Ring in July 4th, 2021 with a new feeling of freedom. After more than a year of COVID-related restrictions, DC is finally on its way back to pre-pandemic holiday celebrations. Everyone is encouraged to follow the most current CDC guidelines on gatherings and events, but here are some options to ring in the Fourth of July.
CELEBRATE WITH FRIENDS
Throw a patriotic party and invite your friends. Whether a picnic in the park or a backyard barbecue, simplify your celebration by ordering a meal kit from one of these DC establishments.
Baker’s Daughter

1402 Okie St. NE
Chef Matt Baker’s bespoke café offers take-home grill kits that serve 3-4. Each kit includes a protein, two sides, a sauce, and a salad. Grill enhancers like lobster tails, deviled eggs, crab cakes, and pound cake, and fresh berries can be added.
Mélange

449 K St., NW
Chef Elias Taddesse offers two fourth-of-July “grill and chill kits. ” The Burger Bash” and “The Grill Master.” This burger-centric, French-Ethiopian restaurant includes instructions on making perfect burgers. The $75 kit serves up to four people and includes burger makings, potato salad, and ice cream. If you’re in the mood for a spiced, dry-aged ribeye instead, you can order a $105 kit for four.
Centrolina

974 Palmer Alley NW?
Chef Amy Brandwein’s downtown Italian restaurant offers grill kits perfect for feeding two to four people at $150. The kits include homemade pork-fennel sausages, angus beef patties, brioche buns, toppings, ready-eat sides like corn with pesto, and a shortcake kit for dessert. A six-pack of Champion Shower pilsner cans and a bottle of Bertani Bertarose rose wine are included. Pre-order by 6 PM on Thursday, July 1.
Lebanese Taverna

All locations
Spice up your Independence Day cookout with a summer grill kit from this local Lebanese chain. The $79 packages serve four-to-six people and include chicken kebabs, kafta kabobs, Lebanese potato salad, watermelon and feta salad, hummus, and pita. Customize by adding extra kebabs, sides, or appetizers.
FIREWORKS WATCH PARTIES
Grab a spot and hunker down with your friends to watch the July 4th fireworks live and direct in person at these DC venues.
Cut Above
Wolfgang Puck’s Georgetown steakhouse has a $295 per person family-style menu with a rooftop view of the fireworks show on deck. The menu features summertime dishes like chili cornbread, barbecue beef ribs, a prawn boil, sliced watermelon, and summer berry pie. The price includes unlimited beer, wine, and festive cocktails.
La Vie
For a splashy July 4th weekend replete with club-style table service and Potomac River views, the rooftop terrace of La Vie delivers a luxurious experience. With private areas ranging from eight-person cabanas ($1,000) to smaller four-person cabanas with a view ($800) and $500 lounge areas. Some areas include a premium bottle of Champagne or liquor, and an a la carte menu will be available for all. Less inclined to go all out, general tickets to the penthouse portico are available for $59,
Victura Park
From noon to 10pm enjoy the fireworks at the Kennedy Center. Bring your own blanket and purchase cocktails, beer, wine, grilled food, and frozen treats.
Tiki TNT
A colorful Tiki bar and rum distillery at the Wharf, and stay into the night to watch the fireworks show from the rooftop. The viewing party starts at 8 PM on July 4th, and tickets are $50 per person. The ticket includes a seat at the bar with a view of the fireworks, a welcome cocktail, and a barbecue dinner with options like tiki dogs or kalua pork plates.

PARADES
Parades including marching bands, floats, and classic cars are a staple of community Independence Day celebrations. Even more fun than watching a parade is joining the parade yourself. Here are some fun parades in the Dc area.
Capitol Hill July 4th Parade
The Capitol Hill July 4th Parade starts at Eighth and I Streets SE at 10 a.m. on July 4th. It heads north along Barracks Row and finishes at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. Groups can still register to participate.
Armed Forces Retirement Home July Fourth Celebration
Friends of the Soldiers Home holds its annual July 4th lawn party at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, in Petworth. From 4 p.m.-9 p.m., party with your friends enjoying local food trucks, music, and kids. Free admission, $10 for parking. Enter at Rock Creek Church and Randolph Roads NW.
National Harbor’s Salute the Sunset Concert Series
On July 3rd, this free concert featuring America’s military bands is stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and they’ll play a selection of music starting at 7 p.m. at National Plaza.
Palisades Parade And Picnic
Beginning at noon on July Fourth on Whitehaven Parkway, this parade makes its way to the Palisades Recreation Center, where a free picnic with hot dogs and watermelon will take place. Bring the kids to jump on the moon bounces and listen to live music.
FIREWORKS
America has celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence by lighting off fireworks since 1777. The explosion of red-white-and-blue rockets overhead, combined with patriotic music inspires freedom-lovers everywhere. Most communities host festivities of some sort on the 4th, so check out local websites to find out what’s available near you. Here are a few favorite viewing locations in DC.
The National Mall
President Biden will host nearly 1,000 essential workers, first responders, and military members on the South Lawn of the White House to watch the annual fireworks show on the National Mall. Fireworks launch from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool beginning at 9 pm. Catch the show from West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park, and sites along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail.
Nationals Park
Catch one of the best shows in DC as a ticketholder to the Washington Nationals’ July 3, 7:15 p.m. game against the Dodgers. The post-game fireworks display is well worth the wait.
Mount Vernon’s An American Celebration
While the evening celebrations are already sold out, you can still celebrate America’s independence 18th century-style from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during Mount Vernon’s annual daytime celebration. Guests can watch made-for-daytime fireworks, see replicas of period hot air balloons and listen to 1700s tunes that the Founding Fathers would recognize. Purchase tickets $26 adults, $13 ages 6-11, free under 6.