Fireworks: Where to see them

The biggest and best fireworks show in the area is on the National Mall, of course, but there are several other options that are a bit easier to get to.

The City of Falls Church is hosting a fireworks show at George Mason High School, 7124 Leesburg Pike. There’s live music at 7 p.m., and fireworks at 9:20. In case of rain, the event will be held July 5.

You can bring blankets to sit on, but you can’t bring alcohol, glass containers, pets, or your own fireworks. Parking will be problematic, so come early, take transit, or carpool. Traffic and parking restrictions will be in place, and towing will be enforced.

The City of Vienna’s Fourth of July celebration begins at 4 p.m. in Yeonas Park, with a chili-dog eating contest, followed by the Old Bay Circus Company, and activities for children. The fireworks start at about 9:30 in Southside Park. (Rain date for fireworks July 5).

The City of Fairfax is hosting an evening show with live music at Fairfax High School (3501 Rebel Run) beginning at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30. (Rain date for fireworks July 5).

Fairfax has a full day of activities planned on the fourth, including an Independence Day Parade, 10 a.m.-noon in downtown Fairfax; a Superhero Fest, noon-1 p.m. at the Sun Trust parking lot across from Fire Station #3; and an Old Fashioned Fireman’s Day, 12:30 p.m. at 4081 University Drive.

If you’re going to the National Mall, fireworks begin at 9:09 p.m. The Capitol Fourth Concert is 8 p.m. on the west lawn of the Capitol (with Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, the National Symphony Orchestra, and others). If there’s bad weather – high winds or rain – the fireworks will happen on July 5. The concert will not be rescheduled.

If you miss the fireworks on July 4 – or just want another show – head to Alexandria’s Oronoco Bay Park July 9 for the city’s annual USA and city birthday celebration. Free live music starts at 5 p.m., and the fireworks start at 9:30.