Where to Watch Fireworks and Party This July Fourth

Ready to celebrate America’s birthday? You’ll find plenty of ways to get in the patriotic spirit this Independence Day weekend, whether it’s family fun with the kids or rooftop cocktails with fireworks as a backdrop. Here are some festive holiday happenings around Northern Virginia:

June 29

For an early holiday salute with all the pomp and circumstance, swing by the Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Langley High School in McLean from 6:30-10:30 p.m. for food trucks, a live DJ spinning tunes and free giveaways. A 22-minute fireworks show will light up the sky around 9:15 p.m. // Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean

June 30

Kick off the long weekend by heading over to Lubber Run Amphitheater  in Arlington for a live performance by Soul in Motion Players. Learn about African history while dancing and moving to the drum battery. They will perform from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. as part of the Lubber Run Summer Concert Series. // 200 N. Columbus St., Arlington

July 4

Love a July 4th parade or party? Multiple Arlington neighborhoods will be taking over the streets on Independence Day with stars and stripes regalia.

9:15 a.m. The Bellevue Forest Citizens’ Association 4th of July Parade, a procession of bikes, trikes, wagons, strollers and four-legged friends rolls through town with prizes and refreshments at the end of the parade route. // Starts at the intersection of Roberts Lane and Oxford Street, Arlington

10 a.m. In Fairlington, residents show up by the hundreds to participate in the annual July 4th Parade, led by the Arlington County Police and Fire Departments. Dogs on leashes and kids on bikes are invited to participate in the fun. At the after party, purchase bake sale treats in support of the No Kid Hungry initiative. // Starts at the Fairlington Fire Station on S. Abingdon St., Arlington

10 a.m. Douglas Park’s Holiday Parade and Potluck starts at 10 a.m. with judging for best parade floats, decorated bicycles and costumes. Bring a dish to share and enjoy music, a moonbounce and water slide. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Monroe Park. // 1330 S. Monroe St., Arlington

10 a.m. Waycroft-Woodlawn neighbors will gather to decorate bikes, trikes, wagons, scooters and strollers for a parade that kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Bring a potluck food to share and enjoy, grilling, inflatables and crafts. // 1200 N. Abingdon St., Arlington

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shipgarten in Tysons will host an all-day party with live music, outdoor games and moon bounces. Little ones can enjoy free face painting and arts and crafts. There will be a live magic performance by Nate the Great from noon to 3 p.m. Dogs are welcome on leash, or in the off-leash dog park. Treat your furry friends to Pup Cups and Kongs filled with peanut butter. // 1700 Old Meadow Road, McLean

12 p.m. The Bluemont neighborhood will celebrate by ringing the bell in Constitution Gardens. Everyone gets to ring the bell, young and old. You can ring more than once, as you want. Enjoy cupcakes, bubbles, books and more for kids–and the young at heart. // Corner of N. George Mason Drive and Wilson Blvd, next to Fire Station 2, in Constitution Garden Park, Arlington

2 p.m. VFW 3150 July 4th Celebration & Pulled Pork BBQ Celebrate Independence Day with your friends and family, with delicious pulled pork BBQ with all the fixings. //2116 19th St. N., Arlington 

Where to View the D.C. Fireworks from VA

If you love watching the fireworks above our nation’s capital but would rather avoid the National Mall, the Virginia side of the Potomac has several prime viewing locations. Pack your chairs and blankets and stake out a spot at Long Bridge Park, Gravelly Point or the Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) War Memorial and Netherlands Carillon.  D.C.’s dazzling fireworks display will begin at 9:09 p.m. Note: The Air Force Memorial will be closed to the public this year.