Burke residents have several options for July 4th activities close to home.

City of Fairfax

The City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade is considered "the largest and the best free hometown parade in Northern Virginia," according to fxva.com.  The parade begins Wednesday at 10 a.m. on Chain Bridge Road at the Massey Building, then circles Old Town Fairfax on Main Street, University Drive and Armstrong Street.

Following the parade at 12:30 p.m. is the city's Old-Fashioned Fireman's Day at 4081 University Drive. There will be food, beverages, games and firefighter competitions. Admission is free.

The City of Fairfax Evening Show and Fireworks begins at 7 p.m. at Fairfax High School. Admission is free.  The schedule of events is:

7 p.m. The City of Fairfax Band

8 p.m. Welcome remarks and presentation of awards by Mayor R. Scott Silverthorne

8:20 p.m. Leggz (favorites from Motown to classic rock 'n roll to '70s and '80s)

9:10 p.m. The City of Fairfax Band - 1812 Overture

9:20 p.m. Fireworks Display

9:50 - 10:30 p.m. Leggz Finale

Note: Items that may puncture the synthetic turf (including lawn chairs) are not permitted on the football field. Smoking, alcohol or animals (except for guide dogs) are not allowed.

Clifton

Clifton's 4th of July Celebration begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. with a parade through town. Parade line-up begins at 3:30 p.m. on the Dell.

After the parade, there is a pot-luck in the park. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share and a comfy lawn chair. Barbeque, beer, lemonade, kids' activities, cake and fun will be provided by the Clifton Betterment Association.

Lorton

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland will lead Lorton's Fourth of July parade. Staging for the parade begins Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Lorton Firehouse, 7701 Armistead Road.  The parade begins at 11 a.m., and snakes from Lorton Road to Lorton Station Boulevard, ending at a reception at Lorton Town Center. The party lasts until 1 p.m.

INOVA is sponsoring a blood drive, accepting walk-ins from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in front of Fireside Grill. Donors will receive a T-shirt, refreshments and a chance to win an iPad.

The celebration continues at Mason Neck State Park. The free schedule of events includes: 

• Mason Neck Wagon Ride Expedition, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (ride ends with s'mores)
• All-American Rocket Power demonstration (with air pressure and water), 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Make a star-spangled hiking stick, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. 
• Search for bald eagles, which inhabit Mason Neck, with a telescope and binoculars.

Washington, D.C.

If your up for crowds, you can enjoy America's Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, which includes: 

• Smithsonian Folklife Festival
• A Capitol Fourth

Patch offers these tips for the D.C. festivities.