United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20510

Time: 8 - 9:30 p.m.
Location: West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol

A 4th of July tradition in the nation's capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The annual event is broadcast live on PBS with a repeat airing at 9:30-11:00 p.m. The concert will also be broadcast over National Public Radio on WAMU - 88.5 FM.

Added by laranouj on June 8, 2009

Comments

garysaucedo

Who is scheduled to appear? I love watching the show on TV every year. It has become a tradition. How does one get off the lawn and under the tent? I would love to go to it.

banksd74

How far away is this place from the Washington Nationals Baseball park? I'm going to the game first and then sight seeing after. Hopefully all these places are near/walking distance since their will be no where to park.

leathrn

Musical performances begin at 8 p.m. The fireworks on the other side of the Mall go off around 9:10 p.m until 9:30-ish.

The 90-minute concert is broadcast live nationally on PBS and NPR stations.Barry Manilow opens and closes the broadcast with a medley of hits and patriotic classics, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Choral ArtsSociety of Washington. Aretha Franklin, Michael Feinstein, the cast of "Jersey Boys" and Natasha Bedingfield will also perform. As a special treat for kids, Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and more of the "Sesame Street" gang will be on hand.

The Baseball Park is on the other side of town and way too far to plan to walk. But you can take the metro train - most people in DC use Metro to get everywhere and they run extra trains on the 4th.

It will be crowded but most are in good spirits and happy to be there with you. Have fun!

roettger.daniel

Just a warning -- Metro trains on the 4th, there will be many, but the mass number of people expected to use the system will certainly add delays. Be sure you factor these delays into your travel plans.