Fireworks – where to see them

If you want to see fireworks on July 4, you have two options – buy them at one of those temporary stands like this one in Barcroft Plaza or go to a professional show.

The fireworks show closest to the Annandale/Mason area is hosted by the City of Fairfax at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. The event starts at 6:30 with entertainment and speeches.

A shuttle bus will run from Woodson High School 5-11:30 p.m. All bags and coolers will be inspected.

The City of Fairfax is also hosting a parade at 10 a.m. on July 4.

The best fireworks show, of course, will be on the National Mall, starting at 9:09 p.m. Independence Day in D.C. also features a parade on Constitution Avenue starting at 11:45 a.m. and the Capitol Fourth Concert at 8 p.m. on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

If you don’t want to brave the traffic and crowded Metro to get to D.C., there are plenty of viewing spots in Arlington, including Gravelly Point, Key Bridge, and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

The Town of Herndon’s fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at Bready Park. Live music and other activities will get underway at 6:30.

Mt Vernon is holding a full day of activities on July 4, including a daytime fireworks show over the Potomac at 1 p.m.

You don’t have to wait until July 4 – The Town of Vienna is hosting a fireworks show on July 2, 9:30 p.m., at Yeonas Park. There will be food trucks and entertainment starting at 6 p.m.

If that’s not enough, the City of Alexandria is hosting a 275th birthday celebration at Oronoco Bay Park on July 13, with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.