We’ve got a long Fourth of July Weekend ahead of us—which means the requisite parades, carnivals, cookouts, and shimmering firework shows planned everywhere from Cherry Hill to the Carroll County Farm Museum.
But this year is set to be even more spectacular, given that America is turning the big 2-5-0. No matter where you plan to post up, expect extra festivities (bigger and brighter fireworks, expanded live music lineups, over-the-top decor) to mark the milestone.
If you’re still locking in where you want to celebrate, check out our master guide for details on the area’s most dazzling displays.
Annapolis: After kicking off the celebration with the annual parade at 6:30 p.m., the Naptown fireworks will launch over the harbor on July 4 starting at 9:30 p.m. For the best viewing experience, head to public spaces northeast of the Severn River, City Dock, the Naval Academy Bridge (be aware of limited parking), or park spaces facing Spa Creek.
If you plan to be in the area throughout the long weekend, check out the capital’s full itinerary for more events like a performance by the Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers and a fitting outdoor screening of Hamilton.
Bel Air: The Bel Air Independence Committee is back with its all-day Fourth of July funfair—which will feature everything from a pancake breakfast and family water balloon toss to a bicycle rodeo and the annual parade. The day starts with flag-raising ceremonies in the morning and culminates with the blazing fireworks from Rockfield Park at approximately 9:30 p.m. You can watch the sparks fly from any permitted area in or around town.
Catonsville: Break out those lawn chairs. Now in its 80th year, Catonsville’s Fourth of July festival is back with the theme “Hometown Heroes.” Leading up to the fireworks, there will be concerts, games, all-ages activities, and the annual grand parade—for which locals traditionally set out their lawn chairs along Frederick Road days in advance—to look forward to throughout the day. The Grand Fireworks Show will kick off at 9:15 p.m. on the Catonsville High School Athletic Fields.
Cherry Hill: Now in its 10th year, the neighborhood’s annual Arts & Music Waterfront Festival is going all out for a triple milestone celebration: 250 years of America, 100 years of Black History Month, and 80 years of Cherry Hill. Spend the day enjoying live music, food trucks, art installations and small business vendors at Middle Branch Park.
Once again, in lieu of fireworks, organizers with Youth Resiliency Institute, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, and the mayor’s office are pumped to showcase an eco-conscious drone show, which will go on rain or shine. Scheduled for 9:30 p.m., the display “merges technology and art in a breathtaking aerial show” over the Patapsco.
Cockeysville: Per tradition, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Star-Spangled Spectacular will honor our country’s history with a jaw-dropping fireworks show and performance at Cockeysville’s Oregon Ridge Park. But to honor America 250, the concert has been extended to two nights on July 3 and July 4 this year.
Spread a blanket on the lawn to hear renditions such as the finale from Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, as well as John Williams selections from Star Wars and, of course, “The Star Spangled Banner.” Pack a picnic, or scope out a lineup of food and drink vendors before you settle in beneath the stars.
Columbia: Co-hosted by Howard County Recreation & Parks, the Columbia Association, and other community orgs, the annual fireworks display will return to the Columbia Lakefront on Independence Day.
The party kicks off at 5 p.m. live music from rockers Chasing Straights (6 p.m.) and new string band supergroup Don Flemons & the Traveling Wildfires (7:30 p.m.) before fireworks light up Lake Kittamaqundi at dusk. You can arrive as early as 3 p.m. to lay out your blankets and claim a spot while enjoying food truck fare.
Dundalk: After last weekend’s Heritage Fair, the Dundalk festivities continue on the big day. Kick off the morning with the 92nd Annual Dundalk Independence Day Parade, the longest continually running procession in Maryland, starting at 8:15 a.m. After the filling up at the family cookout, rally to watch fireworks shoot off from North Point Government Center/Grange Elementary around 9:15 p.m.
Glen Burnie: Bring your blankets and chairs to Sawmill Creek Park (or additional viewing at 3rd Avenue Park) on July 3 at 9 p.m. to watch the sky sparkle, thanks to the Glen Burnie Improvement Association.
Havre De Grace: Before the fireworks, all launched from a barge in the Susquehanna River, fizzle over Concord Point Park at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, groove to live tunes to get the party started. At 7:30 p.m., a free show by the Maryland Military Band will kick off the fireworks at Concord Point Park.
Inner Harbor: Nothing quite compares to watching fireworks illuminate the Inner Harbor skyline. Before the sparks fly around 9 p.m., catch live entertainment everywhere from Pier Six Pavilion (where DJ Supream, DJ Mr. Incredible, Jonathan Gilmore, and Stephanie Mills will take the stage) to Harbor Point—where you can jump into a silent disco for $15. An evening iteration of the Pratt Street Market will also be up and running with local food vendors at McKeldin Square.
To get the best views, take a walk along the Waterfront Promenade, head up to a roof deck, climb atop Federal Hill, or, if you’re looking to splurge, purchase front-row seats with the Baltimore Museum of Industry‘s annual fundraiser—which includes museum admission, parking, and a live concert by John Lamkin Favorites Jazz Quintet. You can also head over to the Sagamore Pendry in Fells Point for a posh pool party and barbecue on the water. (Wagyu burgers, housemade crab chips, and peach shortcakes? Yes, please.)
Laurel: This all-day celebration on July 4 begins at 3 p.m., featuring a parade, car show, live music, and family-friendly games. To end the day, bring your chairs and blankets to the 45-minute firework show over Laurel Lake, which starts at 9:15 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to find the best seats.
Mount Airy: Happening on July 3, this free community tradition at the Mount Airy Carnival Grounds invites guests to bring their own chairs, blankets, and coolers with food. Or you can indulge in some fairground treats from an array of food trucks onsite. The gates will open at 4 p.m., followed by live music at 5 p.m., and fireworks around 9:30 p.m.
Ocean City: If you’re heading downy ocean for the long weekend, make plans to go to either uptown (Northside Park on 127th Street) or downtown (the Caroline Street Stage on the boardwalk) to enjoy live music at 8 p.m. before the big fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. To watch from the water, get tickets aboard the Sea Rocket’s 4th of July Fireworks Cruise.
Towson: Post up along Bosley and Washington Ave. before 10:30 a.m. on Saturday to enjoy Towson’s patriotic parade. Feeling extra festive this year? Decorate your bike in theme with the holiday and line up for the bike rush an hour before the parade starts, finishing just in time to grab your seats before the floats come by. After dark, the Towson Communities Alliance hosts its annual fireworks show from Loch Raven Middle School.
Westminster: Head to the Carroll County Farm Museum to partake in this annual summer soiree. Gates will open at 4 p.m. on July 4, followed by fireworks around 9:30 p.m. While you wait, groove to live tunes by Park Avenue & The Guard and enjoy treats from on-site vendors including The Cow (Italian ice and frozen custard), The Crabby Pretzel, The Arepa Stop, and more. Admission is $10 per vehicle (cash only) and groups can feel free to bring their own coolers with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Fact-checking by Caroline McDonough