The Fourth of July takes over the DMV this week, bringing fireworks, festivals, rooftop parties, and waterfront celebrations to one of the biggest weekends of the summer.
Here’s what to get into across the DMV:
EDITOR’S PICKS THIS WEEK
🇺🇸 America: The Innovation Opening Reception (Thursday)
Explore a new pop-up exhibition featuring works by 30+ artists highlighting the innovations, inventions, and creative milestones that have shaped the US ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The free exhibit will be on display at Union Station through 7/25, with the kickoff reception being held on Thursday from 6p - 8p (free)
🛝 THE PLAYGROUND at the National Building Museum (7/3 - 8/30)
The NBM’s newest summer installation transforms the Great Hall into a larger-than-life interactive playground designed for climbing, exploring, and play at every age. In partnership with NYC-based Snarkitecture, this installation comes paired with a full summer lineup of family-friendly activities, creative workshops, and after-hours events for adults.
🎆 America’s 250th: Fourth of July in the Nation’s Capital (Saturday)
The Fourth of July brings food, fireworks, and festivities to every corner of the city as the District marks America’s 250th anniversary. Check out our curated guide to fireworks, food, parties, cruises, and the best places to celebrate.
ACTIVITIES + EXPERIENCES
ONGOING
Ford Driving America Forward Popup Exhibit (7/1 - 7/14) - Union Station Main Hall | free during operating hours
Explore more than a century of automotive history through this free interactive exhibit featuring iconic Ford vehicles and artifacts
TUESDAY
Backbar Conversations - Atlas Salon | 6p - 8p, free
Panel discussion for Black women in beauty & wellnessilili DC X Rooster & Owl Collaboration Dinner - ilili | reservations from 5p - 9p, $100 per person
Multi-course tasting menu
WEDNESDAY
Black Broadway is Back! hosted by Ashley Darby - Howard Theatre | 7p, $88+
Cultural celebration with live performances & complimentary drinks and bites. This event will be filmed for S11 of Real Housewives of Potomac
FRIDAY
HEELLOOOO DC Soca Sunset Cruise - Departs from Alexandria Marina in VA | 6p, $98+
Ticket includes open bar & light bitesFood Truck Friday at the National Arboretum - 5p - 7:45p, free
Barre Class with Music by City Girls, Trina, Doechii, Saucy Santana - Local Motion Project in Alexandria, VA | 12:30p, $24
SUNDAY
Afrobeats & Wine Festival - Union Market | 2p - 9p, $66+
A.M. Nesia: Ultra All-Inclusive Caribbean Carnival Brunch Cruise - Departs from Alexandria Marina in VA | 12p - 4p, $162+
Ticket includes open bar & a brunch buffetCourtyard Cinema Screening of “Independence Day” - Dirty Habit | 6p - 10p, $5
Ticket includes a bag of popcorn
PARTIES + MIXERS
THURSDAY
CITY SPLASH: Night Swim & Social - Hedy’s Rooftop | 8p - 2a, $25+
rhythm & booze: the fireworks - Vera Cocina | 10p - 2a, free before 10:30p with RSVP
TASTE Rooftop Social - Sly Rooftop Bar | 4p - 12a, free
Trap vs R&B: The Chocolate City Pre-Independence Day Celebration - Air Restaurant | 9p - 2a, free until 11p with RSVP
R&B On The Rooftop: Ladies Night - Lucha Rosa | 9p - 1a, $18+
TCB & UCB: Uptown Battle - Citizens & Culture in Silver Spring, MD | 10p - 2:30a, $34+
Live gogo music
FRIDAY
HUNXHO hosts SAX Fridays - 10p - 4a, $25
LIFT OFF: the Pre-Independence Day Celebration - La Vie | 5p - 10p, free
Plus N Sounds Rooftop Party - WILD DAYS | 9p - 3a, free before 10:30p with RSVP
The Nite Swim Rooftop Pool Party - Hotel Zena | 6p - 12a, $20
Rooftop SZN - Officina | 10p - 3a, $30
The Night Before the 4th - 10p - 3a, free
SUNDAY
Sunday Stories - 12 Stories | 3p - 11p, free before 4:30p with RSVP
All White Party - ZOOZ | 4p - 10p, $23
The Frequency Class Presents: Crush - STFU | 4p - 9p, free before 5p with RSVP
Queer women-friendly
CONCERTS + SHOWS
FRIDAY
Rare Essence with EU & Sugar Bear: Celebrating 50 Years of GoGo - 9:30 Club| 8p, $50
DeRay Davis - The Theater at MGM in National Harbor, MD | 8p, $56+