Fireworks aren’t the only thing to look forward to for Independence Day. Baltimore is full of events to keep the red, white, and blue spirit going all day long. From cruises to pet parades, there is no shortage of things to do in the city to show your patriotic pride. Whether you’re looking for a full day’s worth of star-spangled fun or a dinner on the water, we’ve got you covered.

FOOD

Topside
Celebrate Independence Day by chowing down on a BBQ-inspired menu, featuring ancho BBQ ribs, housemade sausage, smoked brisket, corn pudding, broccoli salad, and cornbread. Although the Mt. Vernon restaurant doesn’t provide a front row view of the fireworks in the Inner Harbor, Topside does offer panoramic views of the Washington Monument—and what’s more patriotic than that?

Summer in the Squares
Listen to live music while enjoying a summer picnic in the west square of Mount Vernon Place. Enjoy refreshments in by the picturesque fountain and celebrate Independence Day with two Baltimore-based ensembles: Ghost Sugar and Brandon Woody’s Upendo. To give you time to get to your favorite fireworks, the performance will begin in the early evening. 6 p.m.

Independence Day Deck Party
Climb aboard the U.S.S. Constellation and watch the Inner Harbor fireworks show from the deck of the historic ship. Along with a top-notch view, take advantage of all-you-can-eat barbecue favorites, special boat tours, and even cannon firings. 7-10 p.m. Free- $75.

Fourth of July Fireworks Dinner
Take a three-hour cruise with incredible views of Baltimore’s fireworks show while indulging in a three-course buffet style dinner. Enjoy an open bar, DJ, dance floor, and games. All guests must be 21 or older. 7:30-10:30 p.m. $124.90+.

FESTIVITIES

Towson Four on the 4th
Start the holiday off on the right foot with a four-mile race through the heart of Towson, beginning at the courthouse and winding through Towson University’s campus. If that distance is too daunting, participate in the 1776 (feet) Family Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. and then stick around for the annual parade. 8:15 a.m. $35- 40.

Visionary Pets on Parade
What could be better than a dog dressed in red, white, and blue garb? Try hundreds of pets of all shapes and sizes competing for costume prizes such as most visionary, owner and pet lookalikes, and most patriotic. Watch in awe as local pets parade around the American Visionary Art Museum and compete in a talent show. 9 a.m. Free.

Red, White & Zoo
Spend the Fourth of July with the biggest party animals around at The Maryland Zoo. Watch as the animals receive special holiday treats, including “fishsicles,” and papier-mache toys. A team of zookeepers will educate guests on the importance of enrichment activities for the zoo’s inhabitants. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. $17.99-25.99.

Hanover Street Gallery
Experience the opening celebration of Reframing Pathways, a diverse collection of artwork showcased on the Hanover Street Bridge facade. The Hanover Street Bridge will be transformed into a gallery with the heart of the works highlighting different art-making perspectives from pattern and design to more representational works. 1-9 p.m.

FIREWORKS

Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Celebration
Celebrate the cultural vibrancy of this South Baltimore neighborhood with live performances, local food trucks, artistic activities, and a fireworks show. Don’t miss seeing Abu the Flutemaker and the organization Safe Streets Cherry Hill receive honors for its commitment to the community. 1-10 p.m. Free.

South Point
South Point, a pop-up outdoor seasonal space, will be open early for first-come-first-served seating areas to bask in the rockets’ red glare. Throughout the day, standard food service will be available and the bar will be open to patrons 21 and older. Stick around for the afterparty starting immediately following the fireworks. 4 p.m.-12 a.m.

Dogfish Head Takes Over at the Sandlot
Join Sandlot and Dogfish Head for Fourth of July at Harbor Point. The Delaware brewery will take over taps and the event features: two live bands, games on the beach, multiple food stations, various draft and can beer stations, and one of the best firework views in town. Expect additional food pop-ups by The Charmery, Blacksauce Kitchen, and The Local Oyster. Food will be available from 4-9p.m. and stick around for fireworks at 9:30 p.m. $5 kids through age 12. $10 cover. $10 event parking.

Independence Day Celebration
Secure a spot on the waterfront lawn of the Baltimore Museum of Industry for a picture-perfect view of the fireworks over the Inner Harbor. If there’s time before or after the show, take a tour through the Federal Hill museum. Admission is included in the ticket price. 6-10 p.m. $65.

Picnic at the Top
Climb to the highest floor of the World Trade Center to enjoy a Picnic at the Top. Visitors can take in a 360-degree view of Baltimore and festive fireworks from 27 floors above the Inner Harbor. The event offers catered food and beverages, children’s activities, a live DJ, and photo booth. This is a non-alcoholic, family-fun event, and doors open at 7:15 p.m. 7:30-10 p.m. $35-$75.

FESTIVE FETES:

Dundalk Heritage Festival
JULY 1-3: Dundalk takes America seriously, so get ready for the Fourth with three full days of festivities, featuring a parade, fireworks, music, food, and booze. Dundalk Heritage Park, 2717 Playfield St. Dundalk. Times vary. Free-$8. 410-284-4022.

