Celebrating July 4th at The National Mall
July 4th fireworks. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Luis Gomez. Catch his photos at One Photograph A Day. Follow him on Twitter @LuisGomezPhotos.
If you are in the mood to head over to the National Mall, to enjoy and celebrate America’s Birthday, here is what you need to know. The temperature will be around 96 to 98 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms late in the evening. Activities around the Mall during July 4th celebrations are popular not only among tourists, but with locals and neighbors from Virginia and Maryland. It can get crowded.
The best way to reach the National Mall is either walking, biking or if you really need to take the Metro. Areas surrounding the Mall get really congested with traffic because of closed roads for the Independence Day Parade. Be ready for the heat. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and tons of sun block. Carry a bottle of water, if not two.
Activities on the National Mall
Once at the Mall, the day is full of activities:
- The Independence Day Parade starts at 11:45 am and goes along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets NW.
- The White House Visitor Center has a series of games and activities involving America’s Birthday from 9 am to 3 pm.
- The National Archives will open its doors at 10 am with a long day celebration party including patriotic music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by historical characters and family activities for all ages.
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival this year runs from 11 am to 5 pm. The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display.
- The concert at the Washington Monument is from 6 to 9 pm with the U.S. Navy Band. This year’s special guest is Ben Vereen.
- The Capitol Concert is from 8 pm to 9:30 pm, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and pop singers performing on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Get there early — doors open at 3 pm and it is very popular.
- The 4th of July Fireworks will start at around 9 or 9:15 pm, once it is dark. If they are cancelled due to rain, you can see them on July 5th.
But, if you are not up for the Mall and want to celebrate in the neighborhood, head to one of the many bars in the area where those with rooftops surely will be hectic and patriotically fun!
Have a great 4th of July, Borderstan!
