Ah, Independence Day in Washington. Celebrating the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital can be one of the best things about living in D.C—if it’s done right. Instead of spending the entire day with throngs of tourists, consider an event with a more local flair. There’s plenty to pick from, including parades, barbecue, and even a slip and slide.
BBQ AND BEER: For full-on American action, get down to City Tap House (901 9th St. NW) in Penn Quarter on Tuesday for its fourth annual BeerBQ battle from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Breweries on hand include Hardywood Park, 3 Stars, and Evolution. Each will compete to make the best barbecue, with guests voting for the winner. For $20, sample each entry plus coleslaw and potato salad. Draft beers will be on sale for $5. There will also be a cornhole tournament between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the winning team getting a happy hour for 10 people at the upcoming Dupont Circle Tap House location.
ROOT, ROOT, ROOT FOR THE HOMETEAM: Baseball is the quintessential American sport, and the Nationals are in town on Tuesday to kick off Independence Day. The game starts at 11:05 at Nationals Park (1500 South Capitol St. SE) against the rival New York Mets. The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team will descend on the field prior to first pitch. The Rockettes will perform in the center field plaza before as well.
DIY BURGERS AND DOGS: For those who prefer to stay close to home on Tuesday, Red Apron Butcher is here to give home grillmasters a leg up with their holiday barbecues with ready-to-cook hot dog ($25 for six) and burger ($45 for eight) packs. Sriracha pulled pork will be available too for $10 a pound, bacon cheeseburger sausages will be $14 a pound, and bacon ribs will be $16 a pound. Items can be purchased at Red Apron locations (Union Market, D St. NW, Mosasic District) starting July 1 through the 4th.
FREDOM FEST: Up in Takoma Park, Maryland, Republic restaurant (6939 Laurel Ave.) will mark the holiday with its fourth annual Freedom Fest. There are two sessions (11 a.m to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and each $40 ticket includes a barbecue meal and access to 24 beers from local producers. Or, buy an all-day pass for $60. Food only passes can be bought for $20, all day. There will be live music, too.
PALISADES PARADE: Head out to the Palisades to celebrate the Fourth of July in the big city with a small-town feel. The neighborhood’s parade starts at 10 a.m. at the corner of MacArthur Blvd. and Whitehaven Parkway NW. Mayor Bowser will march, and the parade will be followed by a free picnic at the Palisades Recreation Center (5200 Sherier Pl. NW). Register in advance online.
SIP AND SLIDE: D.C.’s own Cotton & Reed rum distillery is setting up shop in a parking lot at 1701 14th St. NW for an afternoon of All American boozy fun. The “Splashtown, USA” party will feature cocktails, hot dogs and burgers, a water slide, and more. The event is for ages 21 and over. Admission is free, with drinks and food sold for individual purchase.
YES WE CAN: Jack Rose Dining Saloon (2007 18th St. NW) is teaming up with Maryland’s Flying Dog brewery for an afternoon of beer drinking and fireworks. The 5th annual “AmeriCan” party gets going on the rooftop terrace at 3 p.m. with $4 Flying Dog cans, $5 drafts, and half-priced bar snacks like smoked whiskey wings and crispy chicken skins.
WATCH THE FIREWORKS—DUH It’s not Independence Day without the bangs and booms of fireworks over the National Mall. There are so many viewing points across the city that don’t involve tourists. Ditch the Capitol lawn for a school, a backyard, or even a boat.
