July Fourth is already here, somehow. With more celebrations back than happened last year, it’s shaping up to be even more of a typical Independence Day celebration after two years of the Covid pandemic. Here are some options to help you to get out and about in the D.C. area this Fourth of July weekend.

PARADES AND FESTIVALS

THE BIG PARADE: Starting right before noon, the annual National Independence Day Parade will be held on Constitution Avenue. Self-described as “America’s biggest and best Independence Day Parade,” the event will also be livestreamed on Facebook and later available on YouTube. (11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Constitution Avenue; FREE)

THE BIG FIREWORKS: It’s not the Fourth of July without fireworks. Right after 9 p.m., the National Park Service will begin its annual fireworks celebration on the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. If you plan to watch the display on or near the Mall, consider arriving early, bringing hearing protection, and leaving skittish pets at home. (The National Mall; Display begins at 9:09 p.m.; FREE)

THE BIG CONCERT: Bring a blanket and head to the West Lawn of the Capitol for a free Independence Day Concert. The event is hosted by Mickey Guyton and will feature the National Symphony Orchestra along with artists including Darren Criss, Yolanda Adams, Andy Grammer, Gloria Gaynor, Keb’ Mo’, Emily Bear and Loren Allred. (Gates open at 3 p.m.; West Lawn, United States Capitol; FREE)

FOLK LIFE: July 4th is also the last day of the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. Expect food, films, demonstrations, live music and more. The Independence Day schedule includes a “Henna Designs & Stories” demonstration, a “Junior Ranger Badge Workshop” and “Eating the Invaders: Lionfish in Belize.” (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; the National Mall between 7th and 12th Streets; FREE)

CAPITOL HILL PARADE: Before the Constitution Avenue parade kicks off, there’s always the 20th annual Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade on Barracks Row. Choose to organize a group to register for the parade itself, or join the crowd lining the street. (Barracks Row, Capitol Hill; 10 a.m.; FREE)

PALISADES PARADE: Now in its 56th year, the annual July Fourth parade in Northwest D.C.’s Palisades neighborhood will be held as usual on Whitehaven Parkway, ending at the Palisades Recreation Center, where there will be a picnic with live music, food and activities. (Whitehaven Parkway; 11 a.m.; FREE)

SYLVAN THEATER: The Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area on the National Mall will host a hands-on event for the whole family. Head to the southeast grounds of the Washington Monument to complete the “Independence Day Junior Ranger Booklet” and learn more about the Monument’s history. (Sylvan Theater; 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.; FREE)

BUBBLES: Over the July Fourth weekend, CityCenterDC is hosting BubbleworksDC — an immersive, hourly experience featuring bubbles choreographed to classical music. The show is created in partnership with a Los Angeles company focused on building and displaying eco-friendly bubble displays across the country. (CityCenterDC; 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.; FREE)

NATIONAL HARBOR CONCERT: The July 2nd edition of National Harbor’s Salute the Sunset concert series, which features a variety of military bands, will be themed “Air Force Airmen of Note.” Grab a blanket or chair and head to the National Harbor waterfront for the show. (National Harbor, 7 p.m.; FREE)

ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME: The Friends of the Soldiers Home will host the 10th annual Independence Celebration featuring music from DJ Billy White and food from Captain Cookie, Rocklands, Timber Pizza and more. View the fireworks from the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home at Rock Creek Church Road and Randolph Street NW. (Armed Forces Retirement Home; 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; $10 suggested donation per carload)

SUNSET SAIL: Book a ticket to cruise around the Potomac on the Tall Ship Providence, ending back at The Wharf for a dockside fireworks viewing party. The Providence is the only 1700s-replica sailing vessel in the D.C. area; tickets include two drinks, with more available for purchase. (The Wharf; 6 p.m.; $68.50-$89.10)

CELEBRATION AT MOUNT VERNON: Mount Vernon hosts its annual American Celebration, which will include a George Washington impersonator, music from the 1800s as well as a performance from the National Concert Band, and made-for-daytime fireworks. Note: The Mount Vernon fireworks show is already sold out. (Mount Vernon; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $26)

BASEBALL: Celebrate America’s birthday with America’s pastime. Midday on July Fourth, the Washington Nationals will face off against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park; the game will have an Independence Day theme. Want to catch the Nationals’ annual July Fourth fireworks show? You’ll need to head to Friday’s game.  (Nationals Park; 11:05 a.m.; $18+)

BARS AND PARTIES 

VUE ROOFTOP: Watch the fireworks with Vue Rooftop at their Boom With A View: July 4th Fireworks Show. The Hotel Washington bar offers a sky-high view of the fireworks over the National Mall — followed by signature cocktails and music afterwards. (Vue Rooftop; 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.; $40+) 

DECADES DARTY: This July Fourth, Decades DC is hosting a darty (day party) featuring food, drinks, hookah, dancing, and music. The event promises a mix of genres including hip hop, Afrobeats, and soca music. The dress code is “Day Party Fashionable” and everyone must be 21 years or older to enter. (Decades DC; 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.; FREE with VIP packages available)

CITY WINERY: This Independence Day, City Winery DC is the hosting Earth, Wind, Fire Tribute Band. The event will feature musicians and vocalists paying homage to the original band through funk, R&B, and Jazz performances. (City Winery; 5:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. start; $24+)

HOT SINCE 82: DJ Hot Since 82 is coming to DC for July Fourth. The artist will be performing at an event hosted by Nü Androids at Flash rooftop. Guests must be 21 years old or above. (Flash; 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; $30-$35)

BAR CRAWL: Spend your Fourth with a bar crawl through Dupont Circle. Registration and wristband pickup are from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.,  but all crawl-related specials last until 10:00 p.m.. Crawlers can expect $3 beers, $4 shots, $5 mixed drinks —  as well as a costume contest and giveaways. (Dupont Circle; 2:00 – 10 p.m.; $8 – $15 registration)

MORE FOOD

GHOSTBURGER: RAMMY award-winning ghost kitchen Ghostburger (found in Espita in Shaw) is unveiling its first-ever hotdog on the Fourth of July. There’s not much known about the new dish beyond the fact that it will offer a Mexican twist, and will only be available seasonally. (Ghostburger, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Price unknown)

IMMIGRANT FOOD: Through the weekend of July 2nd, Immigrant Food locations  near the White House and at Planet Word museum are debuting two unique hamburgers to celebrate America’s birthday. The White House location will feature a burger with toppings including basil aioli and confit cherry tomato. The Planet Word Museum’s version will include  Korean Mayo, Daikon slaw, Korean cucumber salad, and jalapenos. (Immigrant Food at the White House and Immigrant Food+; Times and prices vary)

TRUMMERS MEAL KIT: Celebrate the Fourth with a weekend grill kit from Trummer’s in Clifton, Virginia. The take-home package can include everything you need for grill sesh with an Austrian twist., including house-made bratwurst with pretzel buns, dry aged beef burgers with bacon jam, and brown sugar maple baked beans. (Trummers; Pickup on July 1 and July 2 between 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Prices vary)

L’ARDENTE: Italian newcomer L’Ardente is hosting a three-course event on the Fourth with dessert, champagne, and a view of fireworks from the roof. The meal offers custom wine pairings, including Chateau d’Esclans Rose to go with a soft shell crab and summer corn and Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay with Maine halibut and carrot ravioli. (L’Ardente; 6 p.m.; $200 per ticket)