B&O Patriotic Train Rides
JULY 1-3: Bring the family for a day of patriotic fun with train rides and flag-making crafts at the museum. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 pm. Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$18. 410-752-2490.

Antietam Salute to Independence
JULY 2: The Maryland Symphony Orchestra performs at this historic battlefield, followed by a fireworks display. Antietam National Battlefield, 5831 Dunker Church Rd., Sharpsburg. 7:30-10:15 p.m. Free. 410-783-8000.

Star-Spangled Spectacular
JULY 3-4: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra celebrates Independence Day with orchestra performances, fireworks, local food trucks, and the eighth annual “O, Say Can You Sing?” competition. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. 8 p.m. $9-20. 410-783-8000.

Aquarium Pier Party
JULY 4: At the edge of the Aquarium, watch fireworks with barbecue, beer, and fun for the kids. National Aquarium. 501 E. Pratt St. 6:30-10 p.m. $28.50-78.50. 410-576-3800.

Baltimore’s Fourth of July Celebration
JULY 4: Listen to live music from the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers outside on the Inner Harbor before the big fireworks shebang at 9:30 p.m. Inner Harbor. 7-10 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632.

Picnic at the Top
JULY 4: From the 27th floor, see a 360-degree view of the city’s fireworks from the heart of the Inner Harbor. World Trade Center, Top of the World Observation Level, 401 E. Pratt St. 7-10 p.m. $25-50. 410-837-8439.

Visionary Pets on Parade
JULY 4: At AVAM’s annual parade, dress up your furry friends in the finest costumes for awards like most patriotic and best owner-pet lookalike.American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m. Free. 410-244-1900.

Independence Day Deck Party
JULY 4: Take to the deck of the USS Constellation for a night of front-row fireworks, barbecue, and cannon firings on the harbor. Historic Ships in Baltimore, 300 Pratt St. 7-10 p.m. Free-$75. 410-539-1797.

BMI Independence Day Celebration
JULY 4: Nestled beneath the Domino Sugars sign, enjoy snacks, games, and fireworks from the BMI. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 6-10 p.m. Free-$55. 410-727-4808.

Red, White & Zoo Enrichment Day
JULY 4: Spend the holiday strolling around The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, where animals will be fed special “fishsicle” treats and zookeepers will host a number of enrichment activities that are designed to encourage the animals’ natural behaviors. 1876 Mansion House Drive, 10:15 a.m., Free with zoo admission, 410-396-7102

More Fireworks: Annapolis, 9 p.m.; Catonsville, 9:15 p.m.; Frederick, dusk; Laurel, 9:15; Loch Raven, 9 p.m.; Ocean City, 9:30 p.m.; Solomons Island, 9:15 p.m.

SPARKLING SPECIALS

Star Spangled Banger and Patriotic Pig Roast at Mad River
JUNE 30 & JULY 3: Kick-off the long weekend with a red, white, and blue bash to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Mad River on June 30. The bar will also host a Patriotic Pig Roast on July 3, complete with open bar access, bottomless eats (think roasted pork, shredded pit beef, cole slaw, and baked beans), a corn-hole tournament, and live music by Steve Herrera. 1110 S. Charles St., $30-60, 410-727-2333

Patriotic Party at Michael’s Cafe
JULY 4: Michaels’s Cafe will be throwing a full-blown Independence Day bash on its patio this year, complete with live music by Janis Joplin-sounding power vocalist Amanda Lynne and happy hour specials from 3-7 p.m. Michael’s will also offer $6 orange, watermelon, and grapefruit Crushes and beat-the-clock deals on oysters, local beer, Prosecco, and rosé. 2119 York Rd., Timonium, 410-252-2022

4th of July Bash at Wit & Wisdom
JULY 4: At Wit & Wisdom in Harbor East, snag a front-row seat to watch the fizzling fireworks light up the harbor. The seafood spot is hosting a family-friendly celebration on its outdoor patio, complete with activities like face painting and an onsite snowball machine. The evening’s eats will include an oyster-shucking station, unique takes on American classics prepared by executive chef Zack Mills, and an array of festive desserts. 200 International Dr. 6-9:30 p.m. $45-125. 410-576-4800.

Bars and Stripes
JULY 2: With koozie-covered cans of cold beer in hand, gather a group of friends and visit Federal Hill favorites including Ropewalk Tavern, Banditos Bar + Kitchen, Abbey Burger Bistro, Stalking Horse, and MaGerks Pub to find all-American food specials and free red, white, and blue gear. All participating bars will offer $2 Miller Lites and $3 Redd’s apple ales all night. Check in at Mother’s Grille, 1113 S. Charles St. 5 p.m.- 12 a.m. $10, 410-244-8686.

