July 4 celebrations start tonight
Independence Day isn’t until Saturday, July 4, but the celebrations begin tonight, June 28, with a patriotic drone light show at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston.
The Park Authority describes the drone show as a “sensory-friendly alternative to fireworks.”
The celebration at Lake Fairfax Park is noon-10 p.m. at 1400 Lake Fairfax. There will be live music and food. Parking is $25.
The Town of Vienna is hosting an Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 2, at Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Drive SW, 6-10 p.m. The event features live music, children’s entertainment, and food trucks. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Fairfax City’s celebration for the nation’s 250th birthday features an evening show, with music, food, and fireworks at Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run) on July 4, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
There will also be a parade in downtown Fairfax on July 4 at 12 p.m. with floats, marching bands, and a helium balloon.
The Annandale Rotary Club is hosting a closing ceremony for its Flags for Our Heroes progam on July 4 at 1 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale.
Mount Vernon is holding An American Celebration on July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with “made for daytime fireworks” on the Potomac River at 1 p.m.
The event also includes a naturalization ceremony for new citizens at 10 a.m., a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a military review and drill led by George Washington at 11 a.m., historic reenactors, a hot air balloon demonstration, patriotic music, an 18th century magician, lawn games, a puppet show, and a military encampment.
Tickets are $28 for adults and youths over 12, $14 for ages 6-11, and free for younger children.
Want to see the fireworks on the National Mall on July 4 without braving the crowds and traffic to get to D.C.?
All Arlington suggests five locations in Arlington: Gravelly Point near Reagan National Airport, the Mount Vernon Trail, Key Bridge, Long Bridge Park in Crystal City, and the Iwo Jima Memorial in Rosslyn.
The City of Alexandria is celebrating its 277th birthday and the nation’s 250th on Saturday, July 11, at Oronoco Bay Park, 6-9:45 p.m., with music, fireworks, and ceremonial cannons.