Time to celebrate the most epic break up OF ALL TIME!!!! That’s right, Independence Day, because we are a nation of strong, independent citizens that don’t need no England. Naturally, we want to celebrate this amazing holiday in style. Lucky for us, we live in the Nation’s Capital (if you weren’t already aware) which calls for us to party even HARDER. Because ‘Merica. Anyway, here is your complete guide to all things red, white, and blue that are going on this year.
Check back often. We’ll be updating this guide as specials, parties and fireworks viewing parties roll in.
Where To Drink
Let’s get star-spangled hammered.
Denizens’ 4th of July Weekend Preamble Party
When: Sunday, July 3rd, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Denizens Brewing Co., 1115 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md.
What & How Much: Live music from Electric Peacock Dance Band, with burgers, dogs and veggie skewers to nom on. Denizens beer, obviously, and boozy ice cream from Ruby Scoops. Free and open to the public.
Jack Rose’s 4th Annual “AmeriCAN DrinkDependence Day”
When: Monday, July 4th, terrace opens at 2 p.m.
Where: Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Leading with the phrase, “You can’t spell ‘American’ without a ‘can,'” Jack Rose is tag-teaming with Flying Dog Brewery to serve $4 canned beers and half-priced food all night. They also have a roof top bar and tiki bar perfect for viewing fireworks.
When: Monday, July 4th, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Bar Deco, 717 6th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Rooftop cookout and firework viewing party. There will be free burgers and hotdogs, special guest bartenders, craft beers & crafted cocktails, and giveaways.
Republic’s 3rd Annual 4th of July Freedom Fest
When: Monday, July 4th, and there are two sessions. The first, is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the second is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Day-long passes (from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) are also available.
Where: Republic, Takoma Park, 6939 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, Md.
What & How Much: A day-long beer and BBQ festival with local brewers and live music. Brewers include a handful (and I mean a big handful) of local brewers and music by Johnny Grave and the Tombstones and the Rock-A-Sonics.
The Graham Georgetown Celebrates Independence Day
When: Monday, July 4th, from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: The Graham Georgetown, 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Exclusive rooftop bar party with complimentary hot dogs, brats, noisemakers and Uncle Sam hats. Tickets are $100 a person and there will be a cash bar featuring Snow Cone frozen cocktails. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
Independence Day Party at the Brixton
When: Monday, July 4th, 1:00 p.m. until close
Where: The Brixton, 901 U St Northwest, Washington D.C.
What & How Much: Beer specials, an ice luge, hot dog eating contest, and more. There’s no cover charge, so you have some extra change for more beer.
Where To Eat (and Carryout)
About 150 million hot dogs are estimated to be consumed on the Fourth (via Wallet Hub). Why not be part of the statistic? Here’s where you can get bites to absorb the alcohol.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and extended hours for firework viewing until 10:30 p.m.
Where: Willard InterContinental Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington D.C.
What & How Much: Block-party style BBQ with live music, and they also offer carry-out picnic baskets if you plan to venture elsewhere for $15 each.
When: Monday, July 4th, starting at 2 p.m.
Where: 701 Restaurant, 701 Pennsylvania Ave Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: A pig roast and BBQ right around the corner from the National Mall (i.e. a perfect place to go before seeing the fireworks) with tons of classic American BBQ type dishes ranging from $5 to $20 a dish. Pig out, my fellow America lovers.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Hay-Adams, located at 800 16th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: An elegant fourth-styled dinner with traditional BBQ dishes like barbecue chicken and ribs, and is perfect for families.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
When: Monday, July 4th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, 1308 G Street Northwest, Washington D.C.
What & How Much: Pick up a festive Independence-Day themed picnic basket which includes fried chicken, three “USA doughnuts,” three birthday cake doughnuts, two orders of tater tots, and two orders of cole slaw all for $45 which feeds up to four people. Make sure to place your order by end of day on July third to get in on the delicious fried, doughnut-y action.
When: Orders must be placed by June 28th, and a limited selection of desserts will be available in store from June 27th to July 3rd so get those orders in ASAP.
Where: RareSweets, 963 Palmer Alley Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: A patriotic-themed selection of desserts like that of the “First Lady Inspired Desserts” and DIY s’mores kits. Carryout baked goods or bake them at home for the perfect treats at your 4th party.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 2 p.m. 11 p.m.
