The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is Washington's favorite summer event featuring music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes for 2008 are: A Celebration of Texas Music, Food and Wine, Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon and NASA: 50 Years and Beyond. Check out my recent photos and get a glimpse of this year's program! The annual festival on the National Mall continues through the holiday weekend and is an educational and fun event to entertain the whole family. Read more about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th with the colorful Independence Day Parade, a patriotic concert of the National Symphony Orchestra and one of America's largest fireworks displays on the National Mall. Washington DC’s monuments and the U. S. Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations. This is a full day event with lots of family friendly activities to keep you busy.

If you prefer to spend the 4th of July at a smaller celebration, there are lots of fireworks displays nearby in Maryland and Virginia.

_{Photo provided by the National Park Service}

Do you have trouble navigating your way around Washington, DC? To get around the city, you must have patience, a good sense of direction and often a sense of humor. The nation's capital is especially confusing for visitors and newcomers. To help you plan ahead, here are some interactive maps of key Washington, DC neighborhoods with directions and information about parking.

• National Mall Map
• Tidal Basin Map
• Georgetown Map
• Dupont Circle Map
• Penn Quarter Map

Related Articles
Getting Around the Washington, DC Area
Washington, DC Area Public Transportation Guide

Independence Day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is a special event featuring musical performances, a wreathlaying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last) and a visit by 'General Washington' himself. The annual Red, White & Blue Independence Day celebration at Mount Vernon is an unforgettable place to celebrate George Washington's contribution to America's freedom on July 4th.

_{Photo © Mount Vernon Ladies Association}

Related Article
Fourth of July Fireworks in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia