Maryland fireworks shows, festivals and America 250 celebrations over the holiday weekend across the state
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland is preparing for one of its biggest Independence Day celebrations in recent memory as communities from the mountains of Western Maryland to the Atlantic coast host fireworks, parades, concerts, festivals and family activities honoring both the Fourth of July and America’s 250th anniversary celebration. State officials are encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the holiday safely while exploring the many events taking place throughout the long weekend.
Across every region of the state, cities, towns and parks are offering opportunities to celebrate America’s birthday with live entertainment, local food, historical programs and dazzling fireworks displays.
NOTE: Due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances, some of the activities below may be rescheduled or cancelled. Please plan accordingly.
4th of July Celebrations
Independence Day Celebrations are Scheduled Throughout the State
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WESTERN REGION
Boonsboro Independence Day Celebration – Fireworks
Shafer Park & Surrounding Area
37 Park Drive
Boonsboro, MD 21713
301-432-5141
July 3, 2026 (Rain Date July 5)
Fireworks begin at 9pm. Maintain social distancing inside Shafer Park. and take advantage of many other viewing locations that also offer safe social distancing opportunities..
More Info…
Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display
Deep Creek Lake Area
McHenry, Maryland 21541
July 4, 2026 (Rain Date July 5)
Fireworks are typically launched from the top of Bear Claw Tubing Park at Wisp Resort out toward the waters of Deep Creek Lake. Viewing spots include the scenic overlook on Rt. 219, Wisp Resort, the lawn at Garrett College, McHenry Cove on Deep Creek Lake and in McHenry. More info…
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CAPITAL REGION
Frederick’s 4th of July
Baker Park
121 N. Bentz Street
Frederick, Maryland
301-600-CITY
July 4, 2026
Celebrate the largest Independence Day celebration in Frederick County with two stages of entertainment along side family friendly rides, activities, food and fireworks from Noon to Dusk. More info….
Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
1800 Picard Drive,
Rockville, Maryland
July 4, 2026
Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration is held annually at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm. This location offers wonderful spectator viewing and ample and convenient parking for the 4th of July festivities. Enjoy live music by Run For Cover and a 20-minute fireworks display. More info….
Upper Montgomery County VFD 4th of July Fireworks
Soccer Fields
15598 Hughes Road,
Poolesville, Maryland
July 4, 2026
Gates will open at 4:00 pm and the price of admission is $10 per car (Please bring cash). This year’s event will feature music, food, and fireworks! More info….
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CENTRAL REGION
Baltimore 4th of July Celebration
Multiple location along the Inner Harbor Promenade
July 4, 2026; 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA), Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore (WPB) are excited to announce that 4th of July festivities are returning to the Harbor! From 4-9:30 p.m., enjoy live musical performances from the Navy Band Commodores, the BSO and Wordsmith. Then, enjoy a spectacular firework show from the Waterfront Promenade at 9:30 p.m.
More info…
Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival
Middle Branch Waterfront, Baltimore
July 4, 2026; 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Enjoy a family friendly environment at this free festival with local, regional and national music performances, children’s activities, art making and experiences for all ages, and fireworks at night. The Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival takes place at the scenic Middle Branch Park, which offers views of the Baltimore City skyline and Fourth of July fireworks.
More Info…
City of Annapolis 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Start at Amos Garrett Blvd and West Street route ends at Susan Campbell Park
July 4, 2026; 6:30 PM – 9:15 PM
More info…
Annapolis Fireworks Cruises
Watermark Journey
1 Dock Street
Annapolis, Maryland
410-268-7601
July 3, 2026
On July 4th, enjoy the City of Annapolis’ spectacular Fourth of July fireworks from the best seat in town as you cruise the historic harbor. A selection of delicious complimentary desserts will be available. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from our full bar. More info…
Howard County’s July 4th Fireworks
Downtown Columbia Lakefront at Lake Kittamaqundi
Columbia, Maryland
July 4, 2026
There will be two live music bands on the Lakefront stage. The 20-minute fireworks show will start around 9:20 p.m. at Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia. Residents who wish to place blankets may do so after 3:00 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite. There will be a premium location for viewing the concert and fireworks that includes a dinner buffet and cash bar.
