Often referred to simply as “The Fourth of July”, Independence Day celebrates America’s declaration of independence from Great Britain.
Countrywide, Independence Day celebrations, the most popular of which are set against evocative USA symbols like the Washington Monument in DC, or the mountain carving of four exalted American presidents at Mount Rushmore, are usually centered about major events like outdoor symphony concerts and fireworks displays, parades, picnics and barbecues, carnivals and more more.
DC
Washington DC Independence Day Celebration
July
Washington DC
DC is one of the most exciting places to be to celebrate the nation's birthday. Where better than in its capital.
The parade showcases more then 100 marching units stepping out at noon along Constitution Avenue. When that's over, popular music groups entertain from mid-afternoon until the fireworks. The National Symphony Orchestra, with guest stars and soloists, performs at 8 p.m. The fireworks show begins around 9:20 pm over the Washington Monument grounds.
Thousands congregate along the National Mall to watch the spectacular fireworks light up the DC sky.
MARYLAND
Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
July
Annapolis, Maryland
Beginning with an Independence Day Parade through the city's downtown area, the celebrations continue with the band concert at City Dock followed by the fireworks launched from a barge in the Annapolis Harbor. Generally, the best viewing areas from City Dock will be at Susan Campbell Park.
For more information visit: www.annapolis.gov/event.asp?id=12926
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Harborfest
July
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Harborfest is a six-day Fourth of July Festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic City of Boston. Now in its 28th year, Harborfest is considered to be the largest patriotic celebration in the nation with visitors enjoying more than 200 activities during the Festival. Over 200 daily events are concentrated in Boston's historic downtown and waterfront districts, with sponsored Main Events on Boston's City Hall Plaza.
For more information visit: www.bostonharborfest.com
Fourth of July Celebration at the Hatch Shell
July
Boston, Massachusetts
Nationally known for the Boston Pops Orchestra’s Boston Fourth of July celebration, the Hatch Shell is an outdoor concert venue next to the Charles River Esplanade near downtown Boston.
The famous concert and fireworks display at the Hatch Shell is one of Boston’s most famous and popular events. The live performance by the Boston Pops Orchestra and appearances by various special guests is televised nationwide.
Attendees collect on the Oval, the lawns in front of the Hatch, or along the Charles River Esplanade, for the evening concert at 8:30pm which concludes with the fireworks at 10:30pm.
For more information visit: www.july4th.org/concert.htm
SOUTH DAKOTA
Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration
July
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
South Dakota's Black Hills provide the backdrop for Mount Rushmore, the world's greatest mountain carving of four exalted American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
These 60-foot high faces, 500 feet up, look out over a setting of pine, spruce, birch, and aspen in the clear western air are the setting for the Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration and the fireworks show.
For more information visit: www.mtrushmore.net
