Where to watch fireworks, celebrate Fourth of July in the Baltimore area, Ocean City
Baltimore is preparing for its annual Fourth of July festivities around the city.
Fireworks are illegal in Maryland, but there are plenty of things to do around the Baltimore area for the whole family, including pets. The city’s annual 15-minute fireworks show is set to begin at 9:15 p.m. and there are activities to fill your entire holiday.
Baltimore City
9 a.m. — AVAM Pet Parade
The American Visionary Art Museum will host their annual pet parade and pet talent show. Pet registration starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 9 a.m.
Everyone is invited to register their pets in the parade in star-spangled fashion. There will be a prize for the pet “that embodies the spirit of a true patriotic visionary,” according to AVAM.
10:30 a.m. — 30th Annual Fourth of July Parade
Celebrating Independence Dayin classic manner, the community is invited to decorate floats, vehicles or wagons to celebrate the holiday. Assembly is at 10 a.m. with the parade starting at 10:30 a.m. beginning at the 800 block of William Street in Federal Hill.
1-10 p.m. — Cherry Hill Arts Festival
The seventh annual Cherry Hill Festival is returning to Middle Branch Park in South Baltimore. Admission is free, and there is something for everyone in the family. There will be arts and crafts, the Children’s Village, vendors and more. There will be food trucks available.
1:05 p.m. — Orioles game
The Orioles vs. New York Yankees game begins at Yankee Stadium. Fans can watch it on MASN TV or local bars.
6-10 p.m. — Baltimore Museum of Industry
The price for a vehicle and all of its passengers cost $95 to watch fireworks along the waterfront. The ticket also includes museum admission. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks.
7:30-10 p.m. — Baltimore Fireworks Cruise on Annapolitan II
Bring the entire family to cruise through the Inner Harbor for the best angles of the fireworks. Complimentary desserts will be available as well as a full bar for purchasing drinks. The price is $75 for adults and $35 for children 11 and under.
8 p.m. — Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
The Star-Spangled Concert will begin in Rash Field Park. The concert will continue up until the firework show at 9:15 p.m.
Baltimore County
Catonsville
This year’s theme for Catonsville’s 2023 celebrations is: “Light up the Sky, It’s 4th of July.” Here’s the July 4 schedule:
8:30 a.m. 8th Annual CRTT Bike Ride to Ft. McHenry
9:30 a.m. Kid’s Games (2-13 years) Thanks to the Catonsville Men’s Civic Association, Catonsville Recreation and Parks, and Association of Government Accountants.
11 a.m. Christian Temple Concert, 5820 Edmondson Ave.
3 p.m. 77th Annual Grand Parade
6:30 p.m. Fireworks Family Fun Fest: Hosted at the Catonsville High School Athletic Fields (Valley Road and South Rolling Road), this family-friendly event will have live music too.
9:15 pm Mammoth Fireworks Show also will be held at the Catonsville High School Athletic Fields.
Dundalk
Friday, June 30, to Tuesday, July 4 — Heritage Fair
Kingsville
The Greater Kingsville Civic Association and the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Department will host the 42nd Kingsville Independence Day Parade, with this year’s theme winner as “Land of the Free, Because of the Brave,” submitted by St. Stephen’s 5th grader, Gianna Diaz.
9:45 a.m. Road closures begin
10:45 a.m. Parade starts (at Kingsville Volunteer Fire Dept)
11 a.m. Opening ceremonies at the judging stand with A-10 Thunderbolt Flyover
The air conditioned facilities of St. John’s Episcopal Church will be open to parade spectators, and attendees could contact Rev. Elizabeth Sipos at 410-698-5376 to arrange for handicapped parking. Grace Community Church, 11611 Bel Air Road, will provide additional parking.
Follow the parade Facebook page to stay up-to-date for weather related announcements on parade day, if necessary
Towson
8:15 a.m. — Towson 4 on 4th Four Mile Run and 1776 Family/Kid’s Fun Run
Towson will host their annual four mile run through the Fourth of July morning. Registration is now open and will close at 11:59 p.m. July 3. The registration fee is $35.
The annual firework show is returning this year at Loch Raven Technical Academy on LaSalle Road 9-9:30 p.m. The event is free, but donations are encouraged as the show is privately funded. Donation information can be found here.
