Your Guide to July 4 Celebrations in Fairfax City

Fairfax City offers a July 4 packed with live music, activities and the Independence Day traditions. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and festivities conclude with a fireworks show at dark.

Keep reading for a breakdown of the day's events.

Schedule:

• Independence Day Parade: The parade starts at the entrance to the Judicial Center at 10 a.m. It continues north on Chain Bridge Road, right at Main, right on University, right on Armstrong and then right on Chain Bridge again to bring it full circle. It ends at noon. Click here for a full list of participants. Check out the parade route in map form here.
• Open House: Stop by the museum to see a new exhibit of signs and memorabilia. The newest addition? A Yesterday's Rose sign. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tours: Check out one of the oldest houses in Fairfax City history. Tours start at 11:30 a.m. and stop at 1 p.m.
• Old-Fashioned Fireman's Day: Watch the city's firefighters in friendly competition. This event also includes food, drink and activities for kids. Starts at 12:30 p.m. at the .
• Evening Show & Fireworks: Fireworks are only part of the show. Listen to Scott Silverthorne give his first July 4 remarks as mayor, enjoy a live performance from Leggz and the 1812 Overture as played by the City of Fairfax Band. Show starts at 7 p.m. at Fairfax High School and runs until 10:30. Rain date: July 5. Click here for a schedule.

July 4 Celebrities:

• This year's Grand Marshal is President Alan Merten. from his position as GMU in August. Dr. Angel Cabrera from the Thunderbird School of Global Management takes over just before the start of the fall semester.
• The Honorary Grand Marshal title goes to longtime residents Dr. George and Madeline Tankard. George is an active Rotary Club member. He served in numerous positions with Fairfax County Public Schools and was superintendent of Fairfax City schools from 1971-1977. Madeline has worked with Girl Scouts in Fairfax City for almost 50 years. She and her young charges performed countless service projects for the betterment of the Fairfax community. Read more about the Tankards here.

Additional resources:

• Official Star Spangled Celebration brochure.
• Parade participant guidelines.
• Vendor information.

for photos from last year's Independence Day celebration.