4th of July at National Capital Parks- East

NPS Photo/Marcey Frutchey

Celebrate the Fourth of July with National Capital Parks–East, where you can enjoy a meaningful and memorable 250th anniversary experience without the overwhelming crowds of downtown DC. From powerful history, family‑friendly activities, and unique programs across our parks, NACE parks offer a festive and reflective way to spend the holiday—rich with storytelling, community, and fun.

 

It Took a Nation: The Revolutionary History of Marshall Hall

Friday, July 3rd
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Marshall Hall, Piscataway Park, Bryans Road, Maryland

Celebrate 250 years of American history at Marshall Hall, set along the Potomac River at one of National Capital Parks–East’s most scenic historic sites. This program highlights the area’s evolution—from an 18th‑century plantation to a beloved amusement park and today’s national parkland. Visitors can enjoy ranger talks on the Marshall family and Revolutionary‑era life, fife and drum performances, soldier camp demonstrations, and hands‑on activities. The event concludes with a wreath‑laying ceremony honoring the Marshall family’s Revolutionary War service, offering a meaningful way to connect with local and national history.

Though the event ends at 7:00 pm, visitors are welcome to set up on the lawn to watch Mount Vernon's fireworks show from across the river.

 

2025 Oratorical Contest Winner will recite their winning speech.

NPS Photo/Marcey Frutchey

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

Saturday, July 4, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

1411 W St SE, Washington, DC 20020

Celebrate Independence Day and the nation's 250^th anniversary with the National Park Service at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site’s annual event, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Hear recitations by a Frederick Douglass Reenactor and the winner of the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest, tour Cedar Hill, and participate in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence!

This event is free of charge and does not require registration.

Schedule of Activities:
10:00 a.m. Recitation of excerpts of the Douglass speech by actor Nathan Richardson
10:30 a.m. Recitations by winners of the 2025 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest
11:00 a.m. Music from the Washington Conservancy and Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
11:30 a.m. House Tours begin

 

The Federal City Brass Band performs during the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Memorial at Lincoln Park in Washington, D.C., on April 11, 2026.

NPS / Thuy Nguyen

4th of July at Fort Washington Park

Saturday, July 4th
4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, Maryland

Celebrate the holiday with an evening of music, history, and fireworks at Fort Washington Park. The night begins with historic fort talks at 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 p.m., each offering a short 15‑minute look into the fort’s past and its role in defending the nation. At 7:30 p.m., the artillery crew will present a live firing demonstration, echoing the fort’s historic mission over the Potomac.

As the sun sets, the Federal City Brass Band takes the lawn for an 8:00 p.m.performance, filling the bluff above the river with period music. Visitors can then enjoy the Mount Vernon fireworks display across the river beginning around 9:00 p.m., a scenic and less‑crowded alternative to downtown celebrations.

The fort will remain open until 10:00 p.m., closing after the Mount Vernon show ends, giving guests time to enjoy the view and exit safely.