This July 4th holiday is a special one. America has been a country for 250 years, and we’ll certainly be celebrating this monumental honor in Prince George’s. Here, you can watch breathtaking fireworks displays, support veteran-owned businesses, learn from local history, and so much more. 

 

Celebrate 250 years of America at one of these six patriotic events:

 

  1. Walk and picnic at National Harbor. Start your July 4th celebration at the Salute to America Walk and Picnic. You’ll check in at the harbor, then walk halfway across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to salute the nation’s capital. After that moment of honor, you’ll walk back for a free patriotic picnic on the plaza. Dress in your best presidential or red, white, and blue gear for a chance at a prize. Registration is required, and you’ll get one free ticket to The Capital Wheel once you do. 

 

  1. Enjoy music, games, and fireworks. The Chesapeake Baysox are hosting a July 4th event at their Bowie stadium, featuring on-field activities, music, and family-centric fun. Stay until dark to enjoy the fireworks at the Star-Spangled Spectacular. The group claims they’ll be the best in the county.

 

  1. Focus on local history. Grab a Pastport from one of many designated Prince George’s locations and start exploring the history of the county — and the country. Once you have the passport, you’ll need to visit seven museums in the area, collect a stamp from each location, and turn the passport in to an official county site. Two players will win a free trip for two to any National Trust for Historic Preservation site, including round-trip airfare, a three-day, two-night hotel stay, and admission to the site.

 

  1. Watch history in the making. Join a screening of “Hamilton” at the South Bowie Library on July 2. The filmed version of the original Broadway hit tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, complete with modern musical and dance numbers.

 

  1. Shop to support veterans. Spend your Independence Day shopping for handcrafted and specialty goods made by the people who have served our country. At the National Harbor Veterans Makers Market, you can mark America’s 250th anniversary by pursuing veteran-made art, crafts, and products; meaningful patriotic goods; and items from veteran-owned businesses. Admission is free, and pets are welcome. Stay nearby for the School of Rock July 4th performances on the Plaza Stage.

 

  1. Enjoy fireworks over the water. On July 2, the city will be hosting a festive Independence Day celebration honoring 250 years of America. There will be fireworks, music, food trucks, and celebratory activities at Bladensburg Waterfront Park — and you can watch the colors shine over the historic Anacostia River.

 

Looking for more history lessons? Visit these Prince George’s sites connected to the Civil War.