From beer tastings to comedy shows, the DMV is offering a variety of events to get you in the patriotic spirit this Fourth of July.
By Brittni Guevara
The crowd colored in red, white and blue attire enjoys music at the Uncle Sam Jam last year. (photo courtesy of Josh Weiner, Lindy Promotions, Inc.)
Uncle Sam Jam at the National Harbor
It’s time to jam with Uncle Sam. Five live bands, including The Wailers and Blind Melon, will be rocking out all day from 2- 10 PM at the National Harbor on Saturday, July 2nd. DJ Chris Styles and DJ Image, with many others, will also keep the partying going on the 1s and 2s. Come enjoy some tasty American BBQ off the Famous Dave’s BBQ truck while you wait for the fireworks to glisten from the pier. General admission tickets are $40, and VIP tickets are $75. Keep the kids at home, though. Must be 21 to attend.
National Freedom Fest at The Yards Park
For the first time since the 9/11 attacks, the National Freedomfest has returned. Come out to The Yards Park by National’s Stadium on Sunday, July 3rd and Monday, July 4th from 2-9 PM for fun in the American sun with live performances from 40 bands and artists, like Ryan Cabrerra and Lost in Paris, and entertainment from top local DJs. You can also get a “Taste of Freedom” with Redskin Kory Lichtensteiger. Tickets for general admission are $24.99 for one day and $29.99 for two days. VIP tickets are $59.99 are one day and $99 for two days. Prices are subjected to increase as the weekend gets closer, so pick yours up soon.
American Dream Weekend
Lincoln Restaurant offers Emancipation Punch for $34 at their 4th of July event. (photo courtesy of Erika Paola, epgPR)
To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, Lincoln Restaurant will be hosting a three-day event. Try a 4-course dinner on Saturday, July 2nd from 5-10 PM at the Bourbon Dinner Tasting at Lincoln Restaurant, 1110 Vermont Avenue NW, for just $50 per person.
Need a pick-me-up after a wild start of the holiday weekend? DJ Adrian Loving will be showcasing Chefs Demetrio Zavala and Karen Nicolas Patriotic Brunch Menuon Sunday, the 3rd, from 11 AM- 3 PM.
The American Dream BBQ Grillout on Monday, the 4th, from 3-11 PM will keep the burgers, hotdogs, chicken and duck sausage, for those adventurers– all offered with “Freedom Fries”, sweet potato fries and coleslaw– coming all day long. And to top off that big meal, drink specials, like the $34-special “Emancipation Punch Bowl,” will be flowing throughout Happy Hour. The Live American Hits cover band will be keeping classic American favorites streaming through the air all day and night.
National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Ave & 7th Street
For the more relaxed, spectator crowd, the annual National Independence Day Parade will serve some holiday fun. A day filled with bands and drum corps, floats and giant balloons, military and special units, drill teams and much more, this parade will provide entertainment for the entire family. Festivities begin on Monday, July 4th at 11:45 AM.
A Capitol Fourth at The Nation’s Capitol
It’ll be a starry Fourth of July night from 8-9:30 PM during A Capitol Fourth live concert at the Nation’s Capitol. Josh Groban, American Idol’s Jordin Sparks, and Glee’s very own Matthew Morrison are just three of several artists that will be performing in honor of our country that night. And if you’re looking for traditional American entertainment and fun, the show will be kicked off with the annual live cannon fire. If you can’t make it down to the Capitol, don’t be discouraged. The concert will be aired live in HD and commercial-free on PBS.
DC School of Beer’s Beer Cruise on the Potomac
Why drink beer at a BBQ when you could be tasting all types on a cruise? Join the DC School of Beer for their Beer Cruise on the Potomac on Friday, July 1st. The $48.50 tickets will cover a session of 15 beer tastings from around the world with included hor d’œuvres like bruschetta, anti-pasto and a wide selection of cheeses. The cruise will depart from the Washington Wine Academy dock at Washington Marina in Southwest at 5:30 PM, so don’t get left behind. Tickets are available at washingtonwineacademy.org/public-events.htm.
Smithsonian Folk Festival on the National Mall
Locals and travelers gather for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. (photo by Jeff Tinsley, courtesy of Smithsonian Institution)
The country is made of all kinds of cultures, so why not learn about them? This fourth of the July weekend, the Smithsonian Folk Festival on the mall, between the Smithsonian museums, will feature three programs of different walks of American life from Friday, July 1st to Monday, July 4th at 11 AM- 5:30 PM. Learn how to sing and dance Colombian style at the Colombia program of the festival. The Peace Corps will chef it up with lessons on Ukrainian, Filipino, Jamaican and many other international cuisine cooking shows in their program. The Rhythm and Blues program will offer displays like an R&B through the Decades show which will surely keep you dancin’ to the rhythm and singin’ the (red-white-and…) Blues.
Outdoor Fireworks and Festival at the Gaylord National Resort
Looking to get away from hectic holiday crowds? The Gaylord National Resort at the National Harbor, 201 Waterfront Street, is offering Fourth fun lined up for its hotel guests. Starting on Sunday, July 3rd at 6:30 PM, the hotel will offer its guests much entertainment with live classic rock, pop and country performances at the amphitheater and tasty meals made up of classic American grilled food. Drop the kids off at Kids Zone for carnival activities and face painting while you check out the Wine & Cigar Garden– and get a shoulder massage while you’re there. End the night with fireworks blasting over the Potomac starting at 9:30 PM. Reservations start at $239 for one night, price including the Fireworks and Fun Hotel package.
Comedian Gary Valentine at DC Improv
Ready for some Fourth of July funnies? Stop by DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Thursday, June 30th through Sunday, July 3rd at 8 PM and “pay what you can” to watch “King of Queens” and “Chelsey Lately”’s Gary Valentine keep the laughs rolling throughout the night. Pre-paid tickets can be purchased for $15. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and if you haven’t bought a ticket, pay however much you want to attend. Seats are limited, and you must be 18 or older to attend.
Adult Swim At Capitol Skyline Hotel
Make a patriotic splash at Capitol Skyline’s Independence Day pool party, hosted by Liquid Lifestyle. Enjoy a BBQ brunch and drinks while listening to live music by DJ Moh Ducis. The event will be on July 3rd from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is $20. Can’t make it? Don’t fret. The pool party will be held every Sunday all Summer long.
SummerCamp at Capitol Skyline
Channel your inner-kid and come out to 10 I Street SW for a one-time-only summer camp event on Monday, July 4th. Starting at noon, DJs will be spinning throughout the day while you enjoy pool fun, limbo contests, and much more. Tickets for this all day event are $15.
The DC Beer School Beer Cruise offers a wide variety of beers for attendees. (photo courtesy of Alex Evans, Washington Wine Academy)