Red, White, and Brew Bash at Howl at the Moon
JULY 3: Don your stars and stripes and head to Power Plant Live’s coveted rock venue for this annual dance party. As a gift to all crawlers sporting patriotic garb, the bar is giving away on-the-house margaritas and Sam Adams drafts. Other specials of note will include $2 Sam Adams summer ales, $6 margaritas, and $20 86-oz. mixed-drink Firework Buckets. 34 Market Pl. 6-10 p.m. 410-727-5483.

Independence Day Fireworks Booze Cruises
JULY 1-4: Climb aboard a Spirit Cruise to feel the warm winds, feast on buffet bites, dig on DJ entertainment, and watch the fireworks display dazzle over the Inner Harbor. The price of admission includes an open bar and bottomless summer-inspired sustenance including orzo shrimp salad, baked sole filet with shallots and capers, and all-American apple cobbler. 561 Light St. 7-11 p.m. $110. 866-312-2469.

Flying Dog at Frederick’s 4th
JULY 4: Flying Dog Brewery is celebrating in its hometown on the Fourth, pouring pints of its beloved brews at Frederick’s all-day festival in Baker Park. Sip seasonals, like Dead Rise Old Bay ales and Tropical Bitch IPAs, and sangria from local Spin the Bottle Wine Company at three different beer gardens stationed throughout the park. Each garden will feature its own live entertainment lineup, including the likes of rock and soul musicians Freddie Long Band and Americana cover band Secondhand Ramblers. Baker Park. 626 W. 2nd St. Frederick. Noon-dusk. $5. 301-600-2849.

4th of July Deals at Mt. Washington Tavern
JULY 4: To celebrate the holiday weekend, this Mt. Washington haunt is offering free America-inspired snacks—like hot dogs for kids and apple pie for adults—with the purchase of any entrée.5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

4th of July Celebration at Wine Market Bistro
JULY 4: Located just two blocks away from the harbor, this Locust Point fixture is a great place to grab a bite to eat before the fireworks begin blasting. In honor of the holiday, the restaurant is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu featuring unique takes on classic picnic fare. Highlights include grilled watermelon salad, barbecue pork sandwiches, kobe beef hot dogs, and boozy watermelon-basil snow cones. 921 E. Fort Ave., $28, 410-244-6166

In the name of celebration, the bangs and pops of holiday fireworks will once again rattle the city on the Fourth of July. Here are the best places in and around Baltimore to see them, as well as some other outlets for your pent-up patriotism.

The
Ports America Chesapeake Inner Harbor Fourth of July Celebration will kick off at 4 p.m. with live music at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. and are best viewed from downtown or nearby neighborhoods. bop.org.

An even better view can be had of the Inner Harbor fireworks at the
Top of the World Observation Level in the World Trade Center ($50/adults, $25/children). viewbaltimore.org.

The American Visionary Art Museum is calling for patriotic pooches and pets in its annual
Visionary Pet Parade. Registration is free and opens at 9:30 a.m. avam.org.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra transplants to Oregon Ridge in Cockeysville for
A Star Spangled Spectacular ($9-18). Two shows on July 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. will showcase patriotic favorites and fireworks. bsomusic.org.

The Dundalk Heritage Fair Association is hosting a Fourth of July parade at 8:15 a.m. and fireworks at the North Point Government Center at 9:15 p.m. dundalkheritagefair.com.

Catonsville will be home to all-day holiday activities, culminating in live music at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. on the grounds of Catonsville High School. catonsvillecelebrations.org.

Loch Raven Village will provide fireworks for the Towson area that can be viewed from both the neighborhood and surrounding areas. lochravenvillage.com/fireworks.html.

Schooner Woodwind is offering Annapolitans a sunset sail and prime fireworks view ($82/ adults, $57/ children). The ship sails at 6:30 p.m. and offers live entertainment before the 9:15 p.m. firework show. schoonerwoodwind.com.

There are tons of fireworks going off this Fourth of July, so here are our picks for the best off-the-beaten-path views.

Tide Point Waterfront Park
Locust Point
With fewer crowds than atop Federal Hill or at the Inner Harbor, Tide Point’s waterfront promenade—where Hull Street meets the water and Under Armour has taken over—feels like a boardwalk right in the middle of the city.

Luskin’s Hill
Towson
Though the original Luskin’s furniture store closed nearly 20 years ago, they just opened a new one last year. But the 120-foot incline off of Cromwell Bridge Road remains one of the best places to see the Loch Raven fireworks.

Tiki Barge
Inner Harbor
This floating peninsula of a bar will be a great place to catch the downtown show. We recommend hanging out at the upstairs bar (order a margarita, if that’s your thing) where there is no cover and flawless views of the Harbor.

UMBC Soccer Field
Catonsville
Catonsville puts on a fantastic fireworks show, which most people watch from the high school. But UMBC’s soccer field is a nice alternative. There was a teeny incident last year with the sprinklers, but maintenance crews promise they’ll remember to turn them off.

Wit & Wisdom
Harbor East
Wit & Wisdom’s new outdoor patio and bar space—that they just opened in the spring—is one of the prime viewing locations in town. Expect casual fare like BBQ ribs, fried chicken, grilled brats, and sangria.