Fireworks Near Me: July 4, 2024 Events in Bethesda

Lina Portman2 days ago

0 3 minutes read

BETHESDA, MD — Independence Day is here, so it's time to find out where you can party in and around Bethesda on July 4 and over the weekend. Area events include fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun.

To help you fit everything into your July 4th calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what's happening in and around Bethesda.

July 4, 2024 Festivities

Three fireworks displays are scheduled for July 4 and July 6 in Montgomery County.

Independence Day Celebration in Rockville The show takes place at Mattie JT Stepanek Park in King Farm. This location offers spectators a viewing area and ample, convenient parking for the 4th of July festivities. Listen to live music from Uncle Jesse, then watch a 20-minute fireworks display.

Details: Thursday, July 4, 2024, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Mattie JT Stepanek Park, 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville.

The county is hosting two free Independence Day fireworks shows, one on Thursday, July 4, and one on Saturday, July 6.

Montgomery County Independence Day 2024 celebrations will be held at these locations:

Thursday, July 4, 7 p.m.: Germantown Glory at South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle in Germantown (Boyds)
Saturday, July 6, 6 p.m.: Mid-County Sparkles at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington

The Germantown Glory Festival kicks off on July 4 at 7 p.m. with a concert by the Central City Orchestra. On-site parking is available.

Mid-County Sparkles kicks off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, with performances by Joe Falero and Downtown Sound.

The only parking available onsite will be for disabled persons. Free parking and shuttle service will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. from Westfield Wheaton, 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Attendees who park at Westfield Wheaton before 5:30 p.m. may have their vehicle towed. Follow signs for event parking and shuttles.

Fireworks for both celebrations will begin around 9:15 p.m., weather permitting. Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at both events. Food vendors will be available at both locations. No alcoholic beverages or pets are permitted.

Sign language interpretation and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request, preferably at least three business days prior to the event. To request special accommodations, call 240-777-6840 or email [email protected].

For more information, call MC311 at 311 or 240-777-0311 or visit the Montgomery County Recreation website. You can also follow Montgomery County Recreation on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Fireworks in Washington, DC

Many people head to Washington for the big Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall. The National Park Service has posted an online schedule of events, maps and other information to make sure you're in the best spot to watch the fireworks, which begin at 9:09 p.m.

If you're heading to Washington DC earlier in the day, you can catch the National Independence Day Parade, which starts at 11:25 a.m. at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area, southeast of the Washington Monument: Visit the Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area, southeast of the monument, to participate in activities and a scavenger hunt at the monuments and memorials on the National Mall. You can also fill out your Independence Day Junior Ranger Booklet, filled with fun family activities, to earn a special Junior Ranger badge! Visit us from 1 to 8 p.m. on Independence Day.

Fireworks on the National Mall: 9:09 p.m. to 9:27 p.m. The National Park Service is once again hosting its annual Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display on the National Mall. The fireworks will take place on Thursday, July 4, beginning at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.

An annual concert, the Capitol Fourth, will be broadcast by PBS starting at 8 p.m. and will provide a great place to watch the fireworks burst over the National Mall. It's a popular event, so arrive early. The doors to the U.S. Capitol open at 3 p.m.

History of Independence Day

Today, Americans celebrate the birth of a new nation with fireworks, parades, concerts, family reunions, and barbecues. However, these celebrations predate Independence Day as a federal holiday by centuries, which didn't occur until 1941.

In the pivotal summer of 1776, the pre-revolutionary celebrations of King George III's birthday were replaced by a mock funeral as a symbolic break with the crown.

It was an exciting time in Philadelphia: the Continental Congress voted to secede from the crown, and two days later, on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the 13 original colonies: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

The first annual commemoration of the nation's independence was held in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, while the Revolutionary War was underway. Fireworks have been a part of July 4 festivities since the first celebration in Philadelphia.