Fourth of July weekend kicks off with a family-friendly carnival on Thursday, followed by nonstop cultural events and festivities for the whole family.
Keep your outlook vibrant and social life lit – and don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar to stay up to date on all the things happening in the DMV.
Thursday, July 4
Greenbelt Baptist Church’s 4th of July Carnival
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Free
Greenbelt Baptist Church, 101 Greenhill Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770
The community is invited to Greenbelt Baptist Church‘s annual 4th of July Carnival, a free event that includes moonbounces, face painting, hotdogs, popcorn, and games.
After the event, guests can walk to Buddy Attick Park and continue the festivities with the City of Greenbelt’s fireworks display.
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Free
Casey Community Center, 810 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Casey Community Center is partnering with DiVerse Gaithersburg to showcase DMV poets with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds from the metro area. Readings from local featured poets will be followed by an open mic, where members of the community can share an original poem, and later engage in conversation with the poets.
Friday, July 5
6 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. | $55
DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20036
From the South Side of Chicago, DeRay Davis has made himself into a comedic force. He’s a presence in Hollywood, seen on hit shows like FX’s “Snowfall” and “Empire” and as host of “Hip Hop Squares” and “Joking Off.” Now, the comedian-turned-actor is bringing the fireworks Fourth of July weekend to the Improv.
Kennedy Center Summer Contemporary Music and Jazz
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | $
River Pavillion, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20037
The Kennedy Center announced a lineup of all-new summer programming for Contemporary Music and Jazz, kicking off July 5 through Aug. 4, featuring some of the most celebrated artists in each genre.
Saturday, July 6
8 p.m. | $34+
Victor Shargai Theatre at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
The Colored Museum is a provocative and humorous tour of 11 “exhibits,” showcasing toxic narratives about Black American experiences. From confrontational to aspirational, morbid to triumphant, Wolfe’s satirical sketches target America’s most pernicious stereotypes of Black culture, looking to retire outdated exhibits and make room for the future.
The Nation’s #1 Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band
8 p.m. – 11 p.m. | $30+
The Hamilton, 600 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band “Let’s Groove Tonight” includes talented musicians who are also huge fans of the legendary group and are passionate about accurately re-creating their iconic sounds.
Alongside saxophonist Curtis Johnson, who toured with the original Earth, Wind & Fire, and special guest vocalist Brent Carter, lead vocalist of Average White Band, the band performs powerful renditions of all of Earth, Wind & Fire’s top hits, including “September,” “Let’s Groove,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Sing a Song,” and more.
Sunday, July 7
2 p.m. | $40+
Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
The sensational, groundbreaking rock musical bursts with the jubilant spirit, raging rebellion and psychedelic color of the 1960s.
With chart-topping hits such as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” and “Good Morning, Starshine,” HAIR’s vibrant, groovy celebration of peace, love and life changed Broadway forever and still resonates today.
Curator Tour of “Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell”
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Free
National Portrait Gallery, 8th St NW & F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Join the Portrait Gallery’s Senior Curator of Photographs Ann Shumard for a lively tour of “Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell.” These vintage prints from the 1930s and ‘40s feature Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Anna May Wong and more Golden-Age favorites.