Whether you plan to celebrate on the hook, catch fireworks from the shores of a public park, or head to one of the Chesapeake’s many great towns for a traditional Independence Day parade, there is no shortage of possibilities. Be sure to check event websites for updates or weather cancellations. We will also continue to update our list on this page and in our calendar. If we missed your favorite event, email [email protected].
Wednesday, July 1
Kent Narrows, MD: Queen Anne’s County’s annual fireworks show is scheduled for July 1 with a rain date of July 2 (only fireworks will be rescheduled; all other activities will be canceled). Located at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center; event opens at 6 p.m. Fireworks launch at 9:15 p.m. Food trucks will be available with food and drinks to purchase. There will be live music and plenty of activities for children such as bounce houses, face painters, a photo booth, and more. Free parking at the old Kent Narrows outlets (handicap parking is available). The fireworks will be set off from the same location as years past so they can be viewed from the Kent Narrows and surrounding area.
Friday, July 3
Chesapeake Beach, MD: Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at Kellam’s Field Complex and include a full evening of fun before the fireworks begin. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive early for the best viewing experience. Live entertainment, food trucks and sweet treats, family-friendly activities, and more. Fireworks are launched from barges in the Chesapeake Bay near Veterans’ Memorial Park at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). Viewing available along the waterfront areas and public spaces throughout town, including Kellam’s Field Complex and Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Irvington, VA: On July 3, the Rappahannock River Yacht Club is organizing a patriotic decorated boat parade on Carters Creek beginning at 2 p.m. to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary. Boats will gather near Custom Yachts. The parade will cruise past The Tides Inn into the western branch of Carters Creek and return to eastern branch near Custom Yachts. The Irvington 4th of July Hometown Parade takes place at 3 p.m. on July 4 on King Carter Drive.
North East, MD: The 35th annual Salute to Cecil County Veterans and fireworks show returns to North East Community Park from 4 to 10 p.m. This free, family-friendly event brings the community together each year to honor the men and women who have served our country. Enjoy an evening filled with food vendors, community organizations, live music, and activities for all ages—all set along the beautiful waterfront. Guests can explore displays from local organizations, experience military equipment and vehicles, and visit the beloved Field of Flags, presented by the Rotary Club of North East in tribute to those who served. This year will also be a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. A spectacular fireworks show over the North East River at dusk will close out the night.
Oxford, MD: The Oxford fireworks show celebrates Independence Day on the “Strand”—the beautiful riverside street along the Tred Avon River. The sky lights up during this beautiful fireworks display, which begins at dusk. Bring your lawn chair and get a spot early!
Rock Hall, MD: Fireworks over the harbor at 9 p.m. The Fourth of July Parade takes place July 4 beginning at 10 a.m. Kent County Waterman's Day takes place July 5 and features live music, a boat docking contest, anchor toss, food and craft vendors, the unveiling of the Harry White Memorial, and family fun.
Saturday, July 4:
Annapolis, MD: Get ready for a full day of events, including the West Annapolis Bike Parade at 9 a.m., a food festival with local vendors beginning at 11:45 a.m. at People’s Park, a Fourth of July Festival with Historic Annapolis, the City of Annapolis Downtown Parade at 6:30 p.m., the USNA Electric Brigade Concert on the State House Grounds at 7:45 p.m., and more. Fireworks over Spa Creek will light up the sky at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Baltimore, MD: The celebration kicks off at the Inner Harbor Amphitheatre at 6 p.m., followed by a live band performance from Avenue 66 along the Waterfront Promenade. The fireworks show at the Waterfront Promenade takes place at 9 p.m., and at 9:30 there will be a drone show at Middle Branch Park. The Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival is also at Middle Branch Park from 1 to 10 p.m. The festival also features arts and crafts, a children’s village, historical reenactments, and more.
Cambridge, MD: Watch a beautiful display of fireworks over the Choptank River at dusk (a little after 9 p.m.). Bring your own blankets and chairs, snacks, and bug spray. View from Long Wharf (High and Water Streets), Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh (at the end of Somerset Avenue at the Choptank River), or Cambridge Harbor (next to the Dorchester County Visitor Center). If you have a boat, watch from the water.
Drayden, MD: Dennis Point Marina and Campground will host a USA 250th celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. This historic event will be its largest display to date, drawing residents and visitors from throughout the area for a night of food, music, games, and a spectacular fireworks display. Cost: $20 per vehicle.
Easton, MD: Celebrate summer in Easton with a classic hometown carnival capped by a star-spangled July 4th fireworks show. Plan to arrive early on July 4 to secure a good viewing spot near the designated launch area. A short patriotic ceremony often precedes the show. Fireworks typically begin after dusk, with timing subject to weather and wind conditions. Bring a blanket or low chairs; please follow posted rules on coolers, tents, and grills.
Kinsale, VA: Get ready for live music, food, and drinks at The Slips, where the crowd gathers to celebrate the 4th of July and watch fireworks launched at 9:15 p.m. over the Yeocomico River. The Kinsale Waterfront Fund, along with the Yeocomico Club, The Slips, The Kinsale Market, and the Cople Volunteer Fire Department come together to put on this great community event. The local support makes it possible to have a fabulous fireworks show each year, and contributions are greatly appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible.
