Events

Here’s where in Arlington you can watch the fireworks on July 4

By Katie Taranto
Fourth of July fireworks, as seen from Long Bridge Park (photo via Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation)

Thursday is the Fourth of July, and Arlingtonians have a front-row seat to the annual fireworks show over the nation’s capital.

The National Park Service is expected to start its fireworks show over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at 9:09 p.m. For those hoping to stay west of the Potomac River, there are plenty of spots in and around Arlington to see the show.

  • Gateway Park and Key Bridge are popular Rosslyn destinations for firework-watching. Viewers should note that parking is limited and the bridge does not have seating.
  • Gravelly Point Park near National Airport is another option offering waterside views. On-site parking is available, though somewhat limited.
  • The Marine Corps War Memorial draws viewers each year for its Iwo Jima statue and scenic views of the National Mall. On-site parking is available.
  • Long Bridge Park has 36 acres of open space and three large fields for unwinding under the lights. The park is a 10-minute walk from the Crystal City Metro station.
  • Prospect Hill Park north of Pentagon City is a smaller park with limited parking but a clear view of the fireworks.
  • The Mount Vernon Trail has wide-stretching views of the D.C. skyline. It is accessible by bike and Metro. Parking is available at several trail sites, with the notable exception of Lady Bird Johnson Park and the Navy-Marine Memorial.

The Air Force Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery will be closed Thursday because of ongoing construction that poses “significant safety and security risk,” according to the memorial’s website.

A 2022 ARLnow poll suggested that over half of those who watch the July 4 fireworks do so in person in Virginia — rather than traveling to D.C. or watching on TV.

For safety reasons, several roads in and around Rosslyn will be closed Thursday from 4:30-11 p.m. According to the county, the planned closures are:

  • Marshall Drive, from Route 110 to N. Meade Street
  • N. Meade Street, from Marshall Drive to N. Fairfax Drive
  • Rosslyn exit ramp from westbound Route 50 to N. Lynn Street
  • Rosslyn exit ramp from eastbound Route 50 to N. Meade Street
  • Eastbound N. Fairfax Drive, from N. Pierce Street to N. Fort Myer Drive

Additionally, Fort Myer Drive between 19th Street N. and Arlington Blvd will close from 9-10 p.m.

Those planning to visit a public park in Arlington should note that alcoholic beverages, grills and fireworks are prohibited. County law forbids fireworks that emit projectiles or sparks greater than 12 feet.

Earlier in the day, there will be several community parades and celebrations across Arlington, many of which are kid and pet-friendly.

About the Author

  • Katie Taranto is a reporter at Local News Now, primarily covering business, public safety and the city of Falls Church. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024, where she previously covered K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Macungie, Pennsylvania.