School’s out for summer, and the DMV has much to offer locals and visitors alike. You can get outdoors and soak up the sun or cool off on the hottest days in world-class museums. Check out our list of area events this month, and we hope you find something to enjoy with family and friends.
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS AND FIREWORKS
WASHINGTON DC
Washington, DC, Fourth of July Celebration | July 4
DC area National Parks
Our nation’s capital is an exciting place to celebrate Independence Day. Join the many patriotic festivities in honor of America’s birthday, visit the nation’s memorials dedicated to those who served our country, or enjoy recreational opportunities in one of the many DC area national parks. Highlights include:
- National Independence Day Parade | 11:45 AM–2 PM on Constitution Avenue
- A Capitol Fourth Concert | 8–9:30 PM, West Lawn of the United States Capitol
- Fireworks on the National Mall | 9:09 PM
A July 4th Musical Celebration | July 4
Washington National Cathedral, Washington, DC
You’re invited to the Cathedral on July 4th for a free performance featuring the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Brass Quintet and Timpani and Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan. This Independence Day concert includes the world premiere of the commissioned work Radiant Revolutions by Carson Cooman.
Free Admission
LOUDOUN COUNTY
Franklin Park Arts Center Celebration | July 4
On July 4th, Franklin Park will host festivities starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon artists, food, and music. The fireworks display, accompanied by music from the Loudoun Symphonic Winds, will start at 9 p.m.​
Leesburg Independence Day Celebration | July 4
Leesburg's events begin with an Independence Day parade at 10 a.m., starting from Ida Lee Park, down King Street, and ending at Fairfax Street. In the evening, there will be a concert and fireworks at Ida Lee Park starting at 6 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.​
Middleburg Independence Day Parade | July 4
Middleburg will have its celebrations starting at 6 p.m. at the Middleburg Community Charter School. Enjoy a kids' parade, food, music, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.​
Purcellville Independence Day Parade | July 4
Starting at 11 a.m., this parade will go through downtown Purcellville. Additional festivities will include food and music​.
FAIRFAX COUNTY
City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade and Fireworks | July 4
Parade starts at 10 a.m. through downtown Fairfax featuring bands, entertainers, and civic groups. Fireworks: Evening show at Fairfax High School Stadium from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with live entertainment and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Great Falls 4th of July Hometown Celebration | July 4
Great Falls Village Center. The parade starts at 10 a.m. with floats, horses, antique cars, and pets. Evening Activities include music, games, contests, and food trucks at Turner Farm Park from 6 p.m. Fireworks display starts just after dusk. Suggested donation of $20 per family.
Herndon 4th of July Celebration | July 4
Located at Bready Park. Activities include live entertainment, games, and food starting at 6:30 pm Fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
Celebrate America in Historic Downtown Manassas | July 4
From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Activities include live music, children’s activities, food vendors, and a fireworks display starting at 9:15 p.m. at the Manassas Museum Lawn.
Dumfries Fireworks | July 4
Cecil W. Garrison Park, 17749 Main Street, Dumfries. from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.. Enjoy an evening with live music and fireworks.
Potomac Nationals Annual Fireworks Show | July 4 after the baseball game
Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge. Fireworks display following the baseball game with an all-you-can-eat picnic package available. Regular admission.
FAUQUIER COUNTY
Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration | July 4
Great Meadow, The Plains. Gates open at 5 p.m. Enjoy family games, an air show, food trucks, beer, contests, a polo exhibition, and a spectacular fireworks show starting at dusk, accompanied by a musical score. $60 at the gate.
Front Royal Independence Day Concert & Fireworks | July 5
The American Legion Community Band will present its annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks with food trucks, live music and more at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center. Gates open at 5 p.m. Parking is $5-10.
