Celebrating the 4th of July in Washington DC

1. For the quintessential Fourth of July experience, don't miss America's National Independence Day Parade, which features marching bands from all over the country, military and specialty units, patriotic floats and VIPs. It's a great start to a full day of Fourth of July events. The parade kicks off at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW.
2. The Fourth of July festivities continue on the U.S. Capitol's West Lawn with "A Capitol Fourth," a free, 90-minute musical extravaganza. The concert features the National Symphony Orchestra and is capped off with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery. Gates open at 3 p.m., and the concert begins at 8 p.m.
3. A Capitol Fourth is also the soundtrack for DC's fireworks spectacular on the National Mall. The Mall fills up quickly, so pack a picnic and make a day of it. The fireworks show typically starts shortly after 9 p.m. Looking for a unique view of the fireworks? Try a boat cruise or book a reservation at a hotel with a rooftop view.
4. In addition to "A Capitol Fourth" concert, patriotic music abounds during Fourth of July week. On Independence Day, catch the free Annual Independence Day Organ Concert at the Washington National Cathedral at 11 a.m. The U.S. Navy Band performs a series of free concerts throughout the summer, including Fourth of July week, as does the National Gallery of Art's Jazz in the Garden series.
5. Add a splash of international culture to your all-American holiday and make your way to the National Museum of the American Indian for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which typically runs over two long weekends around the Fourth of July. The annual celebration of cultural diversity will turn the area surrounding the museum into a global bazaar with music, dancing, crafts and demonstrations exploring different cultures.
6. The National Archives, home of the original Declaration of Independence, holds great Fourth of July festivities that are fun for the whole family. The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. with a ceremony, including a presentation of colors, patriotic performances and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.
7. If you're looking to cool down, head over to Tudor Place for their annual Independence Day Ice Cream Social. The historic Tudor Place estate was built by Martha Washington's granddaughter and her husband, so it's a fitting place to spend Independence Day. The ice cream social includes a tour of the house, a make-your-own-sundae bar in the garden and plenty of family-friendly games and crafts. Plus, all participants will receive a special copy of a rare, personal letter from Washington belonging to the Tudor Place archives. One of just three such notes in existence, it is an affectionate note to his wife as he took up command of the Continental Army.