FRIDAY JULY 2
TALK SHOW AT WONDERLAND: After taking a 16-month hiatus during the pandemic, the talk show You, Me, Them, Everybody Live is back. The show will be hosted by regular Brandon Wetherbee and co-hosted by Allison Lane — all at Wonderland Ballroom. Comedian Haywood Turnipseed Jr. is among the guests at this show about people and places in the District. (The Wonderland Ballroom; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; FREE, with $5 donation suggested)
MAGNA CARTA: It’s the opening day of the the Museum of the Bible’s new exhibit, Magna Carta: Tyranny. Justice. Liberty., that explores its history from 12th century B.C. to the present day. The exhibition will include a showing of the revision of the Magna Carta issued in 1217 and will run through January 2, 2022. (The Museum of the Bible; open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; $0-19.99)
SOFT EDGES: This weekend is opening day of When Our Edges Grow Soft, a new exhibition at The Stone Tower Gallery at Glen Echo Park. The show is a collection of ink portraits by local artist Irene Pantelis, and “fluid and murky nature of memory and identity, while reimagining historical archetypes.” (Stone Tower Gallery at Glen Echo Park; 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; FREE)
SATURDAY JULY 3
CLASSIFIED COMEDY: In-person and indoor comedy is back. On Saturday, head to Caos on F Gallery for Classified Comedy’s first indoor show in over a year. Watch the live showcase featuring local comedians — and then check out their Classified Podcast for virtual laughs. (Caos on F Gallery; 10 p.m.; $10)
SPORTS! Celebrate the Fourth with our local teams. On Saturday, both the Washington Nationals and DC United are hosting home games at Nationals Park and Audi Field, respectively. If you go to the Nationals game, be sure to stay behind after the end of the game for the postgame fireworks. (Nationals Park & Audi Field; D.C. United kicks off at 4:30 p.m., the Nationals start at 7:30 p.m.; Prices Vary)
SUNDAY JULY 4
MALL FIREWORKS: On Sunday evening, the traditional fireworks display is coming back to the National Mall for the Fourth of July. The 17-minute show will be launched from both sides of the Reflecting Pool. Attendees can also tune into the fireworks and the whole pre-game festivities on PBS. (The National Mall; 9:09 p.m.; FREE)
MIDSUMMER: Celebrate your inner thespian by joining Olney Theatre Center’s free performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance of will take place at The Root Family Stage, an open-air space with bleacher, chair, and lawn spaces. Spots are limited, but organizers note that there are often no-shows and standby tickets are often available. (Olney Theatre Center; 7:30 p.m.; FREE)
BLUEGRASS JAM: Spend your Fourth of July morning at the Bluegrass Jam at the O Street Museum. Participants are welcomed to “bring your groupies, entourage, and guitar, banjo or whatever you want to play (or not).” Want to experience the event, but aren’t interested in playing? Friends and family passes are available. (2020 O St. NW; 11 a.m.; $25.00)
PARADE OF HOUSES: In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the annual Takoma Park Fourth of July Parade is bringing its celebrations home. Visit the organizers’ site for a list and map of participating homes and businesses, and take a self-guided (and socially distant) tour in your best Fourth attire. (Takoma Park, Maryland; FREE)
CAPITOL HILL PARADE: After being virtual in 2020, this year the 19th Annual Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade is back in person. The route will take place on Barracks Row by Eastern Market and kicks off at 10 a.m. Participants and attendees are asked to follow all the latest coronavirus guidelines from the CDC. (Barracks Row; 10 a.m.; FREE)
MONDAY JULY 5
BRANCH OUT: On Monday, wind down from the weekend festivities by heading to the U.S. National Arboretum in Northeast D.C. As of June 1, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum are open, the grounds are open, but the Tropical Conservatory and Exhibits Gallery are still closed. (The U.S. National Arboretum; open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)
