Takoma Park 4th of July Parade

Takoma Park 4th of July Parade 2026

Takoma Park does the Fourth of July the old-fashioned way, with a hometown parade down the main streets and neighbors lining the curb. It has run for decades and leans into the town's "weird and wonderful" streak, so along with the fire trucks and marching bands you get unicycles, costumed dogs, and community groups of every kind. The parade steps off mid-morning, which is a good window before the day gets too hot.

It is free, it is walkable, and it is easy to do with little kids who are not going to make it to late-night fireworks. If you want more, the town throws an evening street party with music and food later on. Get there early for a shady curb spot and bring something to sit on.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Arrive by 9:30 for a good spot. The shady stretches of curb fill in first. Coming early also lets the kids settle before the parade starts.
• ✓Bring chairs or a blanket. You will be at the curb for a while. Camp chairs and a blanket make the wait easier.
• ✓Pack water and sunscreen. Even a morning parade in July gets warm. Hats and a water bottle per kid help.
• ✓Stay for the evening street party. If the kids can swing a long day, the Maple Ave party later on has music and food and a lower-key vibe.
• ✓Take Metro if you can. Parking is the headache here. The Takoma stop drops you close and you skip the whole hunt.