What a difference a year—and COVID-19 vaccines—make. The Fourth of July may not be entirely back to its pre-pandemic normal, but it’s going to look a lot more like a holiday than it did in 2020, what with its string of cancellations. Local leaders have lifted coronavirus restrictions on bars, restaurants, and other gathering places, and fireworks on the National Mall have the go-ahead. On the other hand, the annual parade on the Mall is canceled again this year, and the Capitol Fourth concert will be pre-recorded.
But take heart. Neighborhoods are stepping up to fulfill your hankering for star-spangled displays, hot dogs, and rousing musical numbers. Guests at all events are encouraged to follow all updated COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Masks are required for riders on Metro and other public transit.
Grill kits galore
Baker’s Daughter
1402 Okie St. NE
Pescatarians, rejoice, because this Ivy City café and market has a grill kit for you. New Zealand Ōra king salmon ($80 kit) is one of several protein choices (there’s also filet mignon and New York strip steak). Kits come with a family-style mixed green salad, marinated veggies for the grill, a choice of two sides, and the option — for an additional fee — to add Maine lobster tails, crab cakes, or other yummy extras. Pre-order at Toast for pickup Friday, July 2, Saturday, July 3, or Sunday, July 4.
Centrolina
974 Palmer Alley NW
If you have extra space on your grill, throw in Chef Amy Brandwein’s grill package ($150). It includes four dry-aged Angus beef patties with cheddar and four housemade pork fennel sausages, each with brioche buns from companion bakery Piccolina. On the side are a tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad; potato wedges; ready-to-grill corn with pesto; and burger fixins. A strawberry shortcake kit is included. Toast your hosting savvy with the accompanying cans of pilsner and bottle of rosé. Pre-order at Toast by Thursday, July 1, at 6 p.m., and pick up on Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3 from 12 p.m.-8 p.m, or Sunday, July 4 between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Lebanese Taverna
Multiple locations
Grill the Middle Eastern way with Lebanese Taverna’s kit ($79). It includes 10 uncooked and ready-to-grill chicken kabobs and kafta kabobs, two pounds of Lebanese potato salad, two pounds of a refreshing watermelon & feta salad, one pound of hummus, and pita bread. Lamb kabobs are available for $32 more. Order at Lebanese Taverna’s website for Saturday, July 3 pickup at all locations.
Mélange
449 K St. NW
At his Mt. Vernon Triangle restaurant, Chef Elias Taddesse is offering two take-home “grill and chill” kits. Start with six ready-to-grill beef blend patties, complete with brioche buns and garnishes ($75) or add a 32-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye as well ($105). All kits come with heirloom tomato-strawberry and charred Bibb lettuce salads, plus two hand-churned pints of Chef Taddesse’s ice cream in your choice of flavors, such as coffee cardamom. Grill kits must be pre-ordered by Thursday, July 1, at 5 p.m. Kits will be available for pickup on Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Pre-order at Mélange’s website.
Food and drink specials
Fight Club
623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
The Capitol Hill fast-casual spot will host boozy brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on both Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5. The menu will meld weekend sandwiches from Fight Club’s menu plus shrimp and grits and other customer favorites from Beuchert’s Saloon, which went on hiatus during the pandemic to make way for Fight Club. Come for the Devilish Chivito ($16), a tower with deviled egg, steak, ham, bacon, red pepper mayo, shredded lettuce, and tomato on a sesame seed bun. Then stay to nurse your Bloody Mary ($12) or your bottomless mimosa ($18).
Foxtrot
Multiple locations
You will be alert for the fireworks if you ingest one of Foxtrot’s patriotic affogatos ($8), available for a limited time at the Georgetown and Mount Vernon Triangle locations. Two shots of espresso come with chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and whipped cream. The toppings are where the patriotism comes in: red and blue pop rocks and a mini flag. Foxtrot will also offer to-go picnic boxes with summer salads, cheese and charcuterie, or Mediterranean mezze.
Immigrant Food
1701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
If your brunch doesn’t look patriotic, is it really the Fourth? Immigrant Food’s location one block from the White House has got you covered on July Fourth with its “Welcome to America Pancakes”. The griddled dish is bedecked with American flag colors, with red pineapple dressing, “White House-made foam” (pun intended), and blueberries. The “Welcome to America” special ($25) comes with the pancakes and the restaurant’s orange mimosa.
St. Anselm
1250 5th St. NE
Leave the barbecuing to the pros. St. Anselm will host a pig roast on its patio from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July Fourth. Their meat and three special ($35) includes a choice of half a pound of hog meat or beef sausage. It comes with an Independence Day trifecta of sides: corn on the cob, BBQ beans, and coleslaw. Cheeseburgers ($21) will be available, as will lighter fare such as a watermelon salad with Virginia peanuts ($11) and housemade rocket popsicles ($7). Grab your seats on OpenTable.
