Good morning, firecrackers!
While you're deciding whether today calls for the navy blazer or the seersucker (let's be honest—it's 85° and humid, so neither), we've got your Independence Day intel sorted: from a quarter-century milestone 5K that kicks off before your neighbors' ambitious grilling plans to a guide of what's actually open when you need to find free parking, plus Montgomery's weekend fireworks schedule decoded for maximum patriotic efficiency.
Now grab that iced coffee and let's dive in...
AUTISM SPEAKS POTOMAC 5K Run / 1-Mile Walk
The 25th anniversary of the Autism Speaks Potomac 5K kicks off this morning!
You can still register to run/walk as the registration tables open at 6:45am at 10101 Glenolden Dr, Potomac, MD 20854.
The Opening Ceremony is at 7:30am. 5K start at 8:00am. 1-mile walk starts at 8:10am.
No dogs, strollers, baby-joggers, or lost boats allowed.
The course starts on Counselman Rd, winding through shaded neighborhood streets, before culminating in a downhill finish that's guaranteed to make everyone feel like they could have been Division I if they'd just focused more on athletics. So grab the family, lace up those sneakers, and join neighbors starting their Independence Day by raising money for an important cause and celebrating our community.
THE LOCAL LOWDOWN
July 4th Weekend Operations Guide
🚫 CLOSED Friday, July 4th:
County & state offices
Aquatic, recreation, and senior centers
Indoor nature facilities (trails and outdoor areas still open)
Indoor tennis courts (Wheaton Indoor Tennis & Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center)
Cabin John Ice Rink (but open Sat & Sun)
✅ OPEN Friday, July 4th:
Public parking is FREE (all garages, lots, and meters)
All parks, trails, gardens, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks
Outdoor tennis/pickleball/basketball courts
Miniature trains: Cabin John & Wheaton (9:30am-4:30pm)
🚛 SERVICE CHANGES:
Trash/recycling: Friday pickups moved to Saturday
Ride On buses: Saturday schedule
Metrorail: Sunday/holiday schedule (7am-midnight)
Alcohol stores: Open 10am-5pm (phew!)
🎆 PUBLIC FIREWORKS EVENTS:
Friday 5-9pm: Poolesville Fireworks at Soccer Fields (Hughes & Sugarland Rd)
Friday 7-9:30pm: Germantown Glory at South Germantown Recreational Park
Friday 7-10pm: Rockville Independence Day Celebration at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
Saturday 7-9:30pm: Mid-County Sparkles at Albert Einstein High School (free shuttle from Westfield Wheaton starting 6:30pm)
Fireworks & Dogs: A Survival Guide for Pet Parents
🐕 Why Dogs Hate Fireworks
Dogs have sensitive hearing (they can hear frequencies up to 65,000 Hz vs our 20,000 Hz) and no context for why loud explosions are happening. To them, fireworks sound like danger—triggering their natural fight-or-flight response.
✅ What To Do
Before the Show:
Exercise early - A tired dog is a calmer dog
Create a safe space - Set up a quiet room with their favorite bed/toys
Close windows and curtains to muffle sound and block flashes
Turn on calming background noise (TV, music, white noise machine)
During Fireworks:
Stay calm yourself - Dogs pick up on your anxiety
Let them hide - Don't force them out if they're under furniture
Provide comfort if they seek it, but don't overdo the coddling
Use compression garments - Thunder shirts or snug-fitting t-shirts can help
Try calming treats with melatonin or L-theanine (vet-approved)
❌ What NOT to Do
Don't punish fearful behavior
Don't force them outside during fireworks
Don't leave them alone if possible
Don't use human anxiety medication - can be toxic to dogs
💡 Pro Tips
Puzzle toys and long-lasting chews can provide distraction
Classical music has been shown to be particularly calming for dogs
Stay home if your dog has severe anxiety - they need you more than you need fireworks
Click the photo to advertise in the Loop
THE SOCIAL CALENDAR
Friday, 7/4
Cheesesteak Eating Contest. 12pm @ Brew Belly
Contestants race to demolish a 2-pound Wiz Wit for a year's worth of free cheesesteaks while entry fees benefit Hero Dogs Inc., paired with a pet adoption event and supply drive. Call them at 240-389-1927 if you want to actually compete and make Clifford proud. 🐶
Fireworks. Nighttime @ all over. 🎆
Saturday, 7/5
Germantown Flea Market. 8am-1pm @ MARC Lot (Germantown Rd & Bowman Mill Dr)
Montgomery County's largest monthly treasure hunt returns with ~100 vendors selling everything from household goods to antiques to help turn one family's decluttering project into another's Saturday morning adventure. 🪙
Breakfast with the Animals. 11am-12pm @ Meadowside Nature Center
Join naturalist staff to learn how they care for reptiles and amphibians, help prepare animal meals, then enjoy a continental breakfast alongside dining companions which might include a salamander. 🦎
Sunday, 7/6
Bethesda Big Train Baseball Game. 10am @ Shirley Povich Field
It’s Grandparents Day at the baseball field with mini squeeze bats and chalk for the first 100 kids, followed by postgame base running to tire them out before giving them back to Mom & Dad. ⚾
Yoga with Archana. 3-4pm @ Potomac Library
Instructor Archana Gupta leads monthly mat yoga sessions designed to accommodate all bodies, ages, and abilities, with 45 minutes of movement followed by breathwork and meditation. 🧘
Which of these would you most likely volunteer for?
LIVE & LOCAL
Friday, 7/4
Windridge Vineyards | Patrick Budd & Co | 2-5pm
The Crossvines | Live Music | 5-8pm
Hank Dietle’s Tavern | Banjer Dan | 5:30-7pm
Falls Road Golf Course | Nobody’s Business | 6-8pm
Rio Lakefront Boardwalk Stage | Half-Serious | 6-9pm
Hank Dietle’s Tavern | Guy Bouchie and the Heart Fixers | 9-midnight
Saturday, 7/5
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center | Northern Virginia Dulcimer Group | 10-12pm
Windridge Vineyards | Jack Worthington | 3-6pm
Kensington Taproom | Evan Crowell | 4-7pm
Grove Bar & Grille | Brendan Lane | 5-8pm
Hank Dietle’s Tavern | Big Howdy Bluegrass Showcase | 5-7:30pm
The Crossvines | Live Music | 5-8pm
Kennedy Center | House of Waters | 6pm
Strathmore | Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Patriotic Pops | 7:30pm
Hank Dietle’s Tavern | Linwood Taylor & Mike Westcott | 9-midnight
Sunday, 7/6
Kensington Taproom | Road Trip Poets | 2-5pm
Hank Dietle’s Tavern | The Moran Tripp Band | 2-4pm
Alfios La Trattoria | Conservatory Classic Jazz Band | 2:30-5pm
The Irish Inn | Brooks Tegler & Friends | 4:30-7:30pm
Hank Dietle’s Tavern | Clem Fandango | 6-9pm
