Independence Day brings live music, picnics and—of course—fireworks at various free events in Northern Virginia.
At Arlington’s Long Bridge Park (475 Long Bridge Drive, parks.arlingtonva.us), the fun starts at 5 p.m. and includes face painting, moon bounces, kickball games, food trucks and views of the Washington, D.C., fireworks over the city skyline. Shuttles will be available from the Crystal City and Pentagon City Metro stops; there is no on-site parking.
You can also view the fireworks from the Air Force Memorial (One Air Force Memorial Drive, www.airforcememorial.org)—where the U.S. Air Force Band will perform from 8 to 9:15 p.m.—or from the U.S. Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) War Memorial (www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/usmc_memorial.htm).
At George Mason High School in Falls Church City (7124 Leesburg Pike, www.fallschurchva.gov), live music will begin at 7 p.m., culminating in a fireworks show at 9:20 p.m.
In McLean, the grounds will open at 8 p.m. at Cooper Middle School (977 Balls Hill Road, www.mcleancenter.org), with activities including a DJ and snack vendors.