🎇 🍔 Summer Sizzle: July 4th Celebrations and Real Estate Insights Across DC, Maryland & Virginia

Hello and welcome back to my blog: While many of us, myself included, are not at all happy with the direction this country has been taking, I am doing my very best to set that aside in favor of what this country can and should be, all things being equal. With that being said, I am here to provide a breakdown of things to do over July 4th.  

We all know July 4th marks America’s independence, but did you know DC didn’t exist in 1776? The city wasn’t officially established as the capital until 1790. Speaking of which -- want a quick local history hit? Georgetown’s cobblestone streets were already bustling with trade during the revolution — long before becoming one of the city’s priciest zip codes. Meanwhile, here's a photo I took in 2023 while attending the spectacular firework display from the vantage point of the Lincoln Memorial. 


🎇 Where to Catch the Action: July 4th Events in the DMV

Here are some local events worth checking out this week:

Washington, DC:

  • National Independence Day Parade (Constitution Ave NW, 11:45 AM) from 7th to 17th St NW
  • National Archives Celebration – 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: family-friendly activities + Declaration of Independence reading on the Archives steps 

  • Fireworks on the National Mall – Starts around 9:09 PM (best views from the Lincoln Memorial or across the Potomac in Arlington)

  • A Capitol Fourth – The televised concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, with guest performers and orchestra.
  • Transportation Tips: Take Metro to Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, or L’Enfant Plaza. Arrive early—expect crowds by 6 p.m. Street closures start midday; parking is extremely limited. 

Northern Virginia:

  • Fairfax City Independence Day Evening Show & Fireworks

  • Great Falls Village Festivities – Small-town charm with a morning parade, followed by live music and food trucks.

Maryland:

  • Takoma Park Parade & Fireworks

Annapolis Fireworks Cruise – Watch the sky light up from the water, with festive cocktails and snacks.

🌳 Local & Less-Crowded DMV Options

DC Neighborhoods & Virginian Communities

  • Palisades Parade – July 3 at 11 a.m., followed by free picnic in the park

  • Herndon (Bready Park) – Activities start 6:30 p.m. on July 4 with face-painting, games; fireworks around 9:15 p.m.

  • City of Fairfax Evening Show – Live music till 10:30 p.m., fireworks at ~9:30 p.m. at Fairfax High Stadium

  • Great Falls (Turner Farm) – Family event with cornhole, food trucks, then fireworks ~9:30 p.m.; $20 per family suggested.

  • Leesburg – Parade at 10 a.m. in Ida Lee Park; evening live music and fireworks ~9:30 p.m.

  • Manassas “Celebrate America” – Downtown vendors, performances starting ~3 p.m.; fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

  • Mount Vernon (VA) – All-day fun, daytime family fireworks around 1 p.m., plus evening fireworks from the East Lawn; tickets required ($50 adults, $36 children)

🏙 Maryland & Special County Events

  • Annapolis Waterfront Parade & Fireworks – Parade starts ~6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:15 p.m. over the harbor

  • Chesapeake Beach (Thursday, July 3) – Activities from 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk; good for beating holiday crowds 

  • Montgomery County Parks – Fireworks/music in Germantown (July 4, 7 p.m.) and South Germantown & Kensington events 

💡 Travel & Parking Hacks

  • Public Transit is your ally. Use Metro or MARC/Amtrak for DC-anchored events, especially Annapolis or Baltimore 

  • Plan for closures. DC streets close midday—check MPD or DC.gov notices .

  • Arrive early. Neighborhood shows (e.g. Fairfax, Herndon, Great Falls) often fill up spots quickly—get there by 6 p.m.

  • Consider off-peak days. Chesapeake Beach on July 3 is less crowded than holiday night.

  • Park-and-ride options: Great Falls and Fairfax have lots with shuttle services. Leesburg has small-town parking but fills quickly—visit early or ride-sharing works best.

🎯 Hidden Gems & Out-of-the-Way Options

  • Poolesville, MD – July 2 rock concert tribute followed by fireworks (~8:30 p.m.); $10 parking; chance to push the ignition button! 

  • Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton – Fireworks and carnival vibes on June 28; a warm-up to July 4

  • Montgomery County (Kensington, Germantown) – Two-night events with live music & smaller-crowd fireworks.

  • Eastern Shore & Solomons Island – Parades, waterfront activities, boat parades—great for day-trip vibes

SUMMARY OF EVENTS

Venue

Highlights

Travel Tips

Capitol Fourth (Mall/DC)Parade + NBC concert + fireworksMetro, aim to arrive <6pm
Herndon / FairfaxFamily-friendly parade + musicLocal parking, early arrive
Great Falls Turner FarmLow-key cornhole + food trucksPark & ride, bring blanket
Poolesville Concert (July 2)Rock tribute + fireworks$10 parking, early arrival
Annapolis WaterfrontParade + harbor fireworksMARC/Amtrak or drive early
Chesapeake Beach (Pre-July3)Food trucks, games, plus fireworks

____________________________________________________________________________

🏡 Real Estate in July: Fireworks in the Market, Too?

While many people are firing up the grill or heading to the beach, savvy buyers and sellers know July can be an active time in real estate — especially in the DMV.

Quick July Housing Snapshot (based on recent years):

  • Inventory tends to be slightly higher than in May or June — people are moving before school starts.

  • Buyers can sometimes find slightly better negotiation opportunities during holiday weeks when competition dips.

  • Closings often spike mid-to-late July, as contracts written in June wrap up.

  • Homes with outdoor space, patios, or pools tend to get extra attention this time of year.

Thinking of listing or buying? It might actually be the perfect window, with lower competition and motivated movers on both sides.

🍔 Beyond Burgers: Fresh 4th of July Food Ideas

Hosting or potlucking this year? Here are some creative takes on traditional favorites:

  • Grilled Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – charred and slathered in lime mayo, cotija, and Tajín.

  • Watermelon Feta Bites – cube watermelon, top with feta and mint for a cool, crunchy app.

  • Charred Peach + Burrata Crostini – a little fancy, a lot summery.

  • BBQ Jackfruit Sliders – a great plant-based option that still brings the smoky flavor.

  • Red, White & Blue Sangria – white wine with blueberries, strawberries, and apple slices cut like stars (pro tip: cookie cutters!).

🍔🔥🎟⛵️🌊 What I will be doing 

This year I will be attending a cookout at a client's home in Springfield, VA and an LGBTQ+ fundraiser in National Harbor, MD on Saturday. On Sunday I will be sailing with a friend and client on the Potomac/Chesapeake. Whether you’re watching fireworks from the Mall or grilling on your own little slice of backyard paradise, I hope this 4th of July brings you joy, gratitude, and maybe even a spark of inspiration about your next home.

Meanwhile, as always thank you for reading and or feel free to give me a like. 

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