The Best Places To See 4th Of July Fireworks In Maryland
These are the best picks for 4th of July fireworks in Maryland. Great spots for families! updated for 2023!
As Americans celebrate our independence on the Fourth of July, Maryland is home to some of the most impressive fireworks displays in the country.
There are so many fireworks events in Maryland… how do you choose which one to watch? Here are our top picks for the best places to see 4th of July fireworks in Maryland.
Jump to:
- Baltimore/Fort McHenry
- Annapolis
- Frederick’s Fourth Of July Celebration
- Hagerstown Salute to Independence
- Ocean City
- Catonsville 4th of July
- Berlin Fireworks at Heron Park
- Fire on the Mountain at Deep Creek Lake
- Gaithersburg SummerFest
- Chesapeake Beach Fireworks over the Bay
- 4th of July in Kent County
- Red, White, and Boom in Salisbury, MD
- Howard County 4th of July Fireworks at the Columbia Lakefront
- Bel Air Independence Day
- Havre de Grace Independence Day Celebration
- Carroll County Farm Museum 4th of July Fireworks
- Maryland Fireworks FAQ
- More 4th of July Fun!
Baltimore/Fort McHenry
Why not celebrate Independence Day at Fort McHenry, the site of Francis Scott Key’s writing of the Star Spangled Banner? The future national anthem was penned as Key watched the bombs bursting around the fort.
Start your day at Fort McHenry taking in its history, with old cannons encircling the fort as part of the defense system. Inside the fort stand several buildings where you can learn about the Revolutionary War and Fort McHenry’s role in it. The park features re-enactors posing as soldiers and local citizens from the 1770s.
After that, head to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where you can view the USS Constellation docked in the harbor. You can book a cruise around the harbor if you really want to splurge. Every year, Baltimore plans a great event full of music and family friendly festivities throughout the day. Then, as darkness falls on the area and the fireworks are launched high above the Inner Harbor, you’ll see some of the most beautiful and powerful displays exploding overhead. The festivities run from 1pm-10pm.
Annapolis
Home to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis celebrates the Fourth of July with a major taste of patriotism. Prior to the fireworks show, stake out a spot on the parade route and enjoy a fantastic parade that kicks off at 6:30 p.m.
The two-hour parade will conclude shortly before the massive fireworks show kicks off in the Annapolis Harbor. Best spots to view the fireworks show include northeast of Severn River, City Dock, the Naval Academy Bridge, as well as long the harbor.
There are plenty of family friendly activities in Annapolis before the show, which starts about 10 p.m. Make your Independence Day a historical adventure, with local tours such as Colonial Annapolis, a historical walk, or a tour of the Naval Academy grounds.
Frederick’s Fourth Of July Celebration
Celebrate Frederick’s 35th Annual Frederick’s 4th – An Independence Day Celebration in Baker Park & Culler Lake. This 4th of July tradition features two stages of entertainment along side family friendly rides, activities, food and fireworks from Noon to Dusk.
For more details about the Frederick 4th of July celebrations, click here.
Hagerstown Salute to Independence
As the site of one of the major battles during the US Civil War, Antietam National Battlefield historically celebrated Independence Day with the Maryland Symphony. However, in recent years the event was not able to take place at Antietam. So, Hagerstown moved this awesome event to the Hagerstown Community College. MSO will hold the annual fireworks and concert on July 1st at Hagerstown Community College.
Click here for details on the 2023 Salute To Independence!
You can still spend the day touring Antietam though! Stop at the visitors center for a specific list of recommended activities, as well as to watch a short film on the Civil War and the battle at Antietam.
Take a park ranger-guided tour of exhibits or explore on your own. Visit the Dunker Church and national cemetery, as well as several of the monuments located around the national park. Several battle sites are popular among visitors, as is the field hospital museum.
Ocean City
Ocean City is the place to be on the Fourth of July for a free concert followed by the annual fireworks show. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for their comfort. The concert kicks off at 8 pm, followed by the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks extravaganza lights up the area over the beach.
Visitors can choose to watch the fireworks downtown near the boardwalk. Or, you can choose to view fireworks from Northside Park! Both locations will have a free concert and fireworks!
There are several Ocean City attractions you can check out before heading to the beach. Take a stroll along the famous Ocean City Boardwalk, get your splash on at the Jolly Roger Amusement Park, play at Trimpers, or just hang out at the beach!
Catonsville 4th of July
Catonsville in Baltimore County really throws such a fun family friendly 4th of July celebration.
The kid friendly festivities kick off at 830-930am with kids games like lollipop scramble, spoon and sack races, and of course.. water balloons. Kids who decorate a bike can also ride in the parade!
