4th Of July Fireworks 2021 Canceled In McLean

MCLEAN, VA — Although coronavirus cases continue to drop across the country while the number of those who are fully vaccinated continues to rise, many Independence Day celebrations have once again been canceled, modified or will be held virtually due to the pandemic.

McLean’s fireworks, parades and 5K events may have been canceled, but they have been replaced with the McLean Community Center's Drive-Thru Ice Cream Celebration for district residents. There are also fireworks displays nearby in Great Falls, Vienna, Reston, DC and more.

McLean July 4th Drive-Thru Ice Cream Celebration

What: This drive-thru event includes music, free ice cream, patriotic giveaways, and more. Admission is free, but registration is required. The event is only open to McLean Community Center district residents.

Where: McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA

When: Sunday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Great Falls 4th of July Hometown Celebration

What: The Great Falls 4th of July celebration includes a day packed with events. The day kicks off with a 5K Walk/Run at 8 a.m., followed by an Inova Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Little Patriot Parade at 9 a.m. will precede the main parade at 10 a.m. Afterward, enjoy lemonade, pizza, snow-cones, and other treats, as well as music, games, and festivities on the Village Centre Green.

Then head over to Turner Farm Park starting at 6 p.m. for live music, games, contests and food trucks until fireworks begin at dusk.

Where: Celebration and parade at Great Falls Village Centre, 776 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA; Evening fireworks at Turner Farm Park, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls, VA

When: Sunday, July 4, celebration and parade from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; evening fireworks at dusk with gates opening at 6 p.m.

Vienna Fourth of July Fireworks

What: Fireworks will be held at dark with preceding festivities. Big Bad JuJu will provide live music. Guests are asked to wear a face mask if they're not vaccinated. Social distancing is encouraged. Alcohol, chairs, glass containers and pets are not permitted at the event. The other Fourth of July event, Sprinklers & Sparklers, is canceled in 2021.

Where: Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Drive SW, Vienna, VA

When: Sunday, July 4, park opens at 7 p.m., fireworks at dark (around 9:30 p.m.)

City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade

What: The City of Fairfax kicks off its 55th Annual Independence Day celebration with a parade on Saturday morning in Old Town. This year's parade includes nine high school marching bands and inflatable parade balloons, as well as floats and clowns. Commemorative 4th of July T-Shirts will be on sale Saturday, June 19, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., on the steps of City Hall. The theme of this year's T-Shirt is "One Flag. One Hand. One Heart." Shirts are priced at $5/youth and $10/adult, while supplies last. Commemorative baseball caps will also be available for $10.

Where: The parade starts from 4100 Chain Bridge Road and continues, rain or shine, around downtown Fairfax, along Chain Bridge Road, Main Street, University Drive and Armstrong Street.

When: Saturday, July 3, at 10 a.m.

City of Fairfax Independence Day Evening Show & Fireworks

What: Enjoy an evening of music and dancing followed by fireworks at Fairfax High School stadium. Due to COVID-19 restoration, there will be no children's activities this year. Items that may puncture synthetic turf are not permitted on the football field. In addition, smoking, alcohol, and animals, with the exception of services animals, are prohibited on the football field. In case of rain, the only the fireworks will be presented on Monday, July 5.

Where: Fairfax High School at 3501 Lion Run, in Fairfax City

When: On-stage entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, July 4

Lake Fairfax Fireworks

What: Lake Fairfax Park will have a ticketed fireworks event after a 2020 cancellation. Tickets are $10 and are available to purchase online through 11:59 p.m. on July 2. Day-of tickets are $15 per car. Fireworks will begin at dark, usually after 9 p.m. Attendees should arrive by 8 p.m. to find a spot for the show.

Where: Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA

When: Saturday, July 3 (fireworks expected after 9 p.m.)

Herndon Fourth of July Fireworks

What: A fireworks display will be launched from Herndon Centennial Golf Course with viewing at Bready Park. Spectators are asked to socially distance and wear a mask if not fully vaccinated. Alcohol, glass, grill stoves, personal fireworks and pets are not allowed. Attendees may bring blankets or chairs. Food concessions and entertainment will not be provided this year.

Where: Viewing at Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon

When: Sunday, July 4, 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks on the National Mall in D.C.

What: To celebrate progress made in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, President Joe Biden is planning to celebrate the July Fourth holiday as "a summer of freedom." He will be hosting 1,000 medical workers, first responders, essential workers and military members on the South Lawn of the White House for the National Mall fireworks.

The National Park Service said that consistent with CDC guidelines, people who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces on the National Mall. Masks are required for everyone on all forms of public transportation. All the memorials, except the Washington Monument, will be open.

People visiting the National Mall for the fireworks should practice social or physical distancing, staying at least six feet away from others who are not a member of your household, according to the NPS.

Where: Fireworks will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

When: The 17-minute display will be held on Sunday, July 4 starting at 9:09 p.m.

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.