Lee District Park will not be hosting fireworks for July 4th 2009; however, there are other venues hosting fireworks – see more below.

Lee District 4th Celebration 2009
from the Lee District Supervisor’s office

For many years, the Fourth of July has featured a fireworks show at Lee District Park. However, County budget cutbacks along with the construction of turf fields funded through the last park bond have made the park off bounds for any fireworks. However, the Fourth of July is a time for families and neighbors to come together and celebrate not only our nation’s birthday but also to strengthen community ties. Lee District Park will still host a Fourth of July celebration. This year, there will be a family-friendly musical program (provided by M&R Project and the Annandale Brass Ensemble) in the park amphitheater from 3-5 pm on the afternoon of July 4th. For details call Lee District Supervisor’s office 703-971-6262.

Alternative Locations (see more information below):

• Lake Fairfax
• Fort Belvoir (not open to public)
• National Mall
• City of Alexandria (on July 11th)

Lake Fairfax
from the Reston Connection

Lake Fairfax Park will be the one and only site for fireworks presented by the Fairfax County Park Authority on Independence Day. Fireworks, which usually take place at Lee District Park in Franconia, will no longer be offered there due to safety concerns and construction work on athletic fields.

At Lake Fairfax Park in Reston the fun begins at 7 a.m. Visitors can picnic in the park, or purchase tickets for The Water Mine Swimmin’ Hole, open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Vendors will offer a variety of food for purchase throughout the celebration, and children will find a moon bounce, dunk tank and an obstacle course to amuse them. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Celebrants are encouraged to come early as parking is limited.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190 (map, click here).

Fort Belvoir
from the Fort Belvoir MWR

Freedom Fest is 4 July at P-2 Field (on Rte.1) on Fort Belvoir. Festivities begin a 5:00 p.m. and fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. The activities and fireworks are available to those who already have access to Fort Belvoir, but the Fourth of July activities are not open to the public.  For more information contact the Fort Belvoir MWR (moral, welfare & recreation) Director’s office at 703-805-2532.

Map of Fort Belvoir, click here (PDF).

National Mall

4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall at dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument.

City of Alexandria
from the City of Alexandria

On July 11th, the 233rd USA/ 260th Alexandria birthday celebration.

Alexandria, Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St. (along the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton and Madison Streets), Alexandria, Virginia (map, click here). Celebrate Alexandria’s Birthday & the USA’s on Saturday, July 11, 2009, 4-10 p.m. Enjoy a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

The City of Alexandria celebrates its own birthday and the USA’s each year on the Saturday following the 4th of July. The annual event includes children’s activities, a concert performed by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake and a fireworks extravaganza. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, but you are welcome to bring a picnic.