More info…
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SOUTHERN REGION
July 4th Celebration – Charles County Fair
8440 Fairground Road
LaPlata, Maryland
301-932-1234
July 4, 2026; 3 PM – 10 PM
Enjoy great food, pony rides and live music that lead up to the grand finale with an outstanding Fourth of July Fireworks Show. Come for free.
More info….
Fun- Filled 4th
Regency Furniture Stadium
July 4, 2026; 4 PM – 9 PM
Fun-Filled 4th is a free, family-friendly celebration packed with entertainment, activities, food vendors, community organizations, and patriotic fun for all ages. This year’s event will feature exciting attractions including a high-energy variety circus show and an interactive foam party, family activities, and more throughout the day. More info…
July 3rd Fireworks Celebration – Chesapeake Beach, MD
Town of Chesapeake Beach
410-257-2230
July 3, 2026 (Rain date July 5)
The display is viewable along the Fishing Creek bridge, Kellam’s field, Veteran’s Memorial Park or at one of our waterfront restaurants or resort. The fireworks are held at Dusk. Bring a blanket and a picnic for a family fun evening at Kellam’s field. *glass containers and alcoholic beverages prohibited.
More info…
July 4th Fireworks Celebration – Solomons, MD
Solomons Island, Maryland
240-925-7954
July 3, 2026
Solomons Business Association (SBA) is proud to continue this favorite tradition of celebrating July 4th with a spectacular firework display in Solomons on July 4.
More info…
St. Mary’s Freedom Fest
St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds
July 3, 2026
FREE! Enjoy live entertainment from the All-American Freestyle Stunt Show, a Stilt walker, music from John Lusky, a Kids Zone, craft vendors, face painting, great food, and FIREWORKS!
More info…
USA 250th Celebration @ Dennis Point Marina and Campgrounds
July 4, 2026
Join Dennis Point Marina & Campground in celebrating 250 years of American independence. 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 fireworks spectacular.
More info…
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EASTERN SHORE
Queen Anne’s County Fireworks & Family Fun Celebration
Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center
425 Piney Narrows Road
Kent Narrows
410-604-2100
July 1, 2026 (Rain date July 2)
Come celebrate Independence Day with Queen Anne’s County at the newly renovated Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center. The event starts at 6 p.m. and is free. There will be a kids zone, live music, and of course fireworks!
More info…
Rock Hall Fireworks over the Harbor!
Rock Hall, Maryland
July 3, 2026
Celebrate Independence Day in Kent County. Join us for parades and celebratory fireworks at Rock Hall Harbor. Join the celebration afterward for midway games, talent show, and other family-friendly activities.
More info…
St. Michaels Big Band Night & Fireworks
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
213 North Talbot Street
St. Michaels, Maryland 21663
410-745-2916
July 5, 2026
In celebration of Independence Day, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host Big Band Night on July 5, inviting guests to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River. The Shades of Blue Orchestra brings its signature sound to the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand, and CBMM’s waterfront campus offers a great vantage point to enjoy the St. Michaels fireworks, which begin at dusk. Food, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the event.
More info…
Berlin Fireworks
10009 Old Ocean City Blvd.,
Berlin, MD 21811
July 3, 2026
Fireworks start at dusk. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and enjoy. Heron Park is open for viewing.
More info…
Ocean City’s Music and Fireworks Downtown on the Beach & Uptown at Northside Park
July 4, 2026
Celebrate the Nation’s birthday as we celebrate at two locations with music and fireworks. Come build wonderful Ocean City memories for you, your family, and friends together!
More info…
Red White and BOOM – Salisbury, MD
July 4, 2026
The City of Salisbury is partnering with the organizers of Red, White and Boom to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary with a full evening of family activities and fireworks on Saturday, July 4. The celebration begins with Red, White & Play from 5 – 8 p.m. at James M. Bennett High School and concludes with the annual Red, White and Boom Fireworks display at approximately 9 p.m..
More info…
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Celebrate America 250
at Maryland State Parks with Fun Events Planned All Weekend
Maryland parks are hosting a variety of special events during the week of July 4 to mark the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, including a tree planting, bike parade, historical reenactments, and kids crafts.
