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. And this year, America’s birthday is a big one: the nation is turning 250, which means Annapolis is really leaning into partying like it’s 1776. 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
Saturday, 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.
Eastport Fourth of July Kids Parade
Saturday, July 4 at 10:30 AM
This parade of kids kicks off at Eastport Elementary School and then makes its way through the Eastport neighborhood. Families deck out their bikes, you can enjoy family-friendly activities, and there’s an after party at Turner Park.
Severna Park Parade
Saturday, July 4 from 10 AM to noon
This is the morning parade you won’t want to miss! 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)
Saturday, July 4 at 6:30 PM
Celebrate the fourth in Maryland’s capital! This evening parade has a new route with the City Dock construction. It will kick off down West Street, turns on Church Circle, makes a left on Northwest Street and then makes a right on Calvert Street.
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
Friday, July 3 at 9 PM
Sawmill Creek Park
For a less crowded fireworks experience, head over to Glen Burnie on July 3 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
Friday, 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!
Chesapeake Baysox
Saturday, July 4 at 6:30 PM
Chesapeake Baysox are hosting a Star Spangled Spectacular to celebrate America’s 250th. They will have live music, family-friendly activities, an inflatable obstacle course, and an amazing fireworks show. Tickets for kids are $10 and adults are $15.
Annapolis Fireworks Show
Saturday, 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, even if the view isn’t as good. 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.
- While it looks like Watermark’s cruises are already sold out for their fireworks cruise, there’s still another option available if you want to watch out on the water. Capital SUP will be hosting a paddle and cookout. Food will be catered by Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern and then you will head out on the water. You’ll take an evening cruise via paddleboard or kayak and you’ll get an amazing view of the fireworks show.
Additional Events
Hamilton Outdoor Screening
Friday, July 3 at 7:30 PM
Don’t throw away your shot to watch an outdoor screening of Hamilton at St. John’s College. There will be a pre-show concert by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra brass quintet. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs!
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Historic Annapolis
Saturday, July 4 from 12 to 4 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. 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 take a 30-minute guided tour of the William Paca House, enjoy face painting and crafts, cool off at the beer garden with some live music, and maybe you’ll hear from Frederick Douglass himself.
Pro Tip: Timed entry for Paca House, so you’ll want to reserve early. Kids love the hands-on activities and garden hunts!
Maryland State House 250th Celebration
Saturday, July 4 from 12 to 4 PM
Check out the Maryland State House with a scavenger hunt! Look at documents from the nation’s founding, explore exhibits, and learn more about Maryland’s history.
Annapolis Historic Walking & Naval Academy Tours
Guided strolls through colonial streets and Naval Academy traditions.
Pro Tip: Comfy shoes = happy explorers.
Even More Events
This list could be even longer with the amount of events going on in Annapolis for America’s 250th birthday. Check out this page for a complete list of events to see how else you can celebrate.
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. Check out our guide on parking in Annapolis for additional guidance.
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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