Where: LINCOLN Restaurant, 1110 Vermont Ave Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: The LINCOLN will be hosting their 6th annual Independence Day Party with drink specials like $3 PBRs and $30 Emancipation Punch Bowls. If you want to grab some grub, they will be offering an extensive patriotic menu for $35 a person and for $17 for kids under 12 years old.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: TICO, 1926 14th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: $25 bottomless mimosa disco brunch to complement their Spanish twists on standard morning fare. The brunch menu is available here.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Teddy & The Bully Bar, 1200 19th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Farm to table BBQ dinner with locally produced meats, salads, and desserts for $35 a person and $17 for kids under 12. They also offer drink specials like $5 Heavy Seals IPAs and $8 signature cocktails.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, 1612 14th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Oyster brunch on the Fourth should be enjoyed with their $20 bottomless mimosa special, but make sure to bring your drinking friends, because everyone at the table needs to be in. Try their new softshell crab po’boy! Also, they’re serving up a picnic feast with 6 pieces of dark meat fried chicken, 3 jalapeño corn bread muffins, potato salad, coleslaw, blueberry hand pies and red, white & blue cookies. $35 for the spread, which you can pre-order here. Orders must be placed by July 2.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Red Apron Butchery, 709 D Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Red Apron will be serving up their weekend menu of amazing breakfast sammies and smoked meats on the 4th, and those heading down to the Mall for fireworks can also pack a picnic with a plethora of to-go offerings. Chillin’ grillside on Independence Day? You can pre-order everything you need for a carnivorous feast from now until Friday, July 1st.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Carmine’s, 425 7th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Another Penn Quarter/Chinatown option for those looking to take their grub to the Mall. Grab one of their heroes, that allegedly feeds two (but have they seen me eat?), for $10, with a free water because winners always remember to hydrate between adult beverages. Choose from a cold or hot Italian, chicken or veal cutlet, cheesesteak, and the mozzarella & prosciutto. Carry-out only.
When: Pick-up on Monday, July 4th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Orders must be placed 24 hours in advance.
Where: Del Campo, 777 Eye Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Bring the Argentinian asado experience to your own grill with a la carte and pre-fixed options to serve four. Choose from succulent cuts that’ll activate your salivary glands just scanning the menu: wagyu beef, tomahawk ribeyes, chorizo, etc.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Bastille Brasserie & Bar, 606 N. Fayette Street, Alexandria, Va.
What & How Much: Some Parisian fare for our friends in Virginia! A special Cochon & Cornichon menu features slow roasted milk-fed pork “Porchetta style,” filled with chorizo, garlic, herbs, scallion. It’s served with pickled radish and cucumber slaw and pork fat fried potatoes. Also, french wine and beer HH specials from noon to 7 p.m.
When: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, 2404 Wisconsin Ave Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: $15 bottomless bloodys and mimosas. $5 red and white wine specials. Brunch menu here.
When: Monday, July 4th, check stores for hours.
Where: All &pizza locations
What & How Much: &pizza re-releases their Bacon Cheeseburger on Independence Day. Have you had pickled red onions? They’re a game changer. Pair with an also-new Cherry Bomb craft soda, made with bing cherries and red currant.
When: Monday, July 4th, happy hour 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Alta Strada City Vista, 465 K Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Half-price pizza specials all night, available only from the bar, so you might as well enjoy some drink specials while you dine.
When: Monday, July 4th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Brookland’s Finest, 3126 12th Street Northeast, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Just your standard brunch. I haven’t been. The menu’s here.
Where To Party
When: Monday, July 4th, boarding starts at 7:30 p.m. and the vessel leaves the dock at 7:45 p.m. sharp.
Where: Washington Marina, 1300 Maine Avenue Southwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Watch amazing 4th of July fireworks from the deck of a boat! There will be a cash bar (that can also take cards) and finger foods. Watch the fireworks and drink on the Anacostia/Potomac Rivers for a not-so-typical firework experience.
4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party: Boom with a View
When: Monday, July 4th, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks are at 9:15 p.m.
Where: POV Rooftop and Terrace, 515th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
What & How Much: Open bar at the top of the W hotel with an ah-mazing view of the fireworks on the National Mall. In addition to cocktails, there will also be “Americana theme” passed food and self-serve food stations. General admission is $265 per person.
Where To Hang/Watch Things Explode
When: June 29 – July 3, and July 7 – 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: On the National Mall between the Smithsonian Museums
What: Artisan demonstrations, family-fun activities, live music, food vending, celebrating rituals, and more!!! America is a melting pot right? Let’s celebrate everyone’s culture!
National Annual 4th of July Parade
When: Monday, July 4th, at 11;45 a.m.
Where: Constitution Avenue and 7th Street
What & How Much: The website proclaims it is “America’s biggest and best Independence Day Parade,” and bonus! its around the monuments so it is extra patriotic. And its free!!!
When: Do I really need to tell you this? Monday, July 4th, at 9:30 p.m.
Where: US Capitol West Lawn- East Capitol St NE & First St
What & How Much: FREE and FREE. Its “America’s Biggest Birthday Party” and it has tons of live music and performances. Its in a perfect location and sets the perfect backdrop for patriotic fireworks.
Fireworks on the Lake at Clyde’s of Columbia
When: Monday, July 4th, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Clyde’s of Columbia, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, M.D.
What & How Much: Unlimited food, beer and wine on the pavilion while watching fireworks explode over the lake. Tickets are $75 per adult, $40 per young adult, and $20 per child.
When: You guessed it, Monday, July 4th, starting at 9:09 p.m.
Where: The National Mall
What & How Much: much like our country, this event is free. Fireworks over the mall: its the perfect way to conclude your fourth of july festivities.
When: Monday, July 4th, 9:30 a.m. pet registration
Where: American Visionary Arts Museum, 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD
What & How Much: Free, free, and free! Grab your pup (and their leash) and take them out for some patriotic pet-friendly fun.
