News

Road closures, reduced county services and modified transit schedules will be in effect tomorrow (Friday) in observance of the Fourth of July.

Arlington will operate on a modified holiday schedule, closing county courthouses, community centers and all public libraries. Metered parking across the county will not be enforced.


Around Town

Free Lyft rides will be available this Friday for the Fourth of July, courtesy of a D.C.-area nonprofit.

The SoberRide initiative plans to offer free rides from 4 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Saturday. Participants age 21 and over will be able to use a promo code once to receive a ride worth up to $15.


Around Town

An award-winning Falls Church restaurant is previewing a new spinoff eatery in time for the Fourth of July.

Side Chick is a new a fried chicken carryout and delivery by Ellie Bird. The concept, based out of the restaurant’s kitchen at 125 Founders Avenue, blends Southern comfort foods, Asian American-inspired flavors and tongue-in-cheek attitude.


Events

Independence Day is next Friday, bringing views of D.C’s annual fireworks show as well as other local celebrations in Arlington.

The nearly 18-minute pyrotechnic production on the National Mall is expected to begin at 9:09 p.m, weather permitting. Many parks and trails in Arlington provide popular viewing spots each year.


Around Town

County offices, courts, community centers and all public library locations will all close Thursday for Independence Day.

Curbside collection of recycling, trash and organics will continue on regular hours, as will the special collection of brush, metal and e-waste. However, the Earth Products Yard and Household Hazardous Materials facility in Shirlington will close.


Events

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.


Around Town

Missed the fireworks on the National Mall last night? Or just want to relive the Fourth of July grandeur?

ARLnow staff photographer Jay Westcott brought his cameras to the Marine Corps War Memorial near Rosslyn to capture the show and some of those watching the show.


Events

(Updated at 11:30 a.m.) The Fourth of July is next week, which means now is the time to plan how to watch the fireworks spectacle without leaving Arlington.

The 17-minute National Mall show put on by the National Parks Service will begin at 9:09 p.m. There are several places to see it without braving the crowds set to descend on D.C.


Opinion

Last night was basically a perfect night, weatherwise, to watch the July 4 fireworks over the nation’s capital.

Still, with the Air Force Memorial closed, Metro warning of delays, and the usual traffic headaches, perhaps going to watch the fireworks in person was not ideal for everyone.


Around Town

Arlington County is set to essentially shut down on America’s birthday.

County government offices, courts, community centers, and county libraries are all closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the holiday. The Long Bridge Aquatics and Fitness Center will also be shuttered. Covid-19 testing sites and vaccine clinics are taking a break that day as well.


Around Town

The Arlington County Fire Department is sharing a few tips for those planning to using fireworks privately over the upcoming Independence Day weekend.

Only fireworks that emit flames or sparks within 12 feet and have a burning fuse of more than 1.5 inches long with a burning rate of more than four seconds are legal locally this year, according to the 2022 Consumer Fireworks Fact Sheet published by the county. The fireworks can not emit projectiles.


Events

For the first time in a couple of years, Arlington is back to fully celebrating America’s Independence Day.

In both 2020 and 2021, the pandemic led to the canceling of a number of official July 4 events as well as many of the local holiday festivities.


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