Sticky Fingers Bakery
1370 Park Rd. NW
The vegan-friendly bakery is offering the S’morskie ($45), a 9-inch vegan chocolate chip cookie cake that serves you and 15 of your closest friends. It comes with chocolate for drizzling and with marshmallows, so you can toast them to perfection like you did as a kid. Tree branches not included. Order at Sticky Fingers for pickup or nationwide shipping.
Taqueria Las Gemelas
1280 4th St. NE
If these tacos are good enough for POTUS, why not? Las Gemelas is offering an unofficial package deal to commemorate President Joe Biden’s visit. A “Biden Bundle” includes the Taco al Pastor, Taco de Barbacoa, Taco de Carnitas, Taco de Lengua, Quesadilla con Chorizo, and the Quesadilla con hongos. The $46 price is a coincidence, we’re told.
Via Sophia
1001 14th St. NW
This restaurant inside the Hamilton Hotel will be serving a special barbecue menu ($55) to celebrate the Fourth. Guests can choose from Kansas City ribs, South Carolina pulled pork, or barbecue chicken. Each meat comes with sides of coleslaw, baked beans, and potatoes, a Caesar salad starter, and tiramisu for dessert. The restaurant is also offering 50% off any American wine that is over $100 per bottle.
Your Only Friend
1228 9th St. NW
“Hot dogs are delicious and we love them,” says Paul Taylor, the executive chef at Your Only Friend, operating out of Shaw bar Columbia Room. So it made sense to him to add a special spin to the July Fourth staple. On Friday, July 2 through Saturday, July 3, Your Only Friend will offer a Maine-style hot dog ($4) for carryout and delivery via Tock. The featured frankfurter is made with naturally cased beef and pork; topped with onion-molasses relish, Duke’s Mayonnaise, and celery salt; and nestled in a Martin’s potato roll.
Parades and Parties
Capitol Hill Community 4th Of July Parade
After going virtual in 2020, the Capitol Hill July 4th Parade is once again an in-person event. The 19th iteration will start at Eighth and I Streets SE at 10 a.m. on July 4th. It heads north along along Barracks Row and finishes at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Groups can still register to participate.
Armed Forces Retirement Home July Fourth Celebration
Friends of the Soldiers Home is bringing back its annual July 4th lawn party for 2021 at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Petworth. From 4 p.m.-9 p.m., enjoy eats from local food trucks, listen to music, hang out with neighbors, and let the kids play games. Free admission, $10 for parking. Enter at Rock Creek Church and Randolph Roads NW.
National Harbor’s Salute the Sunset Concert Series
This free concert series with America’s military bands continues on Saturday, July 3. The U.S. Air Force Concert Band is stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and they’ll play a selection of music starting at 7 p.m. at National Plaza. On the Fourth itself at 7 p.m., the Lake Arbor Jazz Outdoor Concert Series will feature trombone virtuoso and hip-hop/funk innovator Jeff Bradford and friends ($75).
Palisades parade and picnic
The Palisades parade and picnic is back for its 55th iteration. The show starts at noon on July Fourth on Whitehaven Parkway. The parade will make its way to the Palisades Recreation Center, where a free picnic with hot dogs and watermelon will take place. Bring the kids to jump on the moon bounces and listen to the live music.
Victura Park fireworks viewing party
On July Fourth from noon-10 p.m., The REACH at the Kennedy Center will host its first-ever fireworks viewing party from its winery-inspired Victura Park. Refreshment stations will sell grilled items, frozen desserts, local beers, wine, and canned cocktails, plus a special offering by Maketto Chef Erik Bruner-Yang. Admission is free on a first come first serve basis. Guests may bring blankets but outside chairs, food, and drink are not permitted.
Fourth at The Wharf fireworks viewing experience
Or try yet another dramatic view of the July Fourth fireworks, this time from The Wharf. Starting at 7 p.m., admission ($40) gets you access to the Dockmaster Building, gourmet snacks, and two drink tickets. Follow that up at the cash bar featuring Smirnoff’s pink lemonade vodka. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
Fireworks
The National Mall
The main event starts at 9:09 p.m. on the Fourth, launching from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. President Joe Biden says he will host nearly 1,000 essential workers, first responders, and military members on the South Lawn of the White House to watch. If you’re planning to watch in-person, expect some road closures near the Mall — and remember that West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park, and sites along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail will offer views of the show.
Nationals Park
Ticketholders to the Washington Nationals’ July 3, 7:15 p.m. game against the Dodgers should stick around until the end of the game, because they will get the best seats to the stadium’s postgame fireworks show.
Mount Vernon’s An American Celebration
The evening fireworks displays at George Washington’s Mount Vernon are already sold out. But you can still celebrate America’s independence 18th-century style at Mount Vernon’s annual July Fourth festivities, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission guests ($26 adults, $13 ages 6-11, free under 6) can watch made-for-daytime fireworks, see replicas of period hot air balloons take to the skies, and tap toes to 1700s tunes that the Founding Fathers would recognize. Don’t forget to greet George Washington as he inspects his troops.
This post has been updated with more events. Is there anything missing from this list? Let us know here.