Anne Arundel County
June 30 — Fort Meade Red, White and Blue celebration
Fort George G. Meade’s Red, White and Blue celebration is returning and this year it’s open to the public. Starting at 6 p.m. at the Fort Meade Parade Field, the event includes a DJ along with a wide variety of food, beverage and novelty vendors. The fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m. Pets, grills and glass containers are prohibited.
July 3 — Glen Burnie
Glen Burnie Improvement Association will host a fireworks display starting at around 9 p.m. at Sawmill Creek Park on Dorsey Road.
6:30 p.m., July 4 — Annapolis parade and firework show
The Annapolis City parade will start at Amos Garrett Blvd and West Street. The route ends at Susan Campbell Park. The firework show will be held at 8 p.m. to 9:45. Due to road closures, participants are encouraged to plan ahead with the city’s parking website here.
Carroll County
Carroll County Farm Museum
On Tuesday, gates will open at 4 p.m. for the Carroll County Farm Museum. The cost is $5 per car, which includes access to self-guided farmhouse tours, Hoff Barn tours, blacksmith, tinsmith, kids tent with activities and games, Farmyard Friends and a playground for visitors.
There will be live music on Park Avenue starting at 5:30 p.m. Food vendors are available, but guests are welcome to bring coolers. Alcohol and glass is prohibited. Early arrival is suggested as roads will close around 8:30 p.m. to prepare for the firework display at 9:15 p.m.
Mount Airy Fireworks
There will be fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on Monday at the Mount Airy Carnival Grounds, at 1008 Twin Arch Road in Mount Airy.
Sykesville Parade
10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 1 – Let Freedom Ring Parade
Harford County
Monday, July 3 — Havre de Grace Celebrations
If you want to start your celebrations sooner than the Fourth of July, Havre de Grace will be hosting events as early as June 28 with their carnival. The last day of the carnival is Monday, July 3. There will be a parade on Monday at 2 p.m. followed by the firework show at 9:30 p.m.
6:45 a.m.-10 p.m. Bel Air celebrations
Residents can start their day celebrations in Bel Air with the flag raising ceremony at 6:45 a.m., followed by family-friendly events at Shamrock Park from 9 a.m. to noon.
The mile-long Bel Air parade will start at 6 in the evening from Idlewild and S. Main to E. Gordon and N. Main. Finally, the firework show will end the day at 9:30 p.m.
Howard County
5-10 p.m. Howard County July 4th Fireworks
Meet at the Columbia Lakefront for a day full of food trucks and live music. Firework show starts at 9:20 p.m. here, and be sure to get there early as some parkings lots will close as early as 6 p.m.
Ocean City
6:30 p.m. — Ocean Events Begins
Kutt Productions will lead the events starting with announcements at 6:30 p.m., followed by the U.S. Army Band Downrange performance at Caroline Street Stage and in the downtown N. Division Street Beach. The music will continue until the firework show at 9:30. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn/beach chairs, blankets and towels.
In uptown Northside Park, 125th Street, guests can enjoy live music and the firework display. The Inlet Lot rate is $5.00 an hour. Guests are encouraged to take public transportation and arrive early to avoid parking conflicts.
You do the crime... You pay the fine.
Fireworks remain illegal in Maryland except for the following: gold-labeled sparklers, ground base sparklers, party poppers, snap pops and snakes. Ground-based sparklers are prohibited in Ocean City, Harford and Howard County.
All fireworks are illegal in Baltimore City and Montgomery County.
Law enforcement can confiscate fireworks and issue citations under public safety titles for discharging fireworks without permit and possession of fireworks, both has a penalty of $250 each.
Traveling
Travelers should expect to see road closures around 8:30 p.m. in preparation for firework displays. Partygoers can visit the Baltimore City Department of Transportation website for updates on traffic advisories. The department also recommended the Waze app for updates in real time.
Public transportation such as the bus, water taxis and ride shares will continue to be available. Bus routes 54, 65, 76, 71, 78 are suggested for transportation into the Inner Harbor. A day pass can be purchased for $4.60 for non-seniors and $2.30 for seniors and those with disabilities.
Water taxis are another way to navigate the the Inner Harbor (literally). All day passes can be purchased here. Passengers ages 3-12 are $11 and 13+ are $20. There are discounts available for veterans and first responders.
