Under the Rockets Red Glare
Street parades, backyard grills and red, white and blue banners herald the celebration of Independence Day. The crowning touch is rockets bursting in air to light up the skies As John Adams, America’s first vice president and second president, advised, “Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations” crown the celebration of independence in the form of screaming and booming rockets bursting in air to light up the skies. Falling on a Thursday this year means Independence Day fireworks kick off a long holiday weekend.
As always, check before you head out, especially if the weather seems threatening.
Wednesday, July 3
Sherwood Forest Fireworks
See this private community show from the Severn River from your boat or book on a Watermark yacht, with light snacks and cash bar. 7:30-10:30pm from Annapolis City Docks, $50 w/discounts, rsvp: www.cruisesonthebay.com.
Chesapeake Beach Fireworks
Chesapeake fireworks go up from two barges anchored beyond the town jetties, visible widely from the water and from land along the Bayfront from as far south as The Willows to north of North Beach. Watch the 25-minute spectacular from the North Beach Boardwalk; at Rod ‘N’ Reel, where Split 2nd performs 5pm; or take in the view from Chesapeake Beach Water Park (www.chesapeakebeachwaterpark.com). Fireworks begin 9pm, Chesapeake Beach: www.chesapeake-beach.md.us.
Herrington Harbour Fireworks
Fireworks set off from a barge illuminate Herring Bay. Marina grounds are reserved for members. But the view is great from boats, private docks, lawns or beaches. About 9pm, Herrington Harbour South, Rose Haven: www.herringtonharbour.com.
Thursday, July 4
Solomons Fireworks
Fireworks shoot from a barge anchored in the Patuxent River, giving the entire island — plus boaters — front row seats. Arrive early for the boat parade (noon); stay to stroll the Riverwalk and see the town. 9pm over the Patuxent River at Solomons: 443-324-8235. Rsvp to watch aboard the Wm. B. Tennison on a Calvert Marine Museum cruise (8pm, $35: 410-326-2042).
Annapolis Fireworks
Fireworks rise from a barge anchored in Spa Creek, illuminating Annapolis Harbor. The Spa Creek Bridge closes to traffic at 6pm and local garages may fill up early; $1 shuttles run from the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium to Lawyers Mall 5pm-midnight. Town and water views including from Watermark boats (7:30-10:30pm, Annapolis City Dock, $60 w/discounts, rsvp: www.watermarkjourney.com) or Schooner Woodwind (6:30-10pm, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel dock, $93 w/discounts, rsvp: www.schoonerwoodwind.com ): 9pm over the Severn River: 410-293-2291.
Baysox Fireworks
Fireworks with an extended finale follow the Bowie Baysox baseball game against the Harrisburg Senators; game 6:35pm, Prince George’s Stadium, Bowie, $13-$18 w/discounts: www.baysox.com.
Baltimore Fireworks
Greater Baltimore’s Fourth of July fireworks illuminate the Inner Harbor, where the fun starts early with the U.S. Navy Jazz Band Commodores playing at the amphitheater (7pm). Come early to find your spot on land or water; for a heightened view of the 18-minute show, watch from the Top of the World observation floor (picnic 7:30-10pm, World Trade Center $75 w/discounts, rsvp: www.viewbaltimore.org); from a Watermark yacht (8-11pm, $60 w/discounts, rsvp: www.watermarkjourney.com); party on the desk of the USS Constellation with food, drinks, tours and cannon firings (7-10pm, $75 w/discounts, rsvp: www.historicships.org); or on the Spirit of Baltimore (7-10:30pm, $125-$200, rsvp: www.spiritcruises.com). Fireworks begin 9:30pm over the Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore: www.promotionandarts.org.
Washington, D.C. Fireworks
Celebrate America’s with high drama, music and special effects as the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery blasts cannons with smoke and thunder as fireworks burst over the capital. Tens of thousands of celebrants gather early on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the all-star salute concert A Capitol Fourth (8pm). The president honors the armed forces with music, flyovers and more at the Lincoln Memorial (6:30pm). Prime views for fireworks include the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial and the Ellipse: 9:09pm on the National Mall: www.nps.gov/foju.
Friday July 5
Historic St. Mary’s Fireworks
Pyrotechnics follow the Chesapeake Orchestra’s birthday concert with soundtrack favorites and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.Bring a picnic, or buy food and beverages at food trucks and stalls around the Greens. Arrive when the grounds open at 5pm to snag the best spot at this popular summer favorite. 7pm, Townhouse Green, St. Mary’s College, St. Mary’s City: www.chesapeakeorchestra.org.
Saturday July 6
Laurel Fireworks
Arrive early for the parade (11am), then visit the food and craft vendors as well as a classic car show, hot-dog eating contest and field events; Oracle plays live music. Then settle in for fireworks set to music shot from the far side of Laurel Lakes. 9:15pm at Granville Gude Park (Laurel Lakes), 8300 Mulberry St., Laurel: www.laurel4th.org.
St. Michaels Fireworks
The 18-piece Shades of Blue Orchestra performs at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (6pm, $10) for Big Band Night and St. Michaels’ fireworks. The orchestra performs at the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand with dancing under the tent and fireworks beginning at dusk over the Miles River (rain date July 7). Bring chairs, picnic blankets, food and drinks, but leave pets at home. Food, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase; sponsored by Eastern Shore Tents & Events. 9pm, $2 to watch from waterfront: www.cbmm.org/bigband.
July Fourth Parades
Everyone loves a parade. Independence Day brings the locals out in every conveyance they can adorn with bunting, from floats and fire trucks to strollers to red wagons — plus marching bands.
Severna Park Independence Day Parade:10am from St. Martin’s in-the-Field Church, to Severna Park High School, to Evergreen Road to B&A Blvd to Cypress Creek Park: www.gspacc.com.
Shady Side Independence Day Parade: 10am from Cedarhurst Rd. to the Shady Side Community Center on Snug Harbor Road. Roads close to traffic at 9:45am: 443-370-8720.
Cape St. Claire Celebration: 10am from the Fire Department to the Main Beach; stay for water balloon toss, spoon and egg races, watermelon-eating contest, patriotic photo booth and snowballs: https://cscia.org/events/july-4th-parade-and-celebration/
Solomons Boat Parade: Boats decked out in patriotic finery begin in the cove of the marine museum, travels down Back Creek, back through the harbor, up the narrows and around the island on the river, passing spectators along the boardwalk. Noon:410-326-2042.
Galesville Independence Day Parade:1pm down Main Street, which closes to traffic around 12:45pm: www.galesvilleheritagesociety.org.
Annapolis Independence Day Parade: 6:30pm down West Street from Amos Garrett Blvd., around Church Circle, down Main Street, then on Randall Street to Susan Campbell Park: www.Annapolis.gov
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