Mission in Dupont Circle will be throwing a Red, White, and Fuego party on July Fourth. (Photo courtesy of Mission)
By DCist contributor Kalina Newman
It’s no question that D.C. is the premier destination to throw down for America’s birthday—she’s turning the big 242 this year, after all. There’s the annual Capitol Fourth celebration on the National Mall, of course, but if you’ve done it once, you’ve done it 242 times. Here are some additional ways to get patriotic this year that don’t include navigating road closures, wading through crowds, and craning your neck to get a glimpse of the fireworks.
4th of July D.C. Fireworks Show Paddle Tour
1492 Fourth St. SE
There’s still time to reserve your own board from Capital SUP D.C., where you will paddle out to the Potomac and watch the fireworks from a personal, waterborne seat. Don’t worry about navigating the Anacostia waters by yourself: Once all registered guests have arrived, there will be a casual group paddle to the Washington Channel at 7:45. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are sold out, but there are still pedalboards available for rent for $50 each. Or you could be a pro and bring your own board.
BOOM with a View
POV at the W Hotel
Mingle over signature cocktails and watch the fireworks from one of D.C.’s best viewpoints at the W Hotel rooftop. With the purchase of a ticket ($275), you’ll get access to an open bar and passed bites at this standing room-only event. Purchase tickets here.
Red, White, and Fuego Party
Mission
Start the 4th early with this party at Mission in Dupont Circle from 1-4 p.m. There will be an open bar, large patio, DJ, and most importantly, bottomless chips and guacamole. (Honestly, that’s probably worth the cost of the ticket alone). Both general ($70) and VIP tickets ($80) are available for purchase. VIP ticketholders get access to the open bar for an extra hour.
Nationals’ Independence Day Game
Nationals Park
Starting at 11:05 a.m., watch the Nationals face off against the Boston Red Sox, in the final game of a three-game series.
Splashtown USA
1717 14th St NW
Celebrate America’s birthday at an outdoor block party hosted by Cotton & Reed and No Kings Collective. The 21-and-over party goes from noon to 9:30 p.m. at the “Work It, Girl” mural, and features waterslides and music. Admission is free, but food and rum drinks are available for a fee.
AmericanDrinkDependence Day
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
This sixth-annual party kicks off at 3 p.m. at the Jack Rose Dining Saloon terrace. The saloon’s drink specials aren’t your ordinary pitchers of light beer, instead offerings include $4 cans such Snake Dog AmeriCAN IPA and $5 drafts such as Neon Freedom Meyer Lemon Goose and Brewhouse Rarities Guava IPA. The drinks and fun go “until the fireworks end,” so come early and stay late.
USAF Band Ceremonial Brass Quintet
National Air and Space Museum
Everyone who’s walked around D.C. in the middle of a summer day knows how brutal the heat can be. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy air conditioning, along with three short concerts from the Ceremonial Brass Quintet inside the National Air and Space Museum. The events are free and open to the public.
DNV Rooftop BBQ
DNV Rooftop at the Donovan
DNV, the boutique rooftop lounge near Thomas Circle, is hosting a free-entry, relaxing summer celebration. The grill will be going all night, with BBQ pulled pork, beef sliders, and a $4 pork spare ribs special. In addition, there will be $4 slushie cocktails and a DJ mixing tunes from 6-9 p.m., before the fireworks show. The fireworks from both D.C. and Virginia will be viewable from the rooftop.
