Falls Church Independence Fireworks To Have Road, Parking Impacts

FALLS CHURCH, VA — If your family likes to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday by viewing fireworks, the City of Falls Church's Independence Day celebration is scheduled for Sunday, prompting traffic and parking impacts.

In the past few years, Fourth of July celebrations were not held amid COVID-19 and construction of the new Meridian High School. But now the event returns to Meridian High School with viewing in the high school's stadium. Overflow seating will also be available in the Virginia Tech parking lot.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks around 9:20 p.m. Attendees can bring small bags, coolers, food, beverages not in glass containers, blankets, and camping or stadium style chairs. Snacks will be available for purchase. Alcohol, smoking, glass containers, all fireworks, pets, and chairs with sharp or pointed legs are not allowed.

Before heading to the event, know where you're allowed to park. The city recommends parking in the West Falls Church Metro's parking garage, which is free on weekends. However, tailgating is not allowed in the parking garage.

Meridian High School and Mary Ellen Henderson parking lots will be limited to event personnel and accessible parking attendees. Handicap accessible parking will be provided first come, first served at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School via Leesburg Pike. Drivers should show their accessible parking placard at the parking lot.

Attendees may not park in the Virginia Tech parking lot, which will be a fireworks viewing area. Event parking is not allowed at the Falls Church Birch & Broad shopping center at 1200 W. Broad Street, except for customers visiting the businesses. Vehicles may be towed if you park and leave the shopping center.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, parking will also be restricted in the City of Falls Church near Meridian High School for emergency vehicle use. Parking will only be available on one side of the street on Grove Avenue, Birch Street, Spruce Street, Offut Drive and Falls Avenue.

Along with parking restrictions, the city expects traffic delays at the end of the event. Lane closures will be in place to provide pedestrian walkways at the end of the event.