July Fourth events beyond fireworks

What's CITY Talking About?

DMV Faulty Records

D.C.’s Department of Motor Vehicles is being forced to manually review 15 years of DUI and other traffic-related convictions to make sure they are actually placed on drivers’ records. The agency’s outdated technology has been under scrutiny after a deadly crash revealed that the woman responsible shouldn’t have had a license in the first place. [DCist]

• Related: There are millions of unpaid D.C. traffic tickets out there. We chatted with a local transportation reporter about how the city is improving its haphazard traffic enforcement. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Celebrate Independence With Free Metro

All Metro and bus rides will be free tomorrow from 5 p.m. on. They are even bumping up the train frequency around the National Mall. Do yourself a favor and don’t drive! [WMATA]

Bed, Bath, and Burlington

There are some big retail changes coming to D.C. The downtown H&M is closing its doors after 20 years. And in Columbia Heights, Burlington Stores will be replacing the closing Bed, Bath, and Beyond. The new shop will go in right next to the just-opened Lidl grocery store. [Washington Business Journal]

What To Do

🎆 Fireworks on the Mall | Tuesday | 9:09 p.m.

The National Mall fireworks start at 9:09 and go for 18 minutes. But you don’t have to go to the Mall to see them. Try Malcolm X Park, Gravelly Point, The Kennedy Center, or your friend’s rooftop. The Wharf is also having its own free viewing party. [Free, National Mall]

🎺 Capitol Hill Parade | Tuesday | 10 a.m.

If you’re looking to avoid the Independence Day Parade crowds, this little parade is the perfect community event. [Free, Capitol Hill]

• There are also neighborhood parades in Takoma Park and Palisades.

🎈 Independence Day Parade | Tuesday | 11:45 a.m.

Bands, giant balloons, floats, and national dignitaries will all be marching down Constitution Avenue NW tomorrow. Get there early to get a spot. And wear sunscreen! [Free, Downtown]

✂️  What to the Slave is the 4th? | Tuesday | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site will reopen to the public tomorrow with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dramatic portrayal of Mr. Douglass, followed by live music and tours. [Free, Anacostia]

🔥 Rooftop at the Morrow | Tuesday | 12 - 11 p.m.

One of the cheapest rooftop parties around, dance to DJs, hang out by the fire pits and roast patriotic s’mores, and enjoy the fireworks. [$35, NoMa]

🎵 AfroAmp 2023 | Tuesday | 4 - 9 p.m.

This Afrobeats and Amapiano music fest at Culture DC will host an array of global DJs, vendors, and performances to dance the night away. [$30, Ivy City]

🛥️ Take a Party Cruise | Tuesday | 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Take in the fireworks from the water. This cruise on the Potomac has an open bar, dinner, and three decks for dancing. [$190+, The Wharf]

🍸 Lady Bird Rooftop  | Tuesday | 7 - 9 p.m.

Get a bird’s eye view of the fireworks while enjoying an open bar and unlimited small bites. [$175+, Logan Circle]

🎙️ A Capitol Fourth | Tuesday | 8 p.m.

Watch the nationally-streamed concert live in front of the Capitol, with performers ranging from Maddie & Tae to The Muppets to the U.S. Army Trumpets. [Free, Capitol Hill]

🥒 Smithsonian Folklife Festival | Tuesday | All Day

Make pickles, hula dance, and learn about moonshine distilling on the National Mall at the Folklife Festival. Then, stick around to watch the fireworks at night. [Free, National Mall]

Today on City Cast

How Fast Casual Exploded in D.C.

CAVA just went public with huge success, and it’s just the latest DMV-born fast-casual spot to explode. Why is D.C. such an incubator for this type of cuisine? City Cast DC Contributor Tim Ebner and Sahil Rahman, the co-founder of RASA, are here to break it down.