Nothing says “freedom” like sweating through a flag tee while chasing your kids down a parade route with a half-melted freeze pop in one hand and a folding chair in the other. If you’re looking to avoid this and celebrate America’s birthday with a little less potential for chaos, our guide has you covered.
Annapolis and the surrounding ‘burbs are bringing the boom this Fourth of July with fireworks on land and sea, charming small-town parades, waterfront cruises, historic tours, and enough patriotic fun to make Uncle Sam blush. Check out our guide below so you can spend more time enjoying your holiday and less time Googling “fireworks near me.”
Parades
Cape St. Claire Parade
Friday, July 4 from 10 to 11 am
If you desire a more low-key parade, consider heading over to Cape St. Claire! Their parade starts at the fire department and ends near their main beach, which will have a bunch of games and contests for the entire family.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic blanket or folding chair. Make sure to apply extra sunscreen for the less shady spots along the parade route.
Severna Park Parade
Friday, July 4 from 10 am to noon
Check out this beloved hometown parade for their 50th anniversary! The community lines up from Benfield Road to Cypress Creek Road to watch nearly 100 floats pass by with no shortage of giveaways, bubbles, and treats for the little ones to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Arriving up to an hour early gets you curbside prime viewing in this popular parade. If you need bathroom access, consider heading over to Cypress Creek Park, where the parade route ends. There are porta-potties nearby.
Annapolis Evening Parade (Downtown)
Friday, July 4 at 6:30 pm
Celebrate the fourth in Maryland’s capital! This evening parade kicks off at Amos Garrett Boulevard, turns onto West Street, goes around Church Circle, down Main Street, and finishes over by Market House.
Pro Tip: Stake your spot around 5:45 pm at the latest. Parking garages fill fast, so you’ll want to park early or ride‑share! Pack plenty of snacks for the little ones if you’re sticking around for the fireworks.
Fireworks
Glen Burnie Improvement Association Fireworks
Thursday, July 3 at 9 pm (rain date: July 5)
Sawmill Creek Park
For a less crowded fireworks experience, head over to Glen Burnie on July 3rd for their annual fireworks display. You can park over at Monsignor Slade School (overflow parking is available at the light rail station on B&A Blvd) and walk to Sawmill Creek Park from there. Snacks are available at the concession stand.
Pro Tip: Bring your own folding chair or picnic blanket. If you want to get home sooner, consider setting up in front of Monsignor Slade School to watch the fireworks from a distance.
Sherwood Forest Fireworks
Thursday, July 3, around 9 pm
Check out this Annapolis community’s annual fireworks show along the Severn River. The Forest is a gated community, so start calling your friends who live in Sherwood Forest or grab a boat to head towards the Severn River. Watermark will be hosting a cruise for this fireworks display as well. Reserve your spot on the cruise early!
Bowie Baysox
Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 at 6:35 pm
If you’d like a side of baseball with your fireworks, check out a Bowie Baysox game, where fireworks will start after the game. Check out their promotions for additional Independence Day weekend activities.
Annapolis Fireworks Show
Friday, July 4 at 9:15 pm
Best places to watch:
- City Dock – Enjoy convenient access to restaurants, bathrooms, and stores. Roads will start closing to traffic at 5 pm and won’t open back up until around 10:30 pm, so you will want to park in one of the surrounding areas or get downtown early.
- Jonas Green Park and Naval Academy Bridge – You’ll have an easier time getting in and out for the fireworks. Parking is limited, though, so we recommend arriving early or using a ride-share.
- Street-end Parks Facing the Harbor– Do your research ahead of time and find a spot at the end of the street along the water. These areas will be less crowded.
- Watermark Journey – If you want to splurge and get a front row seat to the fireworks, hop on a cruise! Complimentary desserts will be provided (yes, please), and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Departure is at City Dock, so you’ll still want to arrive early so you don’t miss your boat.
Additional Events
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Historic Annapolis
Friday, July 4 from 9 am to 2:30 pm
This Annapolis tradition draws hundreds of visitors to celebrate the birth of our nation at the home of William Paca, one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence. Witness a Naturalization ceremony and then hop between William Paca House, Hogshead Trades, Waterfront Warehouse, and the Museum of Historic Annapolis to learn more about our history. You’ll have the chance to enjoy living history with Frederick Douglass, crafts, and possibly a colonial selfie.
Pro Tip: Timed entry for Paca House, so you’ll want to reserve early. Kids love the hands-on activities and garden hunts!
Annapolis Historic Walking & Naval Academy Tours
Guided strolls through colonial streets and Naval Academy traditions.
Pro Tip: Comfy shoes = happy explorers.
Annapolis Moms’ Final Tips
Traffic & Parking: If you’re going to go downtown, be prepared to run into some difficulty with traffic and parking at some point. For easiest access, we recommend making a day of it with museum tours, a parade, and fireworks. Look up road closures before heading downtown and check for any shuttle services that may be available if you’re parking in West Annapolis.
Weather Watch: Maryland summers throw curveballs. Light rain jackets can be lifesavers.
Kid Kit: Pack sun hats, water bottles, sunscreen, glow sticks, snacks, and wipes.
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