There is simply no better place to celebrate Independence Day than our nation’s capital. Here is Vox‘s guide to the big events going on in the D.C. area that will help you get your patriotic groove on. Keep in mind, however, that the Smithsonian Metro stop will be closed on the big day.

Don’t Rain on my Parade!

The National Independence Day Parade will begin at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue and 7th Street. It will conclude at 17th Street. It’s sure to be a gross display of patriotism in oppressive heat and humidity with large crowds contributing their body heat to the mix—don’t miss out!

Lobsterbacks and Bayonets Not Included

The Archives will host an all-day Fourth of July celebration on Sunday. At 10:00 a.m., there’ll be a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. In the Jefferson Room, according to Archives officials, visitors can use a real quill pen to write down what’s stuck in their craw, put on a tri-corner hat and read their own declaration, and—here’s the best part—get a National Archives temporary tattoo! Very gangster.

A Capital Idea

The Capitol Fourth Concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building should be a big hit. The event begins at 8 p.m. but doors open at 3 p.m., suggesting that it’ll draw quite a crowd. Performers include the National Symphony Orchestra, Reba McEntire, David Archuleta, Gladys Knight, and others.

Big, Beautiful Explosions in the Sky

The fireworks will start during the tail end of the Capital Fourth Concert, accompanied by a stirring rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Launched from the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial, these explosives will light up the night and guarantee a pang of patriotic sentiment from even the most freedom-hating commies.

That’s All, Folks

The second leg of the Smithsonian’s Annual Folklife Festival kicks off this July 1st and will continue until the 5th. A full schedules of events can be found here. The events touch on Mexican and Asian Pacific folk influences, but the Institution also offers events that instruct on museum curation and collections, for the curious nerd in all of us. The festival will be held on the National Mall.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 at 11:10 am and is filed under Leisure, Vox Populi. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.