Beyoncé & Fireworks: DC’s Week Ahead in 5 Minutes

Good morning, DC. I hope everyone is recovering nicely after a long holiday weekend.

In today’s District Download:

• Cowboy Carter Tour

• Rock the Dock

• Sunset Cinema

Let’s get to it.

THE DIGEST

Fourth of July Celebrations Light Up DC

The DC region enjoyed a spectacular Independence Day weekend, with clear skies and vibrant festivities marking the nation’s 249th birthday. Crowds flocked to the National Mall for the iconic fireworks show, while the annual National Independence Day Parade brought together locals and visitors along Constitution Avenue, complete with floats, military units, and marching bands. Many also attended the “A Capitol Fourth” concert on the West Lawn of the US Capitol, featuring performances by local music ensembles. The celebratory mood was felt across the city, with cookouts, rooftop gatherings, and special events at museums and hotels.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Showcases Youth Creativity

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival returned to the National Mall with the theme “Youth and the Future of Culture,” highlighting innovative projects by young creators. The festival offered a rich program, including live music, film screenings, poetry performances, and hands-on workshops in crafts and songwriting. Visitors could also participate in skate lessons and explore exhibits from the Museum of Contemporary American Teenagers. The event, running through July 7, provided a vibrant platform for the next generation of artists and cultural leaders.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour Electrifies the Region

Superstar Beyoncé brought her Cowboy Carter Tour to Northwest Stadium, drawing fans from across the DC area. The concert featured live performances of her Grammy-winning country album, immersive stage design, and interactive experiences like mechanical bulls. The event was a highlight of the holiday weekend, adding star power and excitement to the city’s summer entertainment calendar.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Coming Up This Week 🗓

Great news — it’s going to be (marginally) not as hot this week. So that’s cool. Here’s what we’re looking forward to:

WEDNESDAY

⛳ Waterfront Driving Range at The Wharf All day. Practice your swing with biodegradable golf balls onto a floating target in the Washington Channel; a fun, outdoor waterfront activity. No tickets required.

🎸 Rock the Dock featuring Hot Cactus 7-9 PM. High-energy live cover band playing classic hits from the ’60s to today, perfect for dancing by the water. No tickets required.

THURSDAY

🎬 Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: “Twisters” 8:30 PM. Outdoor movie screening of the blockbuster “Twisters” on the waterfront—bring a blanket or chair. No tickets required.

SATURDAY

🎓 LSAC Law School Forum All Day. Meet law school reps, attend workshops, and get admissions advice for prospective students. Registration required.

SUNDAY

🎶 Lubber Run Summer Concert Series 11 AM. Free outdoor concert with family-friendly music to enjoy a summer morning. No tickets required.

WEATHER

Monday

88 🌡 74 | 🌧️ | 65% | 💨 SW 8 mph

Tuesday

92 🌡 76 | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 W 7 mph

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Monday

Northwest Stadium | Beyoncé | 7:00 PM

Tuesday

Blues Alley | Gerri Morrison | 7:00 PM

DC SPORTS

Nationals Hosted the Red Sox

Saturday the Nationals lost 10-3. The Red Sox scored seven runs in the third inning, with Ceddanne Rafaela hitting a home run and driving in three runs. The Nationals struggled to recover from the early deficit. Sunday the Nationals lost 6-4. Trevor Story homered for Boston, and the Red Sox completed the sweep despite a late push from Washington.

Did You Know? The fireworks display on the National Mall is carefully choreographed by a team of pyrotechnic experts who start setting up the show nearly a week in advance—using barges on the Potomac and GPS technology to ensure each burst is perfectly timed to the music broadcast live during the event.

Till next time,

District Download