Flares for the 4th

Saturday June 30

Fireworks light up Annapolis’ United States Naval Academy.

Symphony in Lights

Pledge your allegiance a few days early at this Annapolis Symphony Orchestra sound-and-light spectacular. Singer-songwriter Doug Segree and his band open with a set of original music (6:30pm). For the main act, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra plays a rousing mix of Broadway tunes, movie scores and patriotic tunes (8pm). Finally, fireworks burst for 20 minutes to the tunes of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever march. 4-10pm @ Anne Arundel Community College Stadium, Arnold. free: 410-263-0907; www.annapolissymphony.org.

Sunday July 1

Fireworks at Herrington Harbour

Patriotic revelers make merry at the sandy east beach, where local caterers sell food and drink. With sunset, a 30-minute fireworks show illuminates the sky and water. Boaters anchor in Herring Bay to float through the show. 5-10pm @ Herrington Harbour South, off Rt. 261, Rose Haven: 410-741-5100.

Tuesday July 3

Fireworks at Chesapeake Beach

In Chesapeake Beach, fireworks burst on the holiday eve, lighting up the Bay. Watch free from Rod ’n’ Reel’s beach or from boardwalks in Chesapeake Beach or North Beach. Or boat over for a reflective vantage on the Bay. For prime seats, come for dinner at the resort’s air-conditioned restaurant or step outside to the Boardwalk Café. Old School Band plays from 5-9pm. Fireworks thereafter @ Chesapeake Beach, off Rt. 260. Rod ‘n’ Reel: 410-257-2735.

Wednesday July 4

Annapolis Lights Up

Annapolis lights up the Severn River from the U.S. Naval Academy. Cruise your boat up to Annapolis harbor and float under the flares or on land from Dewey Field and Hospital Point at the Academy. City Dock or any street-end park facing Spa Creek also affords an illuminated view. Sunset, about 9:15pm @ U.S. Naval Academy. To watch from the Academy grounds, bring photo ID and walk in Gate 1, off King George St., Annapolis: 410-293-2291.

Baseball with a Bang

The Baysox support the troops with America’s favorite pastime. Bid on camouflaged Baysox jerseys, benefiting the Fallen Soldiers Fund. After the game, winning bidders take the field to collect jerseys off players’ backs. Then turn out the lights and set the night sky afire. 6:05pm game @ Prince George’s Stadium, off Rt. 50, Bowie. $13 w/discounts; rsvp: 301-805-6000; www.baysox.com.

Bowie Blast

Bowie watchers who forgo the Baysox have a second choice: Allen Pond Park. Fireworks 9pm @ Allen Pond Park, 3330 Northview Dr., Bowie: 301-262-6200; www.cityofbowie.org.

Solomons’ Spectacular

The sky over Solomons Island lights up with spectacular views from boat or land. This year, the fireworks barge anchors off Drum Point. Farren Ave. is closed for the event and affords a good spot to see the show. Or make an early reservation with Calvert Marine Museum to watch aboard a cruise on the Wm. B. Tennison: 410-326-2042, x41. Dusk, about 9pm @ Farren Ave., Solomons. free: 410-326-1950; www.solomonsbusiness.com.

Disappointments

Pasadena

No state-funded flares for Pasadena this July 4. Budget cuts forced County Executive John Leopold to cancel the fireworks.

Galesville

No fireworks light up Galesville this year, but their small-town Independence Day parade travels down Main St. @ 2pm.

Worth The Trip

Cowboys and War Tunes

Fri. June 29–Listen to a Cowboy Rhapsody at this Western-themed concert night, followed by country singer Suzy Boggus. The night ends with a bombastic version of the 1812 Overture, complete with fireworks. 7pm @ St. Mary’s College, off Rt. 5 South, St. Mary’s City. free: 240-895-2024; www.riverconcertseries.com.

Big Bang in Baltimore

Wed. July 4–Charm City lights up as Baltimore ignites its annual fireworks over the Inner Harbor. A myriad of street performers entertain at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater from 11am-4pm, followed by musical guests Almost Recess and David Bach. Fireworks explode at dusk. Ooh and ahh from the Harbor, Federal Hill, Canton, Fell’s Point, and Rash Field. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm: 410-837-4636; www.bop.org.

Wows in Washington

Wed. July 4–About a half-million Americans gather on the lawn of the National Mall for a capital celebration. Washington, D.C. begins the day at noon with the Independence Day parade down Constitution Ave. toward the Lincoln memorial. Camp out early on the Capitol lawn to see a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra. Celebration wraps up with live cannon fire, provided by the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery, accompanying Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Finally, a barrage of colors lights up capital monuments. noon parade, 5pm gates to Symphony open, 9:10pm fireworks @ West Lawn, U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C. free: www.washington.org.

Fireworks at the Fort

Wed. July 4–Celebrate Independence Day at a Fort Meade festival. Get the red, white and blues when The Robert Allen Blues Band performs in the afternoon. Redbull motocross masters Tommy ‘Tomcat’ Clowers and Jeff ‘Full-Tilt’ Tilton perform daredevil stunts before a special musical tribute to the armed services. Play area with inflatable toys and crafts all day. At 9:30pm fireworks blast from the grounds for a 25-minute show. 1-10pm @ Fort Meade Parade Field, off Rt. 175, Fort Meade: 301-677-1486.

Bright Lights, Ocean City

Wed. July 4–Bring a blanket, stretch out on the beach and enjoy a starry Independence night. A live band performs patriotic tunes, and fireworks explode over the ocean in a seaside display. 8pm music; 9:30pm fireworks @ Beach and North Division St., Ocean City. free: 410-250-0125.