Washington DC? Happily, almost everything is open on July 4th. Restaurants will be at full capacity, all museums will be open, and the fireworks will be very spectacular. To help you navigate Independence Day, here’s a look at what’s open and what’s closed on the upcoming Fourth of July holiday in the D.C. area. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The big Fourth of July celebration in D.C. means a lot of people will be attending events and watching fireworks over the National Mall in the District and on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. It also means plenty of road closures in the city and in Arlington. We Washington D.C. is always a hot tourist destination in the United States, and the city will host a myriad of patriotic events to commemorate the nation’s birthday. News4’s Walter Morris has what you need to know if your plans include heading to the National Mall to see the Fourth of July fireworks. List: What to do in the DC area for Fourth of July week and weekend Events, free things to do, festivals and more fun ideas in D.C., Maryland and Virginia this week
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