The Grand Parade starts at 3pm and it is probably one of the best 4th of July parades in Maryland. For real, spectators claim their parade spot weeks ahead of time (there are probably chairs out right now!).
After the parade migrate to the Catonsville High School grounds for a Family Fun Fest and 630pm and then stick around for amazing fireworks at 930pm!
Berlin Fireworks at Heron Park
This family friendly fireworks show will be held on July 3rd at Heron Park. Plan a kid friendly day trip to Berlin and hang out for the festivities in the evening!
Fire on the Mountain at Deep Creek Lake
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is holding Western Maryland’s biggest 4th of July fireworks event on July 4th (rain day July 5th). The fireworks are launched from the tubing hill at Wisp Resort so there are tons of great viewing areas. If you choose to view the fireworks from Wisp, there will be a free concert at 630pm.
Make a day of it by starting the day with an iconic waterfall hike at Swallow Falls State Park!
Gaithersburg SummerFest
This year’s fireworks celebration will be on July 1st from 6-1130pm at Bohrer Park. The festival features live music, food trucks, local breweries, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display. What makes SummerFest unique is the SummerGlo After Party. This is a free event and very family friendly!
Chesapeake Beach Fireworks over the Bay
The 2023 Fireworks Over the Bay will be held July 3rd with a rain date of July 8th. There are plenty of viewing areas along the water and this event is free! You could start your day with a shark tooth hunt at Matoaka Beach before heading to Northern Calvert County for fireworks!
4th of July in Kent County
Pop over to Rock Hall Harbor for the Kent County fireworks event on July 3rd (rain date July 5th). If you want more family fun ideas, on July 2nd you can visit the Waterman’s Day Celebration too! There are so many fun ways to make a day trip on the Eastern Shore. Fireworks on the water would be the perfect way to end your day!
Red, White, and Boom in Salisbury, MD
A fantastic family friendly 4th of July event in Salisbury, MD. The free live music and family friendly fireworks will take place at 915pm at James M. Bennett High School. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
Howard County 4th of July Fireworks at the Columbia Lakefront
Howard County’s 4th of July festivities are really so family friendly! There will be live music at the Lakefront stage, a huge line up of food trucks, and fireworks will go off at 920pm!
Bel Air Independence Day
Bel Air has a fantastic Independence Day celebration planned! There are family contests and competitions, a pancake breakfast, a fantastic parade, and fireworks launched from Rockfield Park at 930pm!
Havre de Grace Independence Day Celebration
Havre de Grace is celebrating Independence Day on July 2nd in 2023. Events kick off with a parade at 2pm, followed by concerts at 530 and 730pm. At 915pm fireworks will light up the Susquehanna River!
Plan a fun Havre de Grace day trip with your kids and make a day of it!
Carroll County Farm Museum 4th of July Fireworks
Carroll County’s largest fireworks celebration is at the Carroll County Farm Museum on July 4th. The cost is $5 per car and there will be live music, farm demonstrations, animal encounters, and food vendors present. Fireworks kick off around 915pm!
Maryland Fireworks FAQ
July 3rd fireworks at Chesapeake Beach.
July 4th fireworks at Solomons Island
There are two official fireworks locations. Downtown fireworks will go off at the beach at North Division St. Uptown fireworks will go off at Northside Park.
The exact location for the Annapolis fireworks is from a barge in the Annapolis Harbor. Prime fireworks viewing include City Dock, the US Naval Academy bridge, or on board a boat in the harbor.
Montgomery County has a number of fireworks events planned including Germantown Glory at the Soccerplex, Mid-County Sparkles in Kensington, Takoma Park Middle School, Gaithersburg at Bohrer Park, and Mattie J.T. Stepanik Park in Rockville.
The best 4th of July parades in Maryland include the parades in Catonsville, Annapolis, Arbutus, Havre de Grace, and Bel Air.
And if you want to really ramp of the patriotic fun, check out this ultimate guide to the most iconic 4th of July in D.C.!
More 4th of July Fun!
While you are making your plans for 4th of July fun, why not check out these super fun ideas too!
- American Flag Popsicle Stick Craft for Kids
- Cork Painted American Flag Craft for Kids
- Sparkly Star Wand Craft for Kids
- Pom Pom American Flag Craft for Kids
- Patriotic Popper Craft for Kids
And these delicious Patriotic-themed recipes too!
- Red, White, and Blue Fruit Kabobs
- American Flag Fruit Pizza Cookie
- 4th of July Marshmallow Pops
- Chocolate Dipped 4th of July themed Pretzel Rods
- Chocolate Dipped 4th of July themed Oreos
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