Takoma Park Area 4th Of July Fireworks, Parades: 2019 Guide

TAKOMA PARK, MD — The Fourth of July holiday is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Independence Day fireworks and festivities are going on near you. We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades, and festivals happening in and around Takoma Park so you can start planning now.

But before we get into that, let's take a peek at weather.

Unfortunately, it looks like Mother Nature might interfere with festivities and fireworks planned for the Fourth of July holiday. According to the National Weather Service, Montgomery County residents can expect showers and thunder storms, mainly after 5 p.m. Patchy fog is likely before 8 a.m. Otherwise, it will be mostly cloudy with a high near 91 degrees on Independence Day. In the evening, temperatures will drop to a low of 72 degrees.

Showers are likely for the rest of the holiday weekend. In the day time, temperatures will hover around the high 80s and low 90s. In the evening, temperatures will drop to the low 70s and high 60s.

Make sure to keep to keep an eye out for weather-related fireworks cancellations.

Patch has rounded up a list of Independence Day celebrations below.

Takoma Park

Here's what's in store this Independence Day in Takoma Park:

130th Independence Day Celebration
Takoma Park will be celebrating its 130th Independence Day Celebration all day.

The parade will start at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues at 10 a.m. It will travel south on Carroll Avenue, turn right on Maple Avenue, and continue to Ritchie Avenue where it will disband.

At 7 p.m., the streets of Takoma Park will come alive again with live music, acrobatic performances, children's activities, and more. The party will take place in front of the Takoma Park Community Center at 7500 Maple Ave.

Unfortunately, there will be no fireworks this year. Here's what Independence Day Celebration organizers had to say: "Unfortunately due to construction at Takoma Park Middle School, it is not possible to have fireworks there this year. The Takoma Park Independence Day Committee explored all other possible sites for fireworks in or near Takoma Park, including other local school sites, and were not able to find a solution with sufficient clearance to safely set off fireworks and host fireworks viewing."

Elsewhere in Montgomery County

Here's a list of what else is planned around Montgomery County on the Fourth of July:

Germantown Glory
Montgomery County Recreation will be hosting two annual Independence Day Celebrations: Germantown Glory and Mid-County Sparkles. This year's events will take place on Thursday, July 4. The rain date for fireworks is on Friday, July 5.

The Germantown Glory celebration kicks off with a concert at South Germantown Recreational Park (18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds) at 7 p.m. Fourth of July revelers can see the fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m.

Low lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome at Germantown Glory. Food vendors will be on site and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Parking will also be available on-site.

Want to be in the loop? Text MOCOJULY4 to 888777 to receive event-related updates.

Mid-County Sparkles
Over in Kensington, Montgomery County Recreation will be hosting Mid-County Sparkles. The celebration begins with a concert at 7:30 p.m. at Albert Einstein High School, located at 11135 Newport Mill Rd. Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m.

Low lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome at Mid-County Sparkles. Food vendors will be on site and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Only handicapped parking is available on-site.

Want to be in the loop? Text MOCOJULY4 to 888777 to receive event-related updates.

Rockville's Independence Day Celebration
Back for a fifth year, the city's Independence Day Celebration is scheduled on Thursday, July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm (1800 Piccard Drive). The event will kick off with live music from The Nighthawks and end with a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

Free parking will be available in lots along Shady Grove Road, and Gaither Road, and Piccard Drive. City officials say motorists should use main roads such as Route 355, Gude Drive, and Shady Grove Road to access these parking lots.

Some important Independence Day Celebration information:

• Barbecuing and open flames are prohibited
• Lost children should be brought to the first aid tent located along Piccard Drive
• Drones are prohibited
• Blankets and chairs are allowed

In DC

Thinking of heading to our nation's capital on Independence Day? There's plenty to see and do.

Here's what's on tap:

A Capitol Fourth
See all the pomp and circumstance that comes with Independence Day at "A Capitol Fourth." Back for its 39th year, the star-studded event will be held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building.

America's coolest uncle, John Stamos (a.k.a. Uncle Jesse), will be hosting the celebration, which is — fun fact — the longest-running live national July 4th TV tradition in the country. "A Capitol Fourth" will also feature a slew of stars, including: Grammy Award-winning music legend Carole King; multi-award winning electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling; multi-platinum recording artist and actress Vanessa Williams; and 2019 American Idol winner Laine Hardy.

Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Abby Cadabby, Rosita, and Bert & Ernie from Sesame Street will also make an appearance to celebrate America's birthday.

"You can't get more patriotic than this," Stamos said. "I'm excited to carry on this July 4th TV tradition for the American people and especially proud to honor our veterans. You don't want to miss it!"

Admission is free and open to the public. No tickets are needed.

General Admission gates are set to open at 3 p.m. The gates are located at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds. There will be a number of checkpoints, and visitors will be required to go through a metal detector.

More information about the event, including security, prohibited items, and directions can be found here.

"A Capitol Fourth" will air on PBS Thursday, July 4 from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Patio Barbecue Party
Melrose Georgetown Hotel is hosting a Patio Barbecue Party from 12 to 6 p.m. The menu will include char-grilled hot dogs, made-to-order hamburgers, coleslaw, potato salad, freshly-popped popcorn, as well as draft beers for only $2.

"A Salute to America"
This year's fireworks show will be different because of President Donald Trump's plans to change the celebration. Usually, the festivities center around the Washington Monument. However, the White House has requested that they be shifted to the Lincoln Memorial.

On July 4th, Trump will give a speech at the Lincoln Memorial as part of a daylong Independence Day celebration called "A Salute to America." Visitors can expect a military-themed parade and flyovers from military jets.

"A Salute to America" is also shooting to be the biggest fireworks show in the nation's capitol.

"We're gearing up for what I think we can safely say without hyperbole is going to be the biggest fireworks show that D.C. has seen," Mike Litterst, spokesman for the National Park Service, told The Washington Examiner.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. The event goes from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

You'll also be able to see the fireworks from a number of vantage points, including near the National Mall, the U.S. Supreme Court Plaza, and across the Potomac River.

National Independence Day Parade
This year's National Independence Day Parade will begin at 11:45 a.m. The parade route is one mile in length and will start at the corner of Constitution Avenue NW and 7th Street NW. There will be marching bands, military units, floats, giant balloons, drill teams, and so much more. The parade is scheduled to end around 2 p.m. at Constitution Avenue NW and 17th Street NW.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Planning a celebration for the Fourth? Check out epic July Fourth essentials like red, white and blue swag, patriotic games and luminous LED lights to ensure your party is the best in the USA.

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