In the nation's capitol, the National Park Service presents the Washington, DC parade which has become the nation's premier 4th of July Parade. With 400,000 spectators the Parade takes place late morning on July 4th, beginning in sight of the United States Capitol traveling down Constitution Avenue, passing between the White House and the Washington Monument and on to Washington’s famous Mall, and ending in sight of the Lincoln Memorial. The parade is a patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday with over 50 units including bands, military and specialty units, giant helium balloons, floats, and VIP’s.
In addition to the parade, the National Folklife Festival on the Mall is co-sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service, and celebrates the diverse cultural traditions that contribute to American life. That evening, parade participants are part of the audience for the PBS Concert at the Capitol Building, culminating in the annual Independence Day Fireworks display, visible throughout the District of Columbia and nearby Virginia and Maryland.