Independence Day is right around the corner, and events all over the Tysons area invite community members to partake in family fun.
Regarding the logistics of transportation to events, local authorities warn of overcrowded parking and suggest that attendees either carpool to events, use public transit or take advantage of ride-sharing apps.
Several companies, including Lyft, offer a promotion to curtail drunk driving on busy holidays. The Washington Regional Alcohol Program announced its SoberRide campaign, which gives users a $15 Lyft promotional code to be used within the D.C. Metro area. The code will be released at 6 p.m on July 4 and will be valid for the first 1,500 users of legal drinking age. It can be found on SoberRide’s website.
TysonsÂ
Tysons Biergarten is set to celebrate America’s Independence Day on July 3 from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m on the Fourth. The beer hall will offer both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, traditional American food and live music for all to enjoy. Registration is free.
Falls ChurchÂ
Before the lighthearted celebrations begin in the evening, the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VIPS) invites everyone to a reading of the nation’s founding documents. The readings begin at 12 p.m. in the Falls Church Episcopal Church (115 E. Fairfax Street). The group hopes it will help people recall the pillars of democracy and freedom.
Entry for the evening’s celebration at George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike) starts at 6 p.m. While guests enjoy music from The Excellent Drivers, locally operated food trucks will also be selling a variety of fare. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m., but this time may be updated on the Falls Church social media accounts. All events are free.
On holidays, parking is free at the West Falls Church Metro Parking Garage.
McLean
Doors for the annual community center fireworks display open after 6 p.m. at Langley High School (6520 Georgetown Pike). Guests can expect to be greeted with food trucks and a DJ. This is a family-friendly event. Smoking, pets, fireworks, glass containers, weapons, sparklers, vaping and alcohol will not be allowed.
Entry is free for this event but there is limited parking at the venue. More parking spots are available at McLean Community Center, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and St. Luke Catholic School, where shuttle buses will ferry guests back forth.
Vienna
During the day, Vienna’s Sprinklers & Sparklers event features water slides, snow cones, and food trucks. It takes place at the Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry Street SE) and runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
In the picnic style, Vienna also opens up Yeonas Park (1319 Ross Drive SW) for an evening of family-friendly fun. Fireworks are expected to start at sunset, or roughly 9:30 p.m. The Little League concession stand will serve food as people pile onto the lawn and listen to a live performance from The Josh Christina Band.
Photos courtesy Town of ViennaÂ
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
It’s almost Fourth of July time in D.C.!
There’s really no place like the Washington monuments to see the fireworks, but if you’re looking for options around town, I’ve got a few places to see them. You can also buy your own at a few places like the Safeway parking lot near Nutley/Lee Highway. Please remember to be safe this holiday!
If you want to be in the middle of it:
Yeonas Park — 1319 Ross Drive SW, Vienna, opens at 7:15 p.m. with fireworks to begin at dark (approx. 9:30 a.m.). A small concession stand will have food and beverages, along with some food trucks. No alcohol and no pets. Parking is available along the street, but will get crowded so plan accordingly. Bring blankets and chairs.
If you want to watch the fireworks but not hear them, park at the top of the Vienna Metro! It doesn’t usually get too crowded and it’s easy to leave if you need to.
Don’t want to keep the kids up late but still want to celebrate?
There’s a Sprinklers and Sparkles at the Vienna Community Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., then you can YouTube fireworks for your kids (that’s what we’ve done since my kids couldn’t stay up late enough for the real thing!). The daytime celebration will have water slides, sprinklers, water games, food trucks, music, puppet shoes and crafts.
McLean has a Fourth of July celebration at the Langley High School, with grounds opening at 6:30 p.m. with free onsite parking, along with shuttle buses from the McLean Community Center & St. John’s Episcopal Church, a DJ and food trucks. No pets, smoking, or alcohol.
Falls Church City has their own celebration at George Mason High School — gates open at 6 p.m. The celebration starts with music and food trucks. Fireworks start around 9:20 p.m.
Now some other tips:
Westwood Country Club does their own private show of fireworks that starts around 9:30 p.m. You can see them from the softball fields at the Community Center, you can park on nearby streets (like Fairway Drive NE), or the lot across the street on Mashie Drive.
Here’s a great list of fireworks that don’t happen on the Fourth of July, in case you need an alternative!
One year my husband and I just pulled over on a street in Arlington and got out of the car and stood on the sidewalk watching the downtown fireworks. It really doesn’t matter where you are, just remember what the holiday means and enjoy the show!
