We’ve got a long Fourth of July Weekend ahead of us (hopefully you’re off on Friday)—which means parades, cookouts, and shimmering firework shows planned everywhere from Cherry Hill to the Carroll County Farm Museum. Grab a picnic blanket and check out our master guide for details on where to find some of the most dazzling displays in the area.
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 9:15 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. Or, even better, you can board a boat and get a front-row seat to watch the show on the water.
Bel Air: This year, 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 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 78th year, Catonsville’s Fourth of July festival is back with the patriotic theme “Remember Why It’s the Fourth of July.” 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: At the neighborhood’s annual Arts & Music Waterfront Festival, spend the holiday enjoying food trucks, showcases, and small vendors at Middle Branch Park. This year’s live performance lineup highlights Bmore Club legend Mighty Mark & Friends, plus reggae artist Sister Carol featuring Nakeeba Amaniyea, N’Dea Davenport formerly of The Brand New Heavies, and soul-jazz musician Navasha Daya. Stick around until 9:30 p.m. for the fireworks show blasting over the Middle Branch.
Cockeysville: Per tradition, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Star-Spangled Spectacular will honor America on Wednesday, July 3 with a jaw-dropping fireworks show and performance at Cockeysville’s Oregon Ridge Park. Spread a blanket on the lawn to hear renditions such as Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” the finale from Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and “A Beautiful Life” by the BSO’s own artistic partner Wordsmith.
Columbia: Hosted by Howard County and the Columbia Association, the annual fireworks display will return to the Columbia Lakefront on Independence Day. If you are driving there, free public parking is available at the Mall in Columbia, Symphony Woods Garage, the One and Two Merriweather garages, and at Sterrett Place North. The party will kick off with live music by Big Joe & The Dynaflows and Quitapenas at 6 p.m. before the fireworks spectacular lights up Lake Kittamaqundi around 9:20 p.m. You can arrive as early as 3 p.m. to lay out your blankets and claim a spot while enjoying food truck fare.
Dundalk: The Dundalk Heritage Fair Association is bringing back its time-honored community gathering this year with local performances, festive food, and kid-friendly attractions June 28-30. On the big day, after the annual Independence Day parade, Dundalk’s fireworks centered around Grange Elementary School will blast off 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. for a shimmering show organized by the Glen Burnie Improvement Association. Food will be available for purchase at the Glen Burnie Boys Baseball concessions stand.
Havre De Grace: Before the fireworks, all launched from a barge in the Susquehanna River, shine over Concord Point Park at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, groove to live tunes to get the party started. Grab tickets to belt to familiar songs by Under the Covers and Doc Martin and the Flannels at Hutchins Park at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., a free show by the Maryland Miliary Band will kick off the fireworks show.
Inner Harbor: Nothing quite compares to watching fireworks illuminate the Inner Harbor skyline. The Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts and Waterfront Partnership are hosting their annual Fourth of July festivities in the heart of the city, starting with a patriotic picnic at West Shore Park at 3 p.m. The party will move over to the Inner Harbor Amphitheatre for live DJ fun at 6 p.m., and then continue with a full-blown Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performance at Rash Field Park at 8 p.m. The concert will culminate at 9:30 p.m., when the colorful bursts begin to blast off over the water, accompanied by a drone show designed by Baltimore’s own Image Engineering.
To get the best view, take a walk along the Inner Harbor promenade, head up to a roof deck, or, if you’re looking to splurge, purchase front-row seats with the Baltimore Museum of Industry‘s fundraiser—which includes museum admission 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 with prime views.
Laurel: This all-day celebration on July 6 begins at 11 a.m., featuring a parade, car show, live music, and family-friendly games. To end the day, bring your chairs and blankets to the 30-plus 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, pop-up tents (tents must be taken down by 8:30 p.m.), 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 to the beach for the long weekend, make plans to go to either Northside Park on 125th Street or 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: Set up along Bosley and Washington Ave. before 10:30 a.m. on Thursday 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 is hosting a fireworks show at Loch Raven Technical Academy.
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, stop by the children’s activity tent and enjoy treats from on-site vendors including The Cow (Italian ice and frozen custard), Johnson Family Funnel Cakes (deep-fried Oreos), BBQ Bueno, and Nina’s Cookie Explosion. Admission is $10 per vehicle (cash only) and groups can feel free to bring their own coolers with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.