4th of July Parade Timings: When & Where

Washington, D.C.: As Americans gear up to celebrate Independence Day on Friday, July 4, 2025, one question is trending across search engines: what time does the 4th of July parade start? From small-town streets to the grand National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., thousands of communities will host morning-to-midday parades, making it essential to know the exact timing in your area.

According to official announcements, the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. will begin at 11:45 a.m. ET on Constitution Avenue, stretching from 7th to 17th Street NW. The event will feature military units, elaborate floats, marching bands, cultural groups, and dignitaries in a grand patriotic procession.

Meanwhile, dozens of towns and cities across the country will start their parades earlier in the day—many as early as 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. local time—to accommodate families, beat the summer heat, and allow enough time for evening fireworks and festivals.

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When and Where Are the Biggest July 4th Parades in 2025?

Washington, D.C. — 11:45 a.m. ET

The nation’s capital will host its iconic National Independence Day Parade on Thursday, July 4, at 11:45 a.m. ET, organized by the National Park Service and Music Celebrations International. Parade-goers are advised to arrive by 10 a.m. due to security checks and road closures.

Bristol, Rhode Island — 10:30 a.m. ET

Home to the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States, the Bristol parade begins at 10:30 a.m., drawing tens of thousands of spectators along historic Hope Street.

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Fairfax, Virginia — 10:00 a.m. ET

The City of Fairfax will kick off its hometown parade at 10 a.m. with a mix of high school bands, themed floats, and civic organizations.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — 11:00 a.m. ET

As part of the Wawa Welcome America Festival, Philly’s parade begins at 11 a.m. on Market Street and features multicultural performances and historical re-enactors.

Local Towns Nationwide — 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. (varies)

In cities like Oak Creek (WI), Lake Forest (CA), and Bothell (WA), local parades typically begin between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., depending on the town’s schedule. Residents are encouraged to check their city websites or local social media pages for updates.

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What Time Should You Arrive?

Parade coordinators across the country recommend that attendees arrive at least 45–60 minutes before the parade starts, especially in areas expecting large turnouts or road closures. In major cities like D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia, streets near parade routes may be closed as early as 7:00 a.m. to ensure security and staging space.

How to Find Your Local Parade Time

To confirm start times for your city:

Visit your official city or county website
Check local government Facebook or Instagram pages
Search “[Your City] July 4th Parade 2025 Time” on Google

For smaller towns, local newspapers and community newsletters often provide detailed schedules and road closure alerts.

Why Parade Timing Is Important in 2025

Parades remain one of the most anticipated and unifying events of the Fourth of July, bringing together communities across generations. For many, the early-morning parade marks the emotional start of the day, followed by cookouts, concerts, and fireworks.

With extreme heat forecasts for parts of the country this year, many cities have opted for earlier start times or have moved viewing zones to shaded areas. Hydration stations, medical tents, and misting zones are also being added in cities like Phoenix, Dallas, and Sacramento.

Evening Events: Fireworks Start Around 9:00 p.m.

After the parades, cities will light up the sky with fireworks displays, typically beginning between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. local time. Popular shows include: