July 2, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
As the United States celebrates our semiquincentennial, Washington, DC is proud to serve as the backdrop for celebrations that are bringing together residents and visitors from across the country and around the world. We’re also proud that when visitors come to our city, they can visit and learn about the real DC—the people, neighborhoods, and experiences that represent 700,000 Washingtonians.
DC will be very busy in the coming days. We have the annual Capitol Hill and Palisades Fourth of July parades, Nationals games in Navy Yard, World Cup celebrations at the FIFA Fan Fest on the Mall, the Great American State Fair, and of course, the Salute to America 250 Celebration and the National Park Service’s firework displays on the Mall and at Anacostia Park. With the addition of America250 celebrations, the Independence Day events on the Mall have been designated as a National Special Security Event. For the public, that mostly means to expect extra security measures; if you’re going to the Mall on the Fourth of July, please ensure you review the list of prohibited items. The fireworks show this year will be later and it will last longer. We’re encouraging people to text DC250 to 888-777 to get real-time updates sent to your phone. You can find road closures and other information on 250.dc.gov.
Of course, we are also in the midst of several days of dangerously hot weather. In the coming days, be extra intentional about staying safe in the heat:
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Drink plenty of water. Increase your fluid intake throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and drinks with large amounts of sugar, which can contribute to dehydration.
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Stay cool and avoid being outside for prolonged periods of time. Limit time outdoors whenever possible – especially in the afternoon and early evening, when temperatures are highest – and go to air-conditioned spaces or shade to cool down. Visit heat.dc.gov to learn more about cooling centers.
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Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when spending time outdoors.
To help DC stay cool, the Department of Parks and Recreation is keeping outdoor pools and spray parks open on Friday and Saturday. DPR is also opening ten recreation centers, which include three indoor pools, to help people stay cool on Friday and Saturday.
Throughout the weekend, we strongly encourage everyone to use Metro and public transportation whenever possible. The Metro will be free after 5:00 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
Especially with the heat this week, be patient and plan ahead, drink plenty of water, and check on neighbors, especially older or more vulnerable neighbors, to make sure they have the resources they need to stay safe in the heat. If you’re concerned about a neighbor experiencing homelessness who is outside in the heat, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. We will also continue to have a strong public safety presence in our neighborhoods, and the Go Teams, which many residents are already familiar with, will be out interacting with residents.
Stay cool and hydrated, DC.
Sincerely,
 Fireworks can be unpredictable and dangerous and cause serious injuries and fires in just seconds.
See the information below, and find more safety tips here.
Which fireworks products are illegal in DC?
Firecrackers or fireworks that explode, such as cherry bombs, bottle rockets, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells, and artillery shells.
What types of fireworks are legal in the District of Columbia?
Sparklers less than 20 inches, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps.
What can I do if I see someone engaging in illegal fireworks use or sales?
To report illegal fireworks from July 3-6, call 311 and select Option 1 or visit the DC 311 Online Portal and use the Illegal Fireworks Request.
You can also complete the Office of the DC Fire Marshal Illegal Fireworks Reporting Form, year-round.
To report property damage from fireworks or injury from fireworks, call 911 for immediate police and fire dispatch.
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 Spray parks are now open seven days a week and outdoor pools are open six days a week! Both outdoor pools and spray parks will remain open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, when DC Government observes Independence Day, as well as on Saturday, July 4.
Additionally, on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, the following recreation centers – and three indoor pools – will open as cooling centers, operating from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
- Turkey Thicket Recreation Center and Indoor Pool (1100 Michigan Avenue NE)
- Rosedale Community Center (1701 Gales Street NE)
- Deanwood Community Center and Indoor Pool (1350 49th Street NE)
- Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard Street NW)
- Emery Heights Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Avenue NW)
- Raymond Recreation Center (3725 10th Street NW)
- Sherwood Recreation Center (640 10th Street NE)
- King-Greenleaf Recreation Center (201 N Street SW)
- Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center and Indoor Pool (700 Yuma Street SE)
- Fort Stanton Recreation Center (1812 Erie Street SE)
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 The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will not collect household trash, recycling, and food waste on Friday, July 3 (the day DC Government observes the Fourth of July holiday this year). Collections will “slide” from Friday to Saturday.
Learn more about modifications to District services here.
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