Fritz Hahn

Get a taste of D.C.'s biggest barbecue festival, tour historic farms and parks, browse some of the area's top makers, or groove to Caribbean beats.

Greenbelt's fireworks-free "Chill-Ebration" and the Chesapeake Baysox's Star Spangled Spectacular will take you away from the downtown hustle and bustle.

The National Mall and the surrounding museums and memorials are the traditional heart of D.C.'s Independence Day festivities.

In the five renovated spaces, you can try out a wind tunnel, climb into a Cessna Skyhawk, view artworks and visit old favorites like Skylab.

Visit places outside of the National Mall to watch fireworks and parades, check out local concerts or browse events specifically for kids.

Meet an explorer at happy hour or immerse yourself in the natural world at the long-awaited museum.

Alexandria celebrates its 277th birthday with music and fireworks, the Library of Congress's outdoor movies return with "Clueless," and embassies host World Cup viewing parties.

The question among staffers and alumni: “Are they returning to the Smithsonian as a target?”

A decade-by-decade look at the books, music, art and ideas that shaped 250 years of society.

Admire colorful blooms at the Lotus and Water Lily Festival, enjoy art at the Smithsonian Castle after-hours, immerse yourself in a film festival or watch the World Cup final.