However divided the United States might feel, there’s never been a better time to come together and celebrate America. Grab your old friends and make new ones this Independence Day with crafts, concerts, parades, and, of course, festive fireworks across the state.
Big Shebangs
7/1-2: Dundalk Heritage Fair
Place your bets on pig races, listen to local hair band Kix, and ride carnival rides at this annual neighborhood fair. Dundalk Heritage Park, 2717 Playfield St., Dundalk. Sat.-Sun. 12-10 p.m. Free-$8.
7/4: Baltimore’s Fourth of July Celebration
Hear live music from the Commodores U.S. Navy Jazz Ensemble in the Inner Harbor and see big-bang fireworks over the sparkling water. Inner Harbor. 7-10 p.m. Free.
7/4: BMI Independence Day
At this patriotic party, peruse artisan goods from local makers and partake in family-friendly festivities with staff from The Star-Spangled Banner House. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 6-10 p.m. $45-55.
7/4: Independence Day Deck Party
Board the city’s historic ships for barbecue, cannon firings, and unparalleled views of the city fireworks. Historic Ships in Baltimore, 301 E. Pratt St. 7-10 p.m. Free-$75.
7/4: Frederick’s Fourth
Enjoy two stages of big-name bands, family activities, fair food, local craft beer, bathtub races, and fireworks in Frederick. Baker Park, 12 N. Bentz St., Frederick. Noon to dusk. Free.
Family Fun
7/1-2: Patriotic Train Rides
Take train rides and create your own flag at the museum. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. Times vary. Free-$18.
7/3: Fourth of July Crafts
Make red, white, and blue decorations to celebrate the holiday. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 3801 Erdman Ave. 3:30 p.m. Free.
7/4: Port Discovery Fourth of July Fun
Celebrate the holiday with family games and jewelry making at the kids’ museum. Port Discovery, 35 Market Pl. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$15.
Culinary Celebrations
7/4: Fourth of July Celebration at Wit & Wisdom
This waterfront dining destination inside the Four Seasons Baltimore is bringing back its annual Fourth of July bash with all-inclusive eats (seafood dishes and an oyster-shucking station), drinks, and entertainment. Bring the kids to enjoy activities like face-painting and an on-site snowball machine, and stick around after dark to watch the fireworks light up the harbor. 200 International Circle, 6-9:30 p.m., $45-125, 410-576-5800
7/4: Bay of Pig Roast at Little Havana
Bring a lawn chair to reserve your post for the fireworks at this waterfront spot in Locust Point, which will be roasting a whole pig and serving specialty grilled fare in honor of the holiday. The evening’s music lineup includes a live DJ and steel drum band. 1325 Key Highway, 5-10 p.m., Free, 410-837-9903
7/4: Fourth of July at Sandlot
This recently unveiled waterfront hangout from the team behind Woodberry Kitchen is hosting its first-ever Fourth of July party in partnership with Eastern Shore-based Dogfish Head Brewery. Head to the beach-themed lot to indulge in skewered snacks, start a volleyball match, kick back in a hammock, and, of course, sip select Dogfish beers before the fireworks begin blasting after dark. 1000 Wills St., 4-11 p.m., $10 cover
TO 7/9: Star-Spangled Memories at Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
Fells Point’s swanky Sagamore Pendry Hotel is celebrating its first Fourth of July and offering guests special packages to celebrate. Selected suite bookings will include amenities such as champagne upon arrival, food and beverage credit to the hotel’s restaurant The Rec Pier Chop House, and a reserved cabana on the luxe pool deck overlooking the harbor—an ideal seat for the fireworks display. 1715 Thames St., 443-522-1400
Merry Music
7/1: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Big Band Night
Bring the family for big-band music, dancing, and fireworks on the shore. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 N. Talbot St., St. Michaels. 7-10 p.m. Free-$10.
7/3: BSO Star-Spangled Spectacular
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs patriotic tunes in the park. Oregon Ridge Park, 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville. 8 p.m. $10-20.
7/4: Ocean City Fourth of July Concert on the Beach
Catch a free concert on the beach followed by a colorful fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. N. Division St., Ocean City. 8 p.m. Free.
Parades Galore
7/4: AVAM’s Visionary Pets on Parade!
Dress up your furry friends and strut your stuff for top prizes. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m. Free.
7/4: Annapolis Fourth of July Parade
Throw the little ones on your shoulders to wave to scouts, listen to marching bands, and point out vintage cars and fire engines. Amos Garrett and West Street., Annapolis, 6:30 p.m.
7/4: Fourth of July Grand Parade in Catonsville
Hordes of spectators fill the sidewalks along Frederick Road for this community fête, which celebrates its 68th anniversary this summer with color guards, marching bands, and plenty of red, white, and blue garb. Frederick Road and Montrose Avenue, Catonsville, 3 p.m.
7/4: Dundalk Heritage Fair Fourth of July Parade
Now in its 83rd year, this fan-favorite procession boasts circus entertainers, old-school automobiles, and plenty of patriotic flags. Logan Village Shopping Center, 3409 Dundalk Ave., Dundalk, 8:15 a.m.
7/4: Laurel 39th Annual Independence Day Parade
Gather to watch community groups prance down Montgomery Street at this annual parade, which is followed by hotdog-eating contests, live music, and a killer fireworks show over the lake at Gude Park. Montgomery and 6th streets, Laurel, 11 a.m.
7/4: Towson Fourth of July Parade
Set up a lawn chair to watch dancers, musicians, colorful floats, and vintage vehicles making their way through the heart of Towson. Towsontowne and W. Burke Avenues, Towson, 10:30 a.m.