(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) hosts Independence Day celebrations all week. Musical performances by PanLara Youth Steel Orchestra and D.C. Legendary Musicians take place on Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2 at noon. On Monday, crafts, music presentations and more run between 8-11:45 a.m. There will also be a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by re-enactors portraying Abigail Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Fore more information, visit archives.gov.
The city of Takoma Park holds its firework display at Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Rd., Md.) Monday at approximately 9:30 p.m. There will be multiple vendors selling food, drinks, T-shirts and other novelties. For more information, visit takomapark4th.org.
The Brixton hosts an Independence Day Party on its rooftop Monday starting at 1 p.m. There will be no cover charge, and the party includes beer specials, a hot dog-eating contest and an ice luge. For details, visit brixtondc.com.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach presents its fireworks display on Rehoboth Beach Main Street (28 Lake Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) on Sunday at 9:15 p.m. Live entertainment will be performed before and after the fireworks. For more information, visit downtownrb.com.
The annual “A Capitol Fourth Concert” begins from 8-9:30 p.m. on Monday night on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Performers will include Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, Alisan Porter, General Colin L. Powell, Gavin DeGraw, Cassadee Pope, Amber Riley, Jackie Evancho, Sutton Foster, Yolanda Adams, Scott Hamilton and the cast of Broadway’s “ON YOUR FEET! The Musical.” Following the concert, the fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. Both the show and fireworks display are free and open to the public. Get a less crowded sneak peek of the concert by attending the full dress rehearsal on Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. and it’s recommended to arrive by 6 p.m.For more details, visit pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/
National Independence Day Parade begins Monday at 11:45 a.m. and on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets. Expect to see fife and drum corps, military servicemen and women, elaborate floats and VIPs. For more information, visit july4thparade.com
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd. N.E.) hosts a 3rd Floor Balcony Bash & Block Party Monday. There will be a “BBQ & Balcony Keg Tent” from 6-9 p.m. DJ Kudjo Onyx starts spinning on the roof balcony at 6 p.m. Happy Hour is from 5-8 p.m. For details, visit dceagle.com.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St N.W.) puts on a Special 4th of July Drag Brunch Monday morning from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Shi-Queeta Lee and her Divas will serve up interpretations of Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli and more. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. Your first Mimosa or Zing Zang Bloody Mary is included with a $36.83 ticket. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
