Beyond the Mall: On July 4, There's Plenty to Do

EVERYONE KNOWS that heading to the National Mall for the annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks is a hassle. But hundreds of thousands of people will crowd Metrorail and work their way through security checkpoints nonetheless so they can hear the "1812 Overture" — complete with real cannon fire! There's something irresistible about the concert and fireworks that keeps people coming back year after year. Must be all the explosions. Oh yeah, and this year's host for "A Capitol Fourth" is Tony Danza, at right.
» A Capitol Fourth, U.S. Capitol, Wed., concert 8 p.m., fireworks 9:10 p.m.; 202-619-7222. (Union Station/Capitol South)

Need something to do with your day off work? Want to ignore the fireworks? Here's our list of events you can attend on Wednesday.

» NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE: The parade's Web site describes it as "a patriotic, flag waving, red, white and blue celebration of America's birthday." What else can we say?
National Independence Day Parade, Constitution Avenue from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW, 11:45 a.m.; 800-215-6405. (Archives/Federal Triangle)

» SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL: Amid the all-American hoopla of July 4, it's easy to forget that there are other cultures in the world. If you want to get to the Mall early on Wednesday and secure a prime space for the evening's concert and fireworks, you can attend the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which features arts and food from the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, Northern Ireland and colonial Virginia. Just remember that the Smithsonian Metro station is closed Wednesday for security purposes.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival, National Mall between 7th and 14th streets, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 800-215-6405. (Federal Triangle/L'Enfant Plaza)

» INDEPENDENCE DAY ORGAN RECITAL: If you're anything like us, you love the National Cathedral's architecture but have never felt comfortable slipping through its doors. Here's an opportunity to admire the cathedral from the inside and hear Independence Day-themed organ music, including both patriotic tunes and classic popular songs.
Independence Day Organ Recital, National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Wed., 11 a.m.; 202-537-2228. (Cleveland Park/Tenleytown)

» THE NATIONAL PASTIME: Baseball. Hot dogs. The Presidents Race. Each one is distinctly American and thus perfect for the Fourth of July. Spend an afternoon at the ballpark on Wednesday, when the Nationals play the surging Chicago Cubs at RFK Stadium.
Washington Nationals, RFK Stadium, 12:05 p.m; $9-$50. (Stadium-Armory)

» ELSEWHERE: Want more? Check out events for Arlington County and Montgomery County. And if you seek a second dose of holiday revelry, remember that Alexandria will host fireworks over the weekend.

» COMPLETE LISTINGS for area events can be found at washingtonpost.com's City Guide.

Written by Express contributor Gabe Nelson
File photo of July 4th goers by Frank Johnston/The Washington Post; Photo of Tony Danza by Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images