FESTIVALS, FOOD & FUN
Photo courtesy of The Town of Front Royal
Front Royal Fireman’s Carnival | July 3 – 13
725 Crosby Rd, Front Royal, VA
Open daily, except Sundays, the Carnival at Front Royal with food and rides starts on Wednesday, July 3rd, and runs through July 13th. The parade down East Stonewall Drive kicks off at 6 PM on Wednesday, July 10th. Thursday, July 11th, weather permitting, fireworks will light up the sky near the carnival grounds after dark and following the conclusion of the Front Royal Cardinals game.
An Introduction to American Indians | July 5, 10:30AM
Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Join dancers and singers on a journey through the diverse cultures of Native America. This fast-paced, interactive performance features Indigenous songs, dances, and stories from across the continent. At the end of the performance, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet the Native American performers.
Alexandria’s Birthday | July 13, 6-9:45PM
Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria, VA
The City of Alexandria celebrates its 275th birthday and the USA’s 247th birthday on Saturday, July 13, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 PM. Enjoy the big birthday experience including cupcakes, local vendors, and live music.
Photo courtesy of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Lotus & Water Lily Festival | July 19-21
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC
The summer lotus and lily blossoms are a “must-see” during their peak blooming period in July, not unlike viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring. We hope you will take a chance to visit this DC gem.
Loudon County Fair | July 23-27
17558 Dry Mill Rd, Leesburg VA
Summertime is county fair season with live music, great food, fun rides, and of course cute farm animals! You can even enter your home-grown produce or pie in a competition. The 2024 Loudoun County Fair is a great place to gather with friends and family.
Fly in Festival | July 25 -27
Robert Newlon Airport, Huntington, WV
The annual Fly In Festival features live music, skydiving, airplane tours, kayaking, camping, a pot-luck dinner, and other activities at the Robert Newlon Airpark in Huntington, West Virginia. Festival proceeds benefit the Barboursville Police K-9 Unit.
Photo Courtesy of Mubadala Citi DC Open
Mubadala Citi DC Open – Tennis Tournament | July 27 – August 4
Fitzgerald Tennis Center, Washington, DC
Falling between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, this tournament brings some of the world’s best men’s and women’s tennis players to DC. It’s also a great chance to see future Grand Slam Champions.
SUMMER CONCERTS
For many of us, there are few things as enjoyable as listening to live music and we are fortunate that the DMV has a variety of venues that attract artists and audiences of all sizes and musical tastes.
Patty Griffin with Lucy Wainwright Roche | July 12
Patty Griffin is among the most consequential singer-songwriters of her generation, a quintessentially American artist whose wide-ranging canon explores the intimate moments and universal emotions that bind us together.
Photo Courtesy of Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band | July 13
The Dave Matthews Band (DMB) is known for their eclectic musical style blending elements of rock, jazz, funk, and world music. Formed in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1991, they continue to have a devoted following.
Outdoor Concert Series
There are also great opportunities to enjoy FREE outdoor concerts in beautiful surroundings. Check out schedules for these summer concert series below that are sure to please:
- Concert on the Avenue | The United States Navy Band (DC)
- Jazz in the Garden | National Gallery of Art (DC)
- Happy Hour at The Parks: Line Dancing | Marketplace Plaza at The Parks (DC)
- Rock the Dock | Transit Pier at the Wharf (DC)
- Glen Echo Park Summer Concerts | Glen Echo (MD)
- Live From the Lawn | Strathmore, North Bethesda (MD)
- La Plata Summer Concert Series | La Plata (MD)
- Lubber Run Summer Concert Series | Lubber Run Park, Arlington (VA)
- Concerts in the Park | Cherry Hill Park, Falls Church City (VA)
- Summer Concerts in the Park | McLean (VA)
- Rock the Block | Old Town Square, Fairfax City (VA)
- Summer Jams | Town Green, Leesburg (VA)
- Open Late Concert Series | National Sporting Library Museum, Middleburg (VA)
- Concert on the Hills Series | Middleburg Community Center (VA)
