1. Washington DC
Beginning with the Independence Day parade along Constitution Avenue, the Nation’s capital has activities all day long to keep you busy this 4th. After the parade, head on over to the US Capitol’s West Lawn for the FREE Capitol Fourth Concert – the National Symphony Orchestra as well as some pop artists will rock out until the fireworks begin with a spectacular display over the Washington Monument. Of course, the National Mall’s iconic fireworks show, launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool is hard to beat!
2. Mount Rushmore
Celebrate a day early with Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln in South Dakota – Mount Rushmore kicks the festivities off on July 3rd! Education programs and entertainment, including bands, presidential re-enactors and children’s programs, and even a Military fly-over are scheduled throughout the day with fireworks beginning at 9:20.
3. Philadelphia
Harness your inner brotherly love and get your 4th on at the location the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted. Once the stomping ground of the founding fathers, Philly hasn’t forgotten its roots. After almost 2 weeks of gearing up, beginning on the weekend of June 26th with the Taste of Philadelphia on the Penn’s Landing waterfront, live entertainment from top-notch talent and a dazzling display of fireworks over the Delaware River. On the 4th, Revelers will anxiously await the sun to go down, when Philadelphia hosts “the biggest, most spectacular, free outdoor concert in America” with Sheryl Crow headlining this year. Afterward, stick around for an amazing fireworks grand finale set against the dramatic Art Museum.
4. At a Baseball Game
Is there a better way to celebrate America’s birthday than partaking in America’s favorite past time? I’d be surprised if a once-a-year mandatory meal of hot dogs, peanuts, ice cream and your frosty beverage of choice weren’t written into an early draft of the Constitution. With 15 Major League games to choose from on the 4th, most of which will have a fireworks show at some point, there is guaranteed to be one not too far from your hometown. And on this day, every one’s a winner…Go USA!
5. New York
Speaking of hot dogs – the Fourth of July in New York means it’s your chance to finally watch the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest! Not your cup of tea? Try taking a dinner cruise, a “Revolutionary Walking Tour,” checking out the massive Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular or enjoy a concert at Battery Park instead – this year it’s Sonic Youth taking the stage at 3:30pm.