Your guide to the Fourth of July
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Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
The Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday this year. Here's what to know and how to celebrate in the area.
Where to see a parade: There are July 4 parades all over. Here are a few:
- The National Independence Day Parade starts at 11:45am on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets NW.
- The Capitol Hill parade starts at 10am at 8th St. SE by the Eastern Market Metro.
- The Takoma Park parade begins at 10am on Carroll Avenue.
- The Palisades Parade starts at the corner of Whitehaven Parkway NW and MacArthur Boulevard NW at 11am and ends at the Palisades Recreation Center.
A historic event: The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site will reopen to the public on July 4, starting at 11am with a ribbon-cutting, music, and a Douglass reenactment. Visitors will then be invited to walk through the first floor of the house.
Big fireworks show: The fireworks along the National Mall will begin at 9:09pm and run for 18 minutes.
- Getting there: We recommend you take Metro (Smithsonian is the closest stop), walk, or bike instead of driving.
- Metro will be free after 5pm on July 4 and service will increase to accommodate crowds after 4pm.
Be smart: Some good spots to view the fireworks that aren't in the immediate downtown area include the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Hains Point, Gravelly Point, or Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park.
- The Wharf is also hosting a free watch party.
What's open:
- The DPR public outdoor pools will be open Tuesday from 10am to 6pm.
- Low-barrier shelters and the downtown daytime center will be open.
- The Circulator will run its regular route except for its National Mall run.
What's closed:
- DPR indoor pools and facilities.
- All library locations.
- The DC Health and Wellness Center.
- All DMV locations.
- There will be no reversible lanes on Canal Road between Chain Bridge and Foxhall NW or on Rock Creek Parkway.
Of note: Parking enforcement will be suspended on the holiday.
- Household trash and recycling pickup will take place on Monday, skip Tuesday, and then "slide" for the rest of the week.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to add details about Metro service and fares.