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What more patriotic way to celebrate American independence than to stand on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and watch fireworks explode over the Washington Monument? No other city celebrates the Fourth of July with as much fervor and pageantry as Washington, D.C. And with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”–complete with cannon fire–in the background.
The West Lawn of the Capitol is the site of “A Capitol Fourth,” the free hour-and-a-half concert put on each year by PBS. The National Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington back up a lineup of stars.
It all leads up to a spectacular fireworks show, which usually kicks off shortly after 9:00 p.m. On the West Lawn, you’ll have the best seat in the house–and the best seat in the country.
Travel Tips
Don’t even think about driving. About 700,000 people flock to the National Mall each year for the fireworks, making parking close to impossible, and police close many of the streets around the Capitol for security reasons. The concert fills up so you probably want to come early–gates open as early as 3 p.m.–and bring a blanket or folding chairs and a picnic dinner. Be sure to bring plenty of water (no glass bottles or alcohol, though), because Washington, D.C. gets hot and sticky during the summer, and you don’t want to risk heat exhaustion. Bring sunscreen too.
You can get some of the same effect with smaller crowds, minus the fireworks of course, if you come a day early. The organizers stage a full dress rehearsal on July 3, and that, too, is open to the public.
Whenever you come, expect to pass through a metal detector and have police search through all of your bags, picnic baskets, and coolers.
For more information on A Capitol Fourth, visit www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/.
For information on the National Independence Day Parade, visit http://july4thparade.com/.
Travel InformationA Capitol Fourth – 4th of July Hours: On July 3 and 4, gates open at 3 p.m. The concert itself runs from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on July 4. The dress rehearsal runs from about 7:30 to about 10 p.m. on July 3. Admission: Free. Parking: Forget it. Metrorail: Blue and Orange Line stops for Federal Center or Red Line stop for Judiciary Square. Be aware that the Smithsonian station closes on July 4. |
I viewed the 4th of July concert on PBS tv channel. GREAT ! I’d like to know if a DVD is available to purchase.
PBS has an answer to this question on their Capitol Fourth FAQ page:
“Unfortunately, copyright restrictions do not permit us to issue video or audio copies of the program.”
They also suggest looking for replays of the concert in the few days after the 4th.
Does anyone know when the dress rehearsal begins on July 3rd?
The rehearsal starts at 8pm on Sunday night.
Can someone please tell me if we will be able to drive into DC from Virginia at 9:00 am on the 4th is it possible?
It’s certainly “possible” but you are going to have to deal with traffic and will probably have to park a good ways off the mall.
That is very early, yes you’ll make it and somehow find parking.
We are planning to come this year, I see the gates open at 3, do we need to arrive at that time or earlier to get in on the 4th?
Thanks
The Fourth is always a day for large crowds on the Mall. The Capitol Fourth web site has an FAQ page that should answer most of your questions. http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/faq.html
Is there in and out access if you get there at 3:00. In otherwords, can part of your party go do something else until the concert?
Thanks for the helpful information. I have the opposite question. I have two kids 4 and 7 years old. I don’t think they could tolerate waiting outside for 5 hours for a concert. Is there a way I can get Tickets for this concert? I’d be happy to pay for them; what I’m really looking for is a place where I can show up at 6 or so, sit down with the kids and avoid some of the crazy camping around all day stuff. Any ideas for this concert? or alternatively for any fireworks viewing area in DC?
(I did look at the cruises but they seem to exclude kids under 10.)
Thank you.
Scott- There are plenty of activities on and around the mall to keep the little ones entertained, just be sure to prepare for the heat. The Smithsonian museums will be open so you can always duck into them for a quick blast of air conditioning and some fun distractions for the kids.
The Iwo Jima memorial and the Pentagon are two popular places to view the fireworks without having to battle the crowds on the mall.
Can you tell me more about the 4th of July schedule? DO I need tickets for the performance? How do I get them?
What about fireworks? what time and where shoud I observe?
THANKYOU.
If you want to attend the Capitol Fourth Concert, you do not need tickets, but space is limited, so you need to arrive early. Doors typically open around 3:00PM.
The fireworks show starts around 9:00PM. There are plenty of great places to view the fireworks but the best ones are usually claimed early in the day. The steps of the Lincoln Memorial is one of my favorite spots, and if you want a spot outside of the city, you could try the Iwo Jima Memorial in Rosslyn, VA.