The nation celebrates Independence Day in different ways – here’s how Baltimore does it!
Charm City knows how to celebrate the 4th of July. Apart from the obvious fireworks show hosted annually at the Inner Harbor, there are tons of parades, parties, and other smaller fireworks displays throughout Baltimore. Here are a few of our favorites:
Inner Harbor
The Baltimore Inner Harbor is one of the most popular places to celebrate the 4th of July in Charm City. Right at the heart of everything, thousands of people gather by the water to enjoy live music performances, feast from local food trucks, and stretch out on picnic blankets across the Inner Harbor promenade and the adjacent Federal Hill.
Dundalk Heritage Fair Association
For over 45 years the Dundalk Heritage Fair Association has celebrated the 4th of July at the Grange Elementary School grounds. The entire community comes together for fireworks, local music performances and other entertainment, karaoke, and tons of other obstacle courses and activities for children.
Bel Air’s Fourth of July Celebration
The Bel Air Independence Day celebration is a crowd favorite because the festivities go on all day and well into the night. Bring the entire family along for the annual Bel Air 4th of July parade as well as activities like bike decorating, water balloon tossing, horseshoe pitching, and more, all culminating in a blazing firework display that lights up the night sky.
Catonsville Fourth of July Festival
Every year, the Catonsville Fourth of July Festival celebrates our nation’s birth in a grandiose way! Before ending in a magnificent fireworks display, there is a full day of concerts, performances, a marvelous parade, and games and activities for attendees of all ages. It’s hosted at the Catonsville High School Athletic Fields and is a guaranteed good time for everyone.
Howard County’s Annual July 4th Fireworks Display
While it’s less than half an hour away from Baltimore, Howard County is a wonderful option when figuring out where you want to celebrate the 4th of July. It’s hosted at the Columbia Lakefront so bring a blanket and enjoy the nice views and live music before a fabulous fireworks display lights up the sky.
Downtown Annapolis Parade & Fireworks
And less than an hour away from Baltimore, you’ll find the Downtown Annapolis Parade & Fireworks right by the harbor. The whole town gets into it with decorations and a parade before the fireworks display. While there are tons of great places to view the Annapolis fireworks from land, level up and watch the show onboard one of the many boats and yachts available at the harbor.
Carroll County Farm Museum
The Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster has an annual summer soiree for the 4th of July. And while it’s about 45 minutes away from Baltimore City, it’s definitely worth the drive to spend the evening there with friends and family. There’s live music, activities for little ones, and fair treats like funnel cake, deep-fried Oreos, and frozen custard.
More Maryland Fireworks
Washington DC Fireworks
And if you’re up for a little drive away from the city, you can always check out the 4th of July celebrations at the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., or at Ocean City! Spread a blanket on the National Mall (get there early to find space!) and enjoy time with friends and live music before the fireworks show. If you’re headed to Ocean City you might want to make a weekend of it. In addition to the 4th of July festivities, the beach and the boardwalk makes for an endless good time.
