New Page | Takoma Park Parade

Do you have restrooms?

Yes! A portable restroom is available at the intersection of Ethan Allen & Carroll Aves and additional portable restrooms are available to the right of Piney Branch Elementary School (7510 Maple Ave). Restrooms are also available at the Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Ave).
Do you have a lost and found?

Please go to the main desk at the Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Ave) if you have lost or found an item. If you have lost or found a person, please go to the Takoma Park Police Department (7500 Maple Ave, ground floor).
In case of an emergency, what should I do?

If you have an emergency please call 911. If you are unable to do so, anyone affiliated with the 4th of July in Takoma Park (wearing lanyards during the parade) can assist in making a call. Any police officer, emergency medical technician, or fire fighters nearby can also assist.
Do you have first aid?

There is a First Aid Station staffed by Adventist Healthcare in front of Piney Branch Elementary School (7510 Maple Ave) during the parade (10am-12pm). No First Aid Station is available for the evening street party. If you have a medical emergency please call 911.
Where can I find parking for the parade or street party?

There is no dedicated parking for parade or street party attendees. We encourage you to park outside the restricted area or use public transportation.
Why is no parking allowed on my block?

Parking is restricted on your block because it is needed for staging, set-up, or for the events on July 4th.
When do the roads close and reopen?

Roads adjoining the parade route and staging area close at 9am on July 4. You will not be able to enter into the restricted area without a pass after 9am. Roads reopen after the parade is complete and the streets are clear, by no later than 1pm – except for Maple Ave between Philadelphia Ave and Ritchie Ave, which is closed all day until the streets are clear after the street party (around 11pm).
Do you have any parking for people with disabilities?

Limited parking for individuals with disabilities is available behind the Takoma Park Library at 7500 Maple Ave. Please note that you will be required to show your Disability Parking Permit to the Takoma Park Police Department in order to access the parking area and must display your Permit upon parking. 40 spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis. You may park in assigned spaces only – all others will be towed.
I want to participate in the parade, how can I learn more?

Click here to learn more.
I want to be a vendor, how can I sign up?

Click here to learn more.
I want to help! How can I sign up?

Please email ContactUs at TakomaPark4th.org or submit an inquiry here.
Why aren't there fireworks in Takoma Park?

Takoma Park Middle School field is permanently unavailable as a fireworks location (there's not enough space to launch them safely, as per the Fire Marshall). Although we explored all possible options, we haven't been able to locate another suitable site with safe overhead clearance (there are limited options in Takoma Park due to the extensive tree canopy). Instead, since 2019 Takoma Park has hosted a July 4th Evening Street Party. We hope you can join us!
What happens if there's bad weather? Is there a rain date?

We make every effort to hold the parade and evening street party if it is safe to do so. If we need to cancel either event, we will update this website right away. Because of the complicated logistics and permitting requirements of the events, it is not possible to reschedule the parade or street party. If either is cancelled there is no rain date.
Why isn't the parade going through DC?

Beginning in 2025, the Takoma Park 4th of July parade route will be entirely in Takoma Park, MD. The parade will turn right at Willow Ave, left at Tulip Ave, and right at Maple Ave, continuing then along its traditional route. In the past, the DC portion of the parade route was arranged through an informal agreement with DC. In 2023 the Takoma Park Independence Day Committee learned that a formal arrangement would be required by DC going forwards. As we learned in 2024, the administrative and financial requirements of securing the necessary permitting through DC's special event process are quite extensive. It is not possible for the Committee to meet the burden of those requirements going forwards and still deliver a great 4th of July Celebration in Takoma Park. We have therefore made the difficult decision that the parade route will stay entirely in Takoma Park going forwards. We appreciate that some community members may be disappointed, as are we. But we are confident that this is the right step for the future of the Takoma Park 4th of July parade.
I have a media inquiry, how do I get in touch with someone?

Please email ContactUs at TakomaPark4th.org or submit an inquiry here.
I have a question not addressed here, how can I get it answered?

Please email ContactUs at TakomaPark4th.org or submit an inquiry here.