West End Alexandria July 4th Fireworks, Live Stream: 2018 Guide

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Fourth of July is quickly approaching, which means your family can enjoy America’s 242nd birthday and Alexandria’s 269th with fireworks on the waterfront. Alexandria's fireworks celebration falls on the weekend after fourth of July, happening Saturday, July 7 this year.

From 6 p.m.-10 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, patriotic birthday cake, food vendors and a dazzling fireworks display at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street.

Here is the schedule:

• 6 p.m. - Performance by U.S. Navy Band Commodores; refreshment sales
• 7:30 p.m. - Town Crier announces Mayor Allison Silberberg; poetry reading by Wendi R. Kaplan, Poet Laureate; acknowledgements
• 8 p.m. - Distribution of birthday cake by the mayor and members of City Council
• 8:30 p.m. - Performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra; Jon Kalbfleisch, Guest Conductor
• 9:30 p.m. - Grand finale fireworks display, featuring Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" with cannon support by the Presidential Salute Battery of the 3d United States Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard"), Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia

Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to the celebration. In the case of inclement weather, only fireworks will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 8, at 9:30 p.m.

If you can't make it, watch the live stream here.

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Weather forecast

After a blazing holiday week, the worst is over in time for Alexandria's fireworks. While temperatures were in the 90s with even higher heat indexes in the early week, Saturday's forecast calls for a pleasant high of 83 and low of 63. Sunny skies during the day will give way to a clear night: perfect for firework viewing.

Other events around Alexandria

National Independence Day Parade: July 4, 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW

Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America's birthday.

A Capitol Fourth: July 4, 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.,

West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

Co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Symphony Orchestra, join Jimmy Buffett and the Broadway cast of Escape to Margaritaville, pop superstars the Temptations and the Beach Boys, country music star Luke Combs, host John Stamos, and many more as they honor our country’s 242nd birthday. Gates will open at 3 p.m.

DC Fireworks Display: July 4, 9:09 p.m. - 9:27 p.m.

National Mall

Independence Day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from the area of the Reflecting Pool, and will be visible from many locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia. The fireworks will be cancelled in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms or high winds.

Fireworks at Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Hwy, Mount Vernon

Independence Fireworks: June 29-30, 6 p.m.-9:45 p.m.

A fitting destination for Independence Day festivities is the first president's mansion. Watch fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. Cost with a mansion tour is $35 for adults, $25 for youth; without mansion tour is $30 for adults and $20 for youth.

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon: July 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visitors will flock to Mount Vernon to see daytime fireworks over the Potomac River, cannon fire and military re-enactments. The cost is included in admission to the estate.

Falls Church Fireworks: July 4, 6 p.m.

George Mason High School, 7124 Leesburg Pike

Watch Falls Church's fireworks show from George Mason High School. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with seating available at Jack Gambill Athletic Fields or the Northern Virginia Graduate Center Parking Lot. Visitors can enjoy food trucks such as Margaret's Soul Food, Los Wingeez, and other food trucks selling ice cream, cotton candy and shaved ice. Turtle Recall will perform at 7 p.m.

The event is free to the public. Blankets and flat-based chairs are allowed for seating on the field. Food and drinks will be sold on site, but alcohol, smoking, glass containers, fireworks, and pets are not permitted.

Parking at the high school will only be available to event personnel and visitors with a handicap placard. Visitors can park for free nearby at the West Falls Church Metro Station Parking Garage.

Image via Victor Wolansky Photography, courtesy of Visit Alexandria