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2019 Independence Day Celebrations

Get Alerts on Your Phone

Headed to DC for the Fourth of July? Get important updates from the city on safety, weather, traffic and transit with free alerts. Text JULY4DC to 888-777 to sign up now!

Water Restrictions

The Metropolitan Police Department has announced watercraft restrictions on the Potomac River for the 2019 Independence Day Celebration. Click here for a full list of restrictions in place on Thursday, July 4, 2019.

Street Closures

The Metropolitan Police Department has issued a traffic advisory for the 2019 Independence Day Celebration. Click here for a full list of road closures and emergency no parking zones in place on Thursday, July 4, 2019.

Know Before You Go

Make a Plan

Large crowds are expected for the 2019 Independence Day Celebrations. It’s important to have your plan ready! If you are traveling with a group, select a prearranged meeting spot, like your hotel, an easily recognizable landmark, or a bus stop, in case your group is separated. Expect long lines at entrance points and look out for your fellow event attendees. Charge your cell phone ahead of time and consider bringing a portable charger. Cell phone coverage may be spotty due to high demand. Use text messages to send critical messages.

Weather

July weather in Washington, DC is often hot and humid. Consider the weather forecast when choosing clothes and shoes for your trip to Washington, DC. Wearing light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing can help combat the heat. Weather forecasts are available from the National Weather Service website and Twitter account @NWS_BaltWash.

Safety and Security

The National Park Service has provided a list of prohibited items for activities around the National Mall. Please click here for the list.

Firearms in DC

The open carrying of firearms is prohibited in the District of Columbia. To carry a concealed firearm within Washington, DC you must have a Washington, DC issued concealed carry permit, and be in compliance with all applicable requirements, restrictions, and prohibitions under the law. There is no reciprocity with other validly issued out of-District permits. Even with a valid Washington, DC permit, a permit holder is still prohibited from carrying in certain designated areas, including but not limited to, demonstrations, federal buildings, the National Mall, the White House complex, the US Capitol grounds and gatherings or special events open to the public, such as the 2019 Independence Day Celebration.

Getting Around

Moving around Washington, DC during the 2019 Independence Day Celebration requires patience and a good pair of walking shoes. With thousands of visitors attending, walking is the best mode of transportation. Additional modes of transportation can be found below:

Rail/Bus

Taxis and Ride Share

  • DC Taxi can be contacted at 202-398-0500. Download the DC Taxi app before heading to the 2019 Independence Day Celebration events:
  • Accessible taxis
  • Uber and Lyft are registered to provide service in Washington, DC. Passengers should be aware of street closures and parking restrictions. Pick up locations should be set up outside of these restricted areas.

Personal Vehicle/Parking

  • Driving and parking in Washington, DC during the 2019 Independence Day Celebration will be challenging. Leave your vehicle home and use one of the methods suggested above. If you must travel around Washington, DC, be aware of street closures and parking restrictions.

Stay Connected

While you are at the 2019 Independence Day Celebration events, it’s important you have the latest information at your fingertips. For official information from DC Government related to the 2019 Independence Day Celebrations, connect with us:

  • Social Media
    • Mayor Muriel Bowser @MayorBowser
    • Metropolitan Police Department @DCPoliceDept
    • Metropolitan Police Department Traffic @DCPoliceTraffic
    • DC Homeand Security and Emergency Management Agency @DC_HSEMA
    • DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department @DCfireems

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