Community Corner

Independence Day Expected to Draw Major Crowds to National Mall

Thousands of people turn out every year to watch the fireworks show in Washington.

If you are tempted to head downtown Monday to watch the country's most spectacular fireworks light up the National Mall, plan to take the metro. Parking will be all-but-impossible in downtown D.C. on July 4 when hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country will descend on the capital to celebrate the most patriotic day of the year.

Metrorail service will run from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday. Ridership levels will peak between 6 p.m. and midnight. According to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Smithsonian Station will not be open during the day. That station will re-open after the fireworks show is over.

Residents traveling from Montgomery County are advised to use other stations to access the National Mall, including Farragut North, Union Station or Judiciary Square on the Red Line, Federal Center or Capitol South on the Orange and Blue lines or Archives Navy Memorial on the Yellow and Green lines. L'Enfant Plaza is available to those riding Orange, Blue, Yellow or Green metro trains.

Find out what's happening in Rockvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On its website, WMATA said bikes will not permitted on the metro system and no peak fares will be in effect on Monday. Parking at metro stations will also be free on the holiday.

To avoid the afternoon commuting crowd, plan to come early and peruse the Smithsonian's annual Folklife Festival. This year's festival features outdoor exhibits on Colombia, the Peace Corps and Rhythm and Blues. The museums will be open, too.

Find out what's happening in Rockvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"A Capitol Fourth" concert, featuring stars like Steve Martin, Josh Groban and Matthew Morrison, will start on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 8 p.m. No tickets are required and it is free to attend. General admission gates open at 3 p.m. The concert will be capped off by the national fireworks show.

The program is expected to be complete by 9:30 p.m. The concert and fireworks will be broadcast on PBS stations.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here