5 Things About July 4th Fireworks in D.C.

It doesn't get more patriotic than celebrating our nation's birthday in the capital, does it?

The best fireworks show is town (and probably in the country, in fact) will be launched from the National Mall on July 4. If you're interested in watching the display from downtown D.C., here are five things you need to know.

1. The fireworks will be launched from the Reflecting Pool area at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday. The show is expected to last 17 minutes.

2. The National Park Service suggests the following locations for best viewing the fireworks: U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall between 14th Street and 3rd Street, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, The White House Ellipse, West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, Anacostia Park, U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, George Washington Memorial Parkway.

3. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is in full swing on the National Mall. Claim your spot for the fireworks show early and peruse the exhibits of this outdoor event, based, this year, on the themes of "Citified," "Creativity and Crisis," and "Campus and Community."

4. "A Capitol Fourth," a concert situated on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, will include conductor John Williams, Megan Hilty, American Idol winner Phillip Phillips and other celebrity performers. The concert is free and no tickets are required. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. Admission starts at 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

5. Pack lots of water and dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature of 98 degrees on July 4th. 

If you'd rather skip the National Mall crowds and watch the big show from the Georgetown, . Or venture to the Arlington side of the Potomac, .