Guide to the 4th: Fireworks, Parades, What's Open & Closed

Happy birthday, dear America, happy birthday to you!

This Monday is the Fourth of July, and the celebrations abound in McLean and around the District. Here, Patch picks the best bets for toasting the red, white and blue.

A Capitol Fourth

West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

Monday, July 4; concert begins at 8 p.m.

Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits will host A Capitol Fourth, featuring performances by big-name stars including Steve Martin, Josh Groban, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Little Richard and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Patch recommends arriving early; doors to the concert open at 5 p.m. Take the Orange line to Federal Center. Note that on July 4, the Smithsonian Metro stop will be closed to people coming into the city. Access is at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds.

National Mall Independence Day Celebration

Launch site of firewords is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The optimum viewing areas for the fireworks will be at a distance.

Monday, July 4; fireworks begin around 9:10 p.m.

People from all over the country will be tuning into PBS see the fireworks display on the National Mall — and you can see it live!

Patch recommends arriving early with a picnic and lawn chairs to claim your viewing spot. We’re partial to viewing the show near the dramatic Iwo Jima memorial.

Here's more tips.

McLean 4th of July Celebration

Langley High School stadium 

Monday, July 4; doors open at 6 p.m., festivities begin at 7 p.m.

Field games for the kids and family start at 7 p.m., in addition to our DJ music and food concessions. At 7:30 p.m., Last Train Home, one of the country's most formidable roots-rock bands, comes out to play. The evening culminates with the best fireworks display outside of D.C.

Patch recommends getting there at 6 p.m. for a free parking spot at Langley and a full night of entertainment.

What's Open in Fairfax County

Park Authority – RECenters close at 4 p.m.; George Washington RECenter is closed. Historic sites open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Nature centers open noon to 5 p.m. Green Spring Gardens open from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and the historic house is closed. Frying Pan Farm Park open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the visitor center is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

County Trash and Recycling Collection – Regular collection.

Recycling and Disposal Facilities at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex – Open.

Fairfax Connector – Operating Sunday schedule.

What's Closed in Fairfax County

County Government – Closed.

Courts – Closed.

Public Schools and School Offices – Closed.

Library – Closed Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4.

Fastran – Not in service.

McLean Community Center and Old Firehouse Teen Center – Closed. Annual fireworks celebration at Langley High School on July 4 at 6 p.m.