July 4th in Arlington County

Since 1776, the Fourth of July has been a day of commemoration and celebration in the United States. And this is especially true in Arlington County, where the proximity to the national's capital makes the Independence Day celebration one of the country’s best. Here are some helpful information and tips to keep your holiday fun, festive and safe. 

Arlington County Government offices and services will be operating on modified schedules on Monday, July 4, 2022 — visit the Holiday Schedule page for more details. 

Additionally, the Arlington County Police Department, Virginia State Police, United States Park Police and Virginia Department of Transportation will close multiple roadways on Monday, July 4, 2022. These closures are meant to facilitate the safe passage of large crowds for Independence Day events and fireworks.

Person holding American flag and sparkler

View the National Fireworks

Looking for a spot to watch the National Fireworks? Our friends at Stay Arlington have put together the Top 5 Spots to Watch from Arlington.

An important note for 2022: The Air Force Memorial, a popular viewing site, will be closed to the public during the Fourth of July holiday.

Celebrate Safely

With the Fourth of July comes outdoor fun — fireworks and grilling have become synonymous with the celebration of independence. However, with those activities comes inherent risks. Take the steps to ensure your Fourth of July weekend is as safe as it is festive with these helpful reminders and tips from the Arlington County Fire Department.

Fireworks

On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries around the July 4 holiday. The Arlington County Fire Prevention Office wants everyone to enjoy the holiday this year by keeping it safe. Fireworks are dangerous and the lighting of fireworks should be left to the experts. Remember: fireworks with projectiles or sparks greater than 12 feet are prohibited by the Arlington County Fire Prevention Code.

If you plan to use fireworks outside your home, follow these legal and safety tips:

  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Even sparklers are hot enough to cause third degree burns!
  • Only purchase approved, permissible fireworks from a permitted vendor. Virginia 2022 Approved Permissible Consumer Fireworks (PDF, 1MB)
  • Light fireworks away from the home, dry grass, brush or anything else that can burn.
  • Light one device at a time, then back away several feet.
  • If a firework does not go off, never attempt to re-light it. Douse it with water then dispose of it.
  • After igniting  fireworks, cool them completely with water before discarding them to prevent a trash fire.
  • Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Grilling/Open Burning

In the interest of everyone having a safe and enjoyable outdoor grilling season, the Arlington County Fire Department has information on open flame cooking devices, highlighting the most important things you can do to prevent grill fires.

Celebrate the 4th in Your Neighborhood

  • Bluemont’s Bell: The Bluemont neighborhood will celebrate by ringing the bell at noon on July 4. (The bell is at the corner of N. George Mason Drive and Wilson Blvd, by Fire Station 2).
  • Fairlington July 4th Parade: Every year, Fairlington residents show up by the hundreds to celebrate Independence Day and participate in the annual July 4th Parade, sponsored by the Fairlington Citizens Association and Fairlington Villages. 
  • Lyon Village’s 4th of July Parade: The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at the corner of Key Blvd. and N. Highland Street. Included in the parade will be antique cars and police and fire vehicles.
  • Lubber Run Summer Concert Series: The Lubber Run Summer Concert series features free performances from a variety of genres including big band, blues, soul and orchestral music as well as cabaret at the Lubber Run Amphitheater. 
  • Maywood Fourth of July Parade: The Maywood community is celebrating Independence Day with a parade, which starts at 10:05 a.m., at the corner of 21st Ave. N. and N. Monroe St. and will conclude at Thrifton Hill Park with fun crafts.
  • Netherlands Carillon Live Concert Series: Enjoy sweeping views of Washington, D.C., while guest carillonneurs play concerts of jazz, pop and patriotic music on the carillon's 53 bells. Saturdays at 6 p.m.

Spectators at the Fort Myer 4th of July Parade
Spectators at the Fort Myer Fourth of July Parade, unknown date

 

Updated: June 28, 2022

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