4th of July Parades in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

Independence Day is a great holiday to celebrate with a patriotic, flag-waving parade. Be sure to wear your patriotic clothing and show your American spirit. In the Washington, DC area, you can join the crowds at the main event on the National Mall or attend a smaller community celebration. Here is a guide to the 4th of July parades around the region.

For information about fireworks, see Fourth of July Fireworks in the Washington, DC Area

In Washington, DC

National Independence Day Parade
July 4, 2009, 11:45 a.m. Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Sts. NW. The parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP's. The event kicks off a full day of spectacular Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall.

Capitol Hill
July 4, 2009, 10 a.m. Beginning at 8th and I SE. Local groups participate in the 4th of July parade such as the Model T's, the mini cooper club of DC, the Fairy Princess Patrol and much more. Following the parade is a community fair at Eastern Market Metro Plaza with food, entertainment, and kids games.

Palisades
July 4, 2009, 11 a.m. Parade begins at the corner of Whitehaven Parkway and MacArthur Boulevard and ending at the entrance to the Palisades Recreation Center. There is a free picnic afterwards with moon bounces, pony rides and live music.

In Maryland

Takoma Park
July 4, 2009, 10 a.m. The Takoma Park community celebrates the 4th of July with a full day of events including an Independence Day Parade, musical entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. The parade kicks off at Carroll & Ethan Allen Ave., proceeds south along Carroll Avenue to Maple Avenue, then turns right on Maple Avenue and ends at Sherman Avenue.

Garrett Park
July 4, 2009, 10:30 a.m. The parade route begins at Garrett Park Elementary School. Music, food and games follow the parade.

Kensington
July 4, 2009, 9:45 a.m. St. Paul Park. The community celebrates the 4th of July with a Children's Bike Parade featuring bikes, stroller, wagons, dogs, and more.

Montgomery Village
July 4, 2009, 10 a.m. The 4th of July Parade begins at Apple Ridge Road and the Apple Ridge Recreation Area. A 5K Fun Run kicks off the holiday celebration at 7 a.m. Food, midway games and entertainment run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Laurel
July 4, 2009, 11 a.m. 4th Street, Laurel, Maryland. The city celebrates with a full day of entertainment including a patriotic Independence Day parade, an antique car show, contests and live music, and a fireworks display.

Annapolis
July 4, 2009, 5:45 p.m. An evening 4th of July Parade precedes the fireworks at the City Dock. The parade begins on Amos Garrett Blvd., and then proceeds right on West Street, around Church Circle, down Main Street, left on Randall Street, and ends in front of the Market House.

In Northern Virginia

Fairfax
July 4, 2009, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Fairfax Historic District. The community comes together for a patriotic celebration beginning with a parade, followed by the Old-Fashioned Fireman's Day with firefighter competitions, food, and games and ending with a fireworks display.

Great Falls
July 4, 2009, 10 a.m. The 4th of July parade starts at the Village Green and ends at Safeway. The Great Falls Foundation sponsors a full day Hometown Celebration with a 5K Fun Run at 7:30 a.m., a blood drive, a Baby Parade at 8:30 a.m., festivities, food, and fun from 10:30-12:30 p.m., evening games and activities at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.

Leesburg
July 4, 2009, 10 a.m. The 4th of July parade begins at Ida Lee Park and travels down, King Street to Fairfax Street. The community kicks off the holiday with a patriotic celebration through historic downtown Leesburg.

Arlington
July 4, 2009, The following neighborhoods are holding an old-fashioned community parade in honor of America's Independence Day.

• Albemarle Street- 9 a.m.; starts at 32nd and Albemarle Streets.
  
  
• Barcroft Neighborhood - 10 a.m.; starts at the historic Barcroft Community Center at 8th Street S. and S. Buchanan Street.
  
  
• Bellevue Forest - 9 a.m.; starts at Roberts Lane and Oxford Street.
  
  
• Douglas Park - 10:30 a.m.; starts at S. Monroe Street and 14th Street S.
  
  
• Dover Crystal and Riverwood - 10 a.m.; starts at 25th and Pollard Streets.
  
  
• Fairlington Village -- 10:00 a.m.; S. 31st Street and S. Abingdon Streets.
  
  
• Lyon Village -- 11:00 a.m.; starts at Key Boulevard and Highland Street.