Middle River, MD: The Fireworks Extravaganza over Middle River has become a cherished tradition bringing our community together in a celebration of patriotism, unity, and the beauty of our water life in Baltimore County. Last year, thousands of spectators gathered to enjoy the highest shooting fireworks display in the state from their boats, marinas, yacht clubs, restaurants, and waterfront homes on and around Middle River. It is only with the generosity of our volunteers, donors and sponsors that we are able to make this event a reality each year. Your involvement is key to keeping this vibrant tradition alive! Visit mtabc.org for more information/to make a donation. Weather may affect start time. No rain date. No public viewing location.
Newport News, VA: The Stars in the Sky celebration takes place from 6 to 9:15 p.m. at Victory Landing Park. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. and can be seen over the James River. Live performances, photo booth, face painting patriotic games, and more.
Norfolk, VA: The 4th of July Great American Picnic takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Free and open to the public. The event begins with live patriotic music, food, and family-friendly activities, followed by one of Hampton Roads’ most spectacular fireworks displays at 9:30 p.m. high above the Elizabeth River. Also featuring a wide variety of all-American fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, cotton candy, and more.
Ocean City, MD: Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States at two locations: N. Division Street and Northside Park. The fun kicks off at N. Division Street with live music acts at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy music at Northside Park beginning at 8 p.m. followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Solomons, MD: Celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th birthday in Solomons! This year’s event is bigger and better as the community celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States in Solomons. Organizers are adding a second fireworks barge and launching twice as many fireworks for an unforgettable display over the Patuxent River. Join the celebration July 4 from 4 to 10 p.m. for a full day of family fun featuring live entertainment, more than 30 vendors, inflatables and bounce houses, face painting, a slime kit vendor, sand art, specialty snacks and treats, and a fireworks finale. Paid parking will be available at Glasscock Field next to the Calvert Marine Museum. Free parking will be available at Solomons Inn Resort & Marina.
There will also be the Solomons Island Boat Fourth of July Boat Parade: Show your American pride and dress up your boat or you person and join in on the fun. The starting cannon will sound at 12 p.m. sharp on Mill Creek in Solomons at 38.331264 x 76.450065. There is no registration, just jump in behind the last boat and form a line. Stay on channel 68 for the duration of the parade. All are welcome to join, just please follow all navigational aids and rules of the road. Safety first. Share your boat photos on the Facebook page (Solomons Island 4th of July Boat Parade).
Virginia Beach, VA: The Stars and Stripes Celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. at the 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks. Live concerts at each location followed by an oceanfront fireworks display (24th Street) at 9:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Washington, DC: A full day of programming on the National Mall culminating in a massive pyrotechnics display. America’s National Independence Day Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at 3rd St. and Constitution Ave. The annual concert event, A Capitol Fourth, will move to July 3 to kick off a weekend of celebrations for the 250th anniversary.
Yorktown, VA: Each Fourth of July, Historic Yorktown hosts a full day of patriotic festivities honoring the nation’s independence in a setting rich with American history. The celebration features a spirited parade through the village, a traditional bell ringing ceremony marking the historic call for liberty, a lively outdoor concert, and a spectacular fireworks display over the York River at 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 5
Chesapeake City, MD: Free family fun event in Pell Gardens with food and craft vendors and live music starting at 5 p.m. The fireworks will start at dark (approximately 9:30 p.m.) and will be shot off from the hill behind Schaefer's. Plenty of free parking at the old elementary school.
Havre de Grace, MD: 2 p.m. parade down Union Avenue, 7:30 p.m. concert at Concord Point Park, and fireworks over the Susquehanna River at 9:15 p.m.
St. Michaels, MD: The Children’s Parade will kick off the celebration on July 4, beginning at 10 a.m. All children, residents or visitors, are welcome to participate. Patriotic dress is encouraged for kids, bicycles, tricycles, wagons, and pets! The main event is on July 5 where fireworks will light up St. Michaels harbor shortly after dusk. Bring your lawn chairs and find a good spot in town. You can also purchase tickets to attend the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Big Band Night from 6 to 10 p.m. There’s fun for the whole family with live music, dancing, and a great vantage point to see the fireworks. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to enjoy Big Band Night. Food, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors throughout the evening.
Tips for Anchoring Out:
Pay attention to off-limits areas, such as the restricted zone around the Naval Academy seawall. If no boats are anchored in a particular spot, there may be a reason for it.
Have a chart with you to monitor water depth.
Mooring and docking prices vary by town, so inquire before you go.
While your boat is at anchor, running lights should be off and a single white anchor light on. As soon as the anchor comes up, the running lights should be on.
Use a spotlight sparingly and keep it aimed low. Avoid shining it directly at other boat operators.
Try not to anchor too close to other boats, and make sure you’ve let out enough line to ensure your anchor will hold. Dragging anchor through the spectator fleet will definitely make you unpopular.
Kids and poor swimmers should wear a lifejacket at all times.
Give commercial vessels, such as water taxis and tour boats, room to maneuver.
Use common sense and courtesy. Avoid collisions, keep your speed down, and have a non-drinking designated operator at the helm.