Like presidential inaugurations, camp-outs in front of the Supreme Court and drunken monument tours, these Fourth of July events can only happen in D.C.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
10 a.m. at the National Archives

Listen to a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives—mere steps (and several feet of concrete) away from the piece of paper that started it all. If the Declaration of Independence isn’t enough to get you out of bed at 10 a.m., then perhaps the Fife and Drum Corps will be more enticing.

July 4 at Café Du Parc
4  to 8 p.m. at the Willard InterContinental Hotel at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

The American Revolution would not have been won without the help of General Lafayette and the French. And in honor of our freedom-loving European counterpart, Café Du Parc at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel will be hosting a French block party with live music, burgers and crepes.

Independence Day Parade
11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue

No Fourth of July is complete without a parade. While we can’t promise people will be throwing candy from floats, there will be marching bands and opportunities to waves miniature American flags. The parade will travel along Constitution from 7th to 17th Street.

Annual Independence Day Organ Recital
11 a.m. at the National Cathedral at 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW

We’re unsure of how exactly an organ recital ties into the American Revolution or the Fourth of July, but it sounds cool. If you’ve never been to National Cathedral, a Thursday off from work is the perfect excuse to check it out. The recital will also feature the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters (which means more buff men in uniform singing).