Fireworks Near Me: Arlington’s 4th Of July 2020

ARLINGTON, VA – July 4 events across the country will not look the same this year thanks to the coronavirus. Many cities and towns have been forced to cancel the annual Fourth of July events, including Arlington.

Although some traditional Fourth of July celebrations in nearby D.C. have been cancelled for 2020, such as the National Independence Day Parade, the White House announced a scaled back version of President Trump's Salute to America.

The U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled its plans Wednesday for President Trump's Salute to America celebration on the Fourth of July. The plans include a fireworks display in the evening and military flyovers of the National Mall in D.C.

Arlington County issued a July 4th traffic alert Tuesday, including road closures and restrictions due to COVID-19. The county will be limiting viewing at Long Bridge Park to 1,000 individuals. Non-approved vendors will be prohibited at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, where backpacks and coolers will be subject to search upon entry. Many roads will be closed and no parking zones instituted around the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Long Bridge Park, and the Air Force Memorial.

Although many other Arlington events have been canceled, they have been replaced with some outdoor activities and televised events.

• A Capitol Fourth: For 40 years, PBS has been broadcasting its annual concert from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., ending with a fireworks show over the National Mall. This year, the concert will be pre-taped and the live fireworks will be aired. A Capitol Fourth will still air Saturday, July 4, from 8-9:30 p.m. ET, on PBS.
• Explore D.C.'s Waterfronts: D.C. sits at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. Take advantage of the warm summer weather, grab an oar, and paddle away the day.
• An American Celebration at Mount Vernon: Celebrate the nation's birthday with a visit to the home of America's first president. Actives are offered throughout the day on Saturday, July 4, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Buy tickets.
• Take a Virtual Run: RunnerMania is a virtual running festival scheduled fro July 3-5. Runners can run a 5K, half marathon, or 24-hour ultra. Register here.
• Dine Along the Georgetown Riverfront: With D.C. now in Phase Two of its phased reopening, many restrictions have been lifted on restaurants. If you don't feel like dining, wander around the waterfront and check out the attractions.
• Support a Local Restaurant: Now that Arlington is in Phase Two, restaurant and beverage establishments can offer indoor dining at 50 percent occupancy with at least six feet of spacing between tables.
• Freedom Fest on the Plaza. Courthaus Social will be open Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., at 2300 Clarendon Blvd. Bring the whole family and enjoy corn hole, jenga and many more games set up in the plaza for a day of fun.
• Visit the National Zoo or a Museum: Although many museums and the National Zoo may be open, Phase Two restrictions limited the capacity to 50 people in enclosed rooms or exhibit paces. Museum events are permitted, but with a maximum capacity of 50 people.
• Visit a Park: Since June 5, Arlington County Parks have opened the following facilities: athletic fields (with restrictions), batting cages, bocce courts, disc golf course, pickleball courts, picnic shelters (with restrictions), skate park, tennis courts, and running tracks. When the county entered Phase Two on June 12, its dog parks, and basketball and volleyball courts reopened.

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute. Check your event before you go. Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Check out this roundup of everything from barbecue essentials to patriotic table decor to be sure your July 4 is the best in the USA.

Also see ...

Fireworks, Military Flyovers Planned For DC July 4th Celebration