US Capitol Police Information for “A Capitol Fourth”: Travel Tips, Prohibited Items, and Street Closures

June 27, 2025  Press Release from the United States Capitol Police:

On Friday, July 4, A Capitol Fourth — America’s national Independence Day celebration — will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol. The concert will be broadcast at 8:00 p.m. EST on public television stations (check local listings) and streaming online to honor our country’s birthday.

There is also a dress rehearsal on Thursday, July 3. Both events are free and open to the public. On July 3 and July 4, public access to the West Front opens at 3:00 p.m.

Security Measures, Severe Weather, & Prohibited Items

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) and concert staff closely monitor the weather. Any changes due to severe weather will be announced to the public via the USCP’s official social media sites and through the local press. Please follow the directions of the USCP if there is an evacuation.

To ensure everyone’s safety, anyone who is attending events on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol must go through security screening before entering the area. This will include a search of all bags, coolers, backpacks, and closed containers. 

For this event, food items and beach/camp chairs that sit low to the ground are allowed. Temperatures are expected to exceed 80 degrees.  All guests should plan to bring an ample supply of water to ensure a safe Fourth of July.

The following items are prohibited:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Glass bottles
• Animals (other than service animals)
• Bicycles and motorized scooters of any kind (devices required for accessibility (ADA) will be accommodated)
• Firearms and ammunitions (either real or simulated)
• Explosives of any kind, including fireworks
• Knives, blades or sharp objects of any length
• Laser pointers, signs, posters
• Mace, pepper spray
• Sticks, poles
• Electric stun guns
• Martial arts weapons or devices
• Umbrellas larger than 36” in diameter (umbrellas smaller than 36” will be allowed)
• Pocket or hand tools such as a “Leatherman”
• Sealed packages, large boxes, duffle bags, suitcases
• Drones, model rockets, remote or manually controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircrafts, model boats and/or cars, and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems
• Other items may also be prohibited at the discretion of the security screeners

Road Closures, Parking Restrictions, & Tour Bus Relocation

Tuesday, July 1, at 8:00 p.m. – Saturday, July 5, at 4:00 a.m.

Road Closures & Parking Restrictions

• First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
• Pennsylvania Avenue between 3^rd Street, NW, and First Street, NW
• Maryland Avenue between 3^rd Street, SW, and First Street, SW

Tour Bus Relocation

• Tour buses will be rerouted to Union Station

Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4, between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

 ADA Parking

• Both sides of Louisiana Avenue between Constitution Avenue, NW, and First Street, NW
• Both sides of First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW

All road closures are expected to end by Saturday, July 5, at 4:00 a.m.

NOTE: First Street between Peace Circle, NW, and Garfield Circle, SW, will have one lane of traffic in each direction during equipment assembly and disassembly. Brief traffic disruptions may occur a few days before (June 20 – July 1) and after (July 5 – July 8) the full road closures.

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For more information on the Fourth of July in Washington DC, Visit our A Capitol Fourth – 4th of July events page.

To view this press release, click here.