With parks open on Independence Day, Marylanders can start a new tradition by hiking, learn more about our nation’s history by visiting park exhibits, or have a patriotic picnic.
July 4 is a license-free fishing day. Any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. All anglers must follow current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide.
Please note that in order to prevent traffic backups and capacity closures, reservations are required at the following parks on July 4: Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hammerman Area), Greenbrier State Park, Point Lookout State Park, Newtowne Neck State Park, North Point State Park, Rocks State Park’s Kilgore Falls area, Rocky Gap State Park, Sandy Point Park, and Swallow Falls State Park. Reservations can be made at parkdayuse.maryland.gov
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July 3 and 4 at Janes Island
Janes Island State Park in Crisfield
Enjoy activities on Friday, July 3, including Watercolors in the Park from 11 a.m. to noon, tie-dye your shirt from 1-2 p.m., or stop by in the evening for stargazing, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. On Saturday, make a papercraft eagle from 1-2 p.m., learn about reptiles from 3-4 p.m., learn about crabs and crabbing from 5-6 p.m., and join a sunset paddle from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Foraging 101 – Eating Maryland State Parks
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park in Cambridge
July 3 at 6 p.m.
Do you want free food and learn about ways to help the environment? Do you want to learn what foods are already growing in your backyard? Do you want to know the ways Indigenous Peoples and freedom-seekers alike filled their grocery baskets? Join us for a beginner’s guide to wild foods in Maryland State Parks!
Fourth of July Festival
Assateague Island State Park in Berlin
July 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join campers and beachgoers for the annual Fourth of July bike parade through the state campground! Registration takes place from 10-10:30 a.m. in the ranger station parking lot, followed by a parade to the Nature Center. Prizes will be awarded. Participants must wear helmets.
At the Nature Center, enjoy raffles, games, food, drinks, crafts and tie-dye!
A Miller’s Life for Me
Freedman’s State Park in Brookeville
July 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn to thrash, winnow, and hand-grind wheat. Patuxent River Valley was once filled with mills – learn why they were important to farmers in the area, including the Howard family.
Traditional Children’s Games and Crafts
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Church Creek
July 4 and July 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stop by the visitor’s center to play traditional games, like jacks, mancala or marbles. Learn to make traditional crafts such as yarn dolls.
… And Zeal for Liberty…
Fort Frederick State Park in Big Pool
July 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn about the women and men who lived at Fort Frederick during the American Revolution through historic interpretation. The Fort was used to hold British prisoners during the war. Activities include musket-firing, military drills and children’s drills.
Exhibit Hall Tour
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Church Creek
July 5 at 2 p.m.
Join a ranger for a tour of the exhibit hall at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park.
Miles for Maryland, All State Parks, Year-Round
There is still time to get started on the Maryland Park Service Miles for Maryland challenge. The goal is to hike 250 miles inside Maryland parks during the course of the year, one mile for each year since the founding of the United States. Submit photos from your hike for a chance to win prizes.
America in Miniature.. All State Parks Through November 15
You can also challenge yourself with this photographic scavenger hunt, also organized by the Maryland Park Service. Learn more on our website.
Celebrate All Year Long: Keep the celebration going until the end of 2026! Check out a U.S. trivia trail walk at Assateague State Park this August, or visit Fort Frederick to learn about the gear used by American soldiers from 1753-1953. Check out more events on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
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Remember that July 4 is Maryland’s annual license-free fishing day, allowing anyone to fish recreationally in Maryland’s tidal and non-tidal waters while following existing size and catch regulations. Officials also remind visitors that advance reservations are required at several of the state’s busiest parks to help manage holiday crowds.
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Whether spending the weekend watching fireworks over Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, enjoying small-town celebrations, relaxing along the Chesapeake Bay, exploring Maryland’s scenic parks or participating in America 250 commemorative events, residents and visitors alike will find countless ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday. We hope the weekend inspires Marylanders to honor the country’s history while creating new family traditions that will continue well beyond this milestone anniversary year.
Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!
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(Sources: Maryland Office of Tourism, Maryland State Government)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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