Celebrating the 4th of July in DC? Here's what you need to know

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - Visitors and residents to Washington, D.C. can expect a busy schedule of events during the July 4th holiday.

Some of the main events being held on Thursday are the National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue, the Salute to America at the Lincoln Memorial, A Capitol Fourth celebration on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and the fireworks display near the Lincoln Memorial.

Here are the main traffic advisories, closures, schedule changes and events schedule from DDOT, Metro and the NPS for Thursday, July 4th.

JULY 4TH EVENTS IN DC AREA NATIONAL PARKS

National Independence Day Parade
11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m., Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW
Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America's birthday!

Salute to America
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Memorial
President Donald J. Trump honors America's armed forces with music, military demonstrations, flyovers and much more. Participants include the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Band ("Pershing's Own"), the Armed Forces Chorus, the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, and many others. Gates open at 3:30 p.m.

A Capitol Fourth
8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
This all-star salute to America's 243rd birthday with performances by Grammy Award-winning music legend Carole King, multi-platinum recording artist Vanessa Williams, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, the National Symphony Orchestra, and a special appearance by the Sesame Street Muppets!

Fireworks Display
9:07 p.m., National Mall & Neighboring Parks
Independence Day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display launched from West Potomac Park and behind the Lincoln Memorial which will be visible from many locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia. The fireworks will be canceled in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms or high winds.

ROAD CLOSURES:

The following streets will be closed and posted as Emergency No Parking for the event from approximately 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.:

The following tunnels will be closed for the event from approximately 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:

The 3rd Street Tunnel will remain open for travel into and out of the city.

Motorists are reminded that stopping or standing is prohibited on any city streets or roadways to observe the fireworks. Motorists shall expect to be ticketed and/or towed if found in violation.

Please visit https://www.wmata.com/ for alternative public transportation options into and out of the city, as well as any metro closures.

National Mall Public Entry Access points on July 4th will open at 10:00 a.m. and will remain open until 9 p.m.

In addition to events on the National Mall, motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays around other Fourth of July activities taking place in the city:

The Washington Nationals will host the Miami Marlins at the Nationals Stadium at 1500 South Capitol Street, SE. The baseball game will start at 11:05 a.m.

The Palisades Citizens Association will host their annual Palisades Parade at 11:00 a.m.

The following street will be closed and posted as Emergency No Parking for the Palisades Parade from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:

The Fourth of July on Barracks Row will take place at 10:00 a.m.

The following street will be closed and posted as Emergency No Parking for the Barracks Row parade from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.:

The following streets will be closed for the Barracks Row parade from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.:

For more information on July 4, 2019 watercraft restrictions on the Potomac River, please visit: https://mpdc.dc.gov/release/mpd-announces-watercraft-restrictions-fourth-july-celebration

All street closures and listed times are subject to change based upon prevailing or unexpected conditions.

The public should expect parking restrictions along the street and should be guided by the posted emergency no parking signage. All vehicles that are parked in violation of the emergency no parking signs will be ticketed and towed.

While you are at the 2019 Independence Day Celebration events, it's important you have the latest information at your fingertips. For official information from DC Government related to the 2019 Independence Day Celebrations, text JULY4DC to 888-777 to receive free alerts on weather, traffic, transit, and more.

Residents and visitors of the District are urged to be vigilant and follow the motto, "if you see something, say something." To report immediate threats or emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity or behavior, call 202-727-9099 or text 50-411. For more information visit https://mpdc.dc.gov/capitalwatch.

Motorists could encounter possible delays if operating in the vicinity of this event and may wish to consider alternative routes. The Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Department of Transportation also wishes to remind motorists in the vicinity of this event to proceed with caution as increased pedestrian traffic can be anticipated. As always, do not drink and drive.

METRORAIL SCHEDULE

Metrorail:

Parking: Free at all Metro-operated facilities.

Fares: Off-Peak fares will be in effect all day.

Metrobus: Saturday schedule. Expect detours around the National Mall.

MetroAccess: Regular service hours. Subscription trips are canceled. Please ensure all July 4 reservations are booked before 4:30 p.m. on July 3.

Customer Service: Open 7 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. by calling 202 637-7000; Lost & Found will be closed.

The closest station to the Mall is Smithsonian, however this is not your best choice. While many passengers choose to use Smithsonian, this station can become overcrowded during larger Mall events. Metro recommends selecting a destination station on the same line as your origin to avoid the need to transfer. There is a station near the Mall on every line. Here is a list of suggested stations:

METROBUS SCHEDULE

WATERCRAFT RESTRICTIONS

The following watercraft restrictions will be in place on the Potomac River from approximately 4:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.:

Watercraft operators will be expected to follow the restrictions and remain alert for posted signage and buoys. MPD recommends that all watercraft operators and passengers not only have a life jacket or a personal floatation device, but wear it at all times while boating. As always, do not drink and operate a watercraft.

Boaters seeking additional information should contact MPD's Harbor Patrol Unit at 202-727-4582.

NATIONAL MALL STORM SHELTER LOCATIONS

In the event of inclement weather, the following locations are designated as safe havens: