Fireworks

As part of the birthday festivities, the National Park Service and partners host a spectacular Independence Day fireworks show in the heart of the nation's capital. On July 4, 2022, view a colorful 35-minute firworks display with DC's iconic monuments and memorials as a stage. Fireworks are scheduled to illuminate the sky beginning at 9:09 pm, weather-permitting.

Fireworks on display over the National Mall for the Fourth of July celebration.

NPS

Viewing from the National Mall

• Plan to arrive early, and to protect yourself from heat-related illness. See Directions and Plan Your Visit.

• Viewing areas on the National Mall near the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool will be accessible only through secure access points.

• Consider wearing hearing protection. These fireworks are BIG and LOUD.

• Consider wearing eye protection to protect yourself from incidental falling debris (ash).

• Consider not bringing pets (some get very scared of the loud booms).

• Immediately following the fireworks, areas along Independence Avenue between the Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial will be closed for safety checks related to the fireworks launch site. The road and sidewalks will re-open after cleanup crews have completed their inspection and removed any hazardous materials.

Fireworks may be cancelled due to inclement weather

The fireworks display may be delayed or cancelled if there is inclement weather, such as driving rain, high winds, lightning and/or low ceiling cloud cover in the area. Sign up for automated alerts by texting JULY4DC to 888777.

Other Viewing Areas

• Washington DC: U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the White House Ellipse, West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, and Anacostia Park

• Virginia: George Washington Memorial Parkway, including US Marine Corps War Memorial, Netherlands Carillon grounds, Lyndon Baines Johinson Memorial Grove, Gravelly Point Park, and along the Mount Vernon Trail from the 14th Street Bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only.

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  Special Events

  Join the festivities in Washington, DC, including the Salute to Americ and the fireworks display!

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  Plan Your Visit

  Find information to plan your trip around town on July 4, including directions, closures, security, and safety tips.

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  Social Media & Alerts

  Share your DC Fourth of July experience on social media! Stay informed with alerts and fun-facts about the DC monuments.

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  Photos and Multimedia

  View photos and videos of Independence Day festivities and preparations on the National Mall.

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  History of Independence Day

  Take a moment to reflect on why millions of Americans gather for celebrations across the country on July 4th every year.

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  Making the Fourth Happen

  Ever wonder what it takes to put on a show for Independence Day in the nation's capital? Learn more about behind the scenes.