Fourth at The Wharf
Celebrate America250 this Fourth of July at The Wharf in Washington, DC, with free live country music on multiple outdoor stages, games on the piers, food to-go from Wharf restaurants, and spectacular views of the National Park Service fireworks launched from the Lincoln Memorial. The event runs from early afternoon through the evening, culminating with the fireworks around 10:30 pm, and offers a full slate of musical acts across four stages along the waterfront. For those seeking an elevated experience, a VIP package in the Dockmaster Building includes exclusive viewing, live music, drinks, and light fare.
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026; fireworks are scheduled by NPS to start at 10:30 pm, but timing is subject to change.
Showtimes: Music begins at 5:00 pm on all stages, with headlining acts at 7:00 pm. The District Pier Stage features Melissa Quinn Fox at 5:00 pm and Chris Ryan Band at 7:00 pm. The Transit Pier Floating Stage features Shane Gamble & The Pawnshop Hearts at 5:00 pm and Shawn Parsons & The Secret Service at 7:00 pm. The Grove Stage features DJ Corey Biggs at 5:00 pm and Jeremiah Prophett & Band at 7:00 pm. M Street Landing features Gary Palumbo at 5:00 pm and Emily Woodhull at 7:00 pm.
Lineup: Melissa Quinn Fox, Chris Ryan Band, Shane Gamble & The Pawnshop Hearts, Shawn Parsons & The Secret Service, DJ Corey Biggs, Jeremiah Prophett & Band, Gary Palumbo, and Emily Woodhull.
Tickets: The main event is free and open to the public, no ticket required. A VIP Experience in the Dockmaster Building is available for $60 plus Eventbrite fees; capacity is limited and currently on a wait list.
VIP Experience: Includes exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building at the tip of District Pier, live music from Chris Ryan from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, two drink tickets (plus cash bar) featuring Samuel Adams, Jack Daniel's, and Tito's Handmade Vodka, all-American light fare (gourmet sliders, mini hot dogs, sides and desserts), fantastic views of the NPS fireworks, VIP-only restrooms, and backstage access to the District Pier main stage. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
Ages: All ages are welcome at the free event. Must be 21+ with a valid ID to consume alcohol. VIP area is all-ages but alcohol restricted to 21+.
Venue: District Pier, along with Recreation Pier, Transit Pier, and many restaurants and bars at The Wharf, Washington, DC. The Wharf historically offers great views of the fireworks, but the display is operated by NPS and quantity/timing cannot be guaranteed.
Note: No outside alcohol or home-packed food is permitted; guests may bring in food from any Wharf restaurant. On busy days, parking garages may fill—visit the Getting Here page for Water Taxi, free Wharf Shuttle, and other options. Pets are not recommended due to fireworks. Cameras and video equipment for personal use are allowed, but lenses longer than six inches, monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted.