There is no more spectacular place to celebrate the independence of our country from England than on the West Lawn of the US Capitol! Jaw dropping fireworks explode over the Washington Monument, while Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, complete with cannon fire, invigorates the patriotic spirit in the hearts of all.
The day kicks off with a parade down Constitution Avenue at 11:45 AM, along the National Mall. This year, public access to the Mall will be through security checkpoints; the Mall opens at 10:00 AM. Featuring marching bands, military and specialty units, floats and plenty of VIP’s this parade draws thousands, so plan to arrive early for the best viewing.
Once again this year, the Smithsonian hosts the Folklife Festival, with daytime and evening music and dance performances, cooking and craft demos, storytelling and discussions on cultural issues. This year’s theme is Circus Art and American Folk; hours of the festival on July 4th are 11 AM to 5PM.
The National Archives hosts a yearly birthday party for our nation, with special patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration by historical re-enactors, free family activities and entertainment by US Military bands. The fun starts at 10:00 AM and runs until 5:30 PM.
The evening lead-up to the greatest fireworks display of them all is the free concert sponsored each year by PBS: A Capitol Fourth. Admittance begins at 3:00 PM; the concert starts at 8:00. Featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and a number of pop artists performing patriotic music, this concert fills up fast. Bring a blanket or folding chairs and a picnic dinner and arrive early for this highly entertaining musical event and the spectacular light show that follows.
Independence Day is celebrated with enthusiasm across our country; no matter where you live, a great fireworks show is sure to be nearby. If you’re traveling, be sure to make All Star Travel your first stop for great rates on air fare, hotels, resorts and rental cars. We are connected to a variety of travel providers, and you can access exclusive deals and member benefits just by joining our free travel club. Check us out today, and for more great travel news and views, follow our blog. We promise you will not be disappointed!