No Fourth of July Fireworks At National Harbor This Year

The National Harbor will not host a Fourth of July celebration or fireworks show this year.

Debbie Young, the events and marketing manager for the National Harbor, said the National Harbor has never put on a stand alone fireworks show, only planning them as part of larger events, such as last year’s Great American Festival.

“We’ve not historically had a set date or time for fireworks and have worked with our partners in the past to incorporate a show,” Young said in an email.

The Great American Festival, which took place June 30 last year, was a combination of the Uncle Sam Jam and the National FreedomFest. The festival was an event for adults 21 years old and older that featured live music and a fireworks show over the Potomac River.

Although there will be no fireworks show this year, Young encourages families to stop by the National Harbor on the Fourth of July for a holiday promotion at the new Americana-themed carousel.

The first 500 children who pay admission to ride the carousel will receive a free fireworks hat. A single ride costs $3, while an unlimited ride pass costs $5. The carousel opens at noon.

Other family-friendly alternatives in the area include Fourth of July celebrations at Mount Vernon in Alexandria, where there will be historical activities and daytime fireworks.