Tag Archives: July 4

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival will take place June 29-July 4 and July 6-9. 

The Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an international exhibition of living cultural heritage. This year will be the 50th anniversary of this popular event. Attracting more than one million visitors yearly, the two-week long celebration is the largest annual cultural event in the United States.

The Festival is held outdoors on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 12th Streets and inside the Arts & Industries Building. There is no admission charge. Visitors should dress for hot and humid weather. Parking around the Mall is extremely limited, so visitors are advised to use public transportation. Smithsonian is the closest Metro station to the Festival site. L’Enfant Plaza, National Archives, and Federal Center stations are within a half-mile. For general Smithsonian visitor information, http://www.si.edu/Visit or call 202.633.1000 (voice).

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special events taking place most evenings beginning at 5:30 or 7 p.m. View the schedule here.

I highly recommend that you visit their website to plan your visit http://www.festival.si.edu/

Let’s celebrate Independence Day!

Military Days @ Kings Dominion. July 4, 5. Join us as we pay tribute to our brave military service men and women by offering FREE park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D. www.kingsdominion.com

An American Celebration @ Mount Vernon. July 4: 8 am – 5 pm. Historic Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, salutes our first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event! Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River.
The Independence Day event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreath laying ceremony, and a visit from the “first” first couple, “General and Mrs. Washington.” Cost: Adults: $17; Children 6 and up: $8. Under 5: Free! 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt. Vernon. www.mountvernon.org

Heritage Festival. July 4: 10 am. Free! Fun for all ages! Riverfront Park.

Independence Day @ Lake Anna State Park. July 4: 10 am – 3 pm. Celebrate Independence Day at Lake Anna State Park with a Canoe Trip ($5) and “Water, Water, Everywhere” at 2 pm (free). Discover aquatic ecosystems during our water testing! 540-854-6245. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/lak.shtml

Fabulous Fourth @ Ferry Farm. 10 am – 5 pm. Come celebrate July 4th at George Washington’s Boyhood Home! This annual event features historic interpreters, crafts & games, entertainment, a flag ceremony, food vendors, and much more. Great, old-fashioned fun for the entire family. 268 Kings Hwy, 22405. www.kenmore.org

Independence Day @ Westmoreland State Park. 11 am – 8 pm. Join us for any of our programs today and pickup a glow in the dark Red, White or Blue bracelet! Programs include: Fossil Hike; Shark Tooth Necklace Making; Create a Critter, and Twilight Hike. Costs vary. 804-493-8821. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/wes.shtml
All-American Celebration @ Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. July 4: 1 – 4 pm. Guests are invited to wear red, white and blue and bring wagons and strollers to decorate for a “parade” in the Children’s Garden. Enjoy music, Water Play and fun activities. Free admission all day! 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond. www.lewisginter.org

A Celebration of Patriotism. July 4. Join us for a great day of celebration and patriotism in and around downtown Culpeper! The Independence Day Celebration is a safe, fun, and affordable event that represents not only our heritage, but also a strong sense of community spirit. The day’s events will include a 5K race, Dog Walk, youth sporting events, patriotic speeches, a festive parade, CRI’s 4th of July Car & Bike Show, food and craft vendors, the Culpeper Olympic games for children and adults, a band… and of course FIREWORKS that will delight everyone! Yowell Meadow Park. www.culpeper4thofjuly.com

Washington D.C.’s Independence Day Parade. July 4: 11:45 am – 2 pm. Features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP’s. The parade draws a large crowd, so plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot. Constitution Ave NW, from 7th – 17 Sts.

July 4th Spectacular. July 4: 4:30 pm. Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010, the Quantico Marine Corps Band, the cast of Les Miserables and the UMW Philharmonic will help Stafford celebrate at Pratt Park. There will also be special music, food, children’s activities and fireworks. Parking is limited at Pratt Park and the park will be closed to cars when vehicle capacity has been reached. Visitors may bring lawn chairs and coolers but no alcoholic beverages, sparklers or grills. Individuals can bring their dogs as long as they are on leashes. For more info call Stafford County Parks: 540-658-4871.

Independence Day Concert. July 4: 6 – 7 pm. The National Air and Space Museum’s Independence Day Concert is back with the United States Air Force Band’s “Airmen of Note.” Kick off your Fourth of July evening activities with a concert by one of our nation’s most revered musical organizations. The concert takes place outdoors, on the steps of the Museum on the National Mall side. Free!

A Capitol Fourth 2013. July 4: 8 pm – 9:30 pm. The nation’s premier Independence Day holiday concert features performances from some of the country’s best known and award-winning musical artists with the National Symphony Orchestra. Includes an evening of patriotic and uplifting music followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. Free! www.nps.gov/foju