Anne Arundel County, Maryland | 2026
This July 4th is a special one -- it marks America's 250th birthday. Anne Arundel County has fireworks, parades, and celebrations spread across the full holiday weekend. Here's everything organized by date to help you plan your day.
Thursday, July 3
Fireworks
Glen Burnie Improvement Association Fireworks
Time: Fireworks at 9 PM | Rain date: Saturday, July 5
Location: Sawmill Creek Park, 301 Dorsey Rd, Glen Burnie (also viewable from 3rd Avenue Park at Lincoln Ave)
- Free, family-friendly community show
- Two viewing areas: Sawmill Creek Park (main) and 3rd Avenue Park (smaller, quieter)
- Free parking at Monsignor Slade Catholic School; overflow at Light Rail Station on B&A Blvd
- Drop-off available at Pascal Senior Center beside the park
- Food available from Glen Burnie Boys Baseball concession stand
- No alcohol, pets, or personal sparklers on park grounds
- Do not park at Cromwell Shopping Center -- cars will be towed
American Legion Cummings-Behlke Post 226 -- Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
Time: Tiki bar 3 PM | Live music 6 PM | Fireworks 9 PM
Location: 830 E. Central Ave, Edgewater (Mayo Road area)
- Free, open to the public
- Tiki bar opens at 3 PM with food for sale
- Live music by All You Need at 6 PM
- National Anthem followed by fireworks at 9 PM
- Food, face painting, and ice cream on site
Sherwood Forest / Severn River Fireworks
Time: After sunset, approx. 9 PM
Location: Severn River -- visible from the water and select community beaches
- Private community fireworks display
- Best viewed from a boat on the Severn River
- Also visible from certain community beaches in the area
- Watermark Journey Boat Tours offers a Sherwood Forest Fireworks Cruise from Annapolis City Dock
More info: Watermark cruise info
Chesapeake Beach Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
Time: 5 PM to 9:30 PM | Fireworks approx. 9 PM
Location: Kellam's Field, Chesapeake Beach, MD -- approx. 20 min from Deale (Calvert County)
- Free admission
- Fireworks launched from barges on the Chesapeake Bay
- Food trucks, live music, sweet treats, and family activities all evening
- Accessible viewing at Veterans Memorial Park and the bayfront
- Parking on Mears Ave and Gordon Stinnett Ave -- arrive by 4:30 PM
Saturday, July 4
Parades
Admiral Heights Bike Parade
Time: 10 AM
Location: Admiral Heights neighborhood, Sampson Place, Annapolis
- Decorated bike parade with ice cream for kids
- Low-key neighborhood celebration
Cape St. Claire July 4th Parade and Beach Party
Time: Parade 10 AM | Beach party 11 AM to 2 PM
Location: Starts at Cape St. Claire Fire Department, ends at the community beach
- Community parade from the fire department to the beach
- Beach party with water balloon toss, egg and spoon races, and watermelon eating contest
- Patriotic photo booth and snowballs
Eastport 4th of July Kids Parade
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Starts at Eastport Elementary, ends at Turner Park
- Neighborhood kids parade -- a local tradition
- Great morning activity before the evening fireworks
Severna Park Independence Day Parade
Time: Bike contest 9:15 AM | Parade 10 AM to noon
Location: Benfield Rd at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church to Cypress Creek Park via Evergreen, Riggs, and B&A Blvd
- One of the county's largest parades
- Decorated bike contest for kids before the parade
- Marching bands, community floats, and civic groups
Shady Side Fourth of July Parade
Time: 10 AM
Location: Cedarhurst Rd near Corner Grille → Shady Side Rd → Shady Side Community Center, Snug Harbor Rd
- A South County tradition
- Community groups, floats, bikes, and neighbors welcome to participate
- Check the Shady Side Community Center Facebook page for 2026 updates
American Legion Post 226 Community Parade
Time: Lineup 11:30 AM | Departs noon
Location: 830 E. Central Ave, Edgewater
- Community parade departing from the American Legion parking lot
Galesville Fourth of July Parade
Time: 1 PM
Location: Galesville, MD
- Small-town waterfront parade
- A good option for South County families
America's 250th Birthday Events -- Annapolis
This year's July 4th kicks off the America 250 year-long commemoration. Annapolis has a full day of special programming alongside the regular festivities. Visit Annapolis250.net for the complete schedule.
Naturalization Ceremony at William Paca House
Time: 9 AM and 10 AM
Location: William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis
- Individuals from around the world take the Oath of Citizenship on the outdoor terrace
- Conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, hosted by Historic Annapolis
Historic Annapolis America 250 Programming
Time: Throughout the day
Location: Downtown Annapolis -- multiple locations
- Large outdoor movie screening
- Revolutionary reenactments and storytelling
- Conversation with George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette reenactors in Eastport
- Wave the Flag -- make an American flag at Hammond-Harwood House at 11 AM
- Food festival and local vendors at People's Park
Capital SUP Fireworks Paddle & Cookout
Location: Capital SUP Eastport
- Catered Cookout by Smokehouse
- Guided SUP or kayak tour through Back Creek then Firework viewing
- Ticketed Event
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Amos Garrett Blvd and West St → Church Circle → Main St → City Dock / Susan Campbell Park
- Marching bands, community groups, and vintage vehicles
- Ends at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock
- Spa Creek Bridge closed to traffic from Eastport into Annapolis until 10 PM
Fireworks
Time: 9:15 PM
Location: Launched from a barge in Annapolis Harbor
- The largest fireworks show in Anne Arundel County
- Best viewing spots: City Dock, northeast Severn River, Naval Academy Bridge area, Eastport across Spa Creek
- Also excellent from a boat on the harbor
- Spa Creek Bridge closed from Eastport into Annapolis until 10 PM -- plan your route
- Claim your spot by 8 PM -- it fills up quickly
Gibson Island Fireworks -- Viewable by Boat
Time: 9:15 PM | Rain date: Sunday, July 5
Location: Gibson Island, Chesapeake Bay (near Pasadena and the Magothy River mouth)
- Private club fireworks -- marina grounds for slip holders only
- Viewable from the Chesapeake Bay near the island by boat
Herrington Harbour South Fireworks -- Viewable by Boat
Time: Approx. 9:15 PM
Location: Herrington Harbour South, Rose Haven (near Deale on Herring Bay)
- Fireworks launched from Herrington Harbour South over Herring Bay
- Marina grounds are private for slip holders
- Viewable from boats on Herring Bay and from private docks and bayfront properties nearby
- The closest fireworks display to the Deale area
