(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The District has numerous activities for the Fourth including parties, parades and a firework display.

America’s National Independence Day Parade begins at 11:45 a.m. Friday on Constitution Ave. and 7th St. N.W. Marching bands from all over the country and military units march in the annual parade. Hundreds of thousands of people come downtown every year to see the patriotic floats and celebrity appearances.

The fireworks on the National Mall starts at approximately 9:15 p.m. and are set off from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. They can be seen over the Washington Monument.

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) holds “Bear Crue: Red, White and Bear,” a Fourth of July-themed bear dance party, from 6-11 p.m. All July birthdays receive a free drink ticket on arrival. There will be $3 well drinks, $3 Bud Lights, $3 draft pints and $7 draft pitchers. Guests must arrive by 9:30 p.m. for admittance. For more details, visit towndc.com.