Stars, Stripes & Summer Delights: Celebrating July 4th Guide in Annapolis

Nothing says “Happy Birthday, America!” like the sight of our communities decked out in red, white, and blue. From morning parades with decorated bikes to evening fireworks over the bay, Annapolis and Severna Park have a star-spangled lineup of events for families. This festive guide (inspired by the Annapolis Moms 2025 roundup) highlights the best parades, fireworks displays, community festivals, boat cruises, and patriotic activities – all perfect for kids and parents alike. Grab your folding chairs, sunscreen, and patriotic spirit, and let’s celebrate like locals!

Parades and Patriotic Processions

Severna Park Independence Day Parade (50th Anniversary)

When & Where: Friday, July 4, 2025 | Decorated Bike Contest: 9:15 am; Parade: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Starts at Benfield Road (Our Shepherd Lutheran Church) and ends at Cypress Creek Road.

What to Expect: A beloved hometown parade celebrating its 50th year! Nearly 100 floats, marching bands, local organizations, and plenty of giveaways, bubbles, and candy for the kids will roll through the heart of Severna Park. The fun kicks off with a patriotic bike contest for kids at 9:15 am – little ones can deck out their bikes in red, white, and blue and join the festivities. The community lines the route early to snag curbside spots.

Insider Tip: Arrive up to an hour early for prime viewing along Benfield Road. Parking can be tight; consider using side streets. If anyone in the family needs a restroom break, head toward Cypress Creek Park near the parade’s end – porta‑potties are typically available there. Don’t forget water and sunscreen – a July morning can heat up fast!

Cape St. Claire 4th of July Parade & Beach Celebration

When & Where: Friday, July 4, 2025 | Parade: 10:00 am – 11:00 am, starting at the Cape St. Claire Volunteer Fire Department and ending at the Main Beach in Cape St. Claire. Post‑parade family party at the beach: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

What to Expect: This charming neighborhood parade is a mini hometown party. Think kids on bikes, dogs in bandanas, and floats by local families and swim clubs. The parade winds its way from the firehouse to the waterfront, where the celebration continues on the beach. Once the last float arrives, families can stick around for old‑fashioned field games and contests: water balloon tosses, spoon‑and‑egg races, a watermelon‑eating contest, a patriotic photo booth, and of course, frosty snowballs. Prizes are awarded for the most patriotic and most creative parade entries, so the community really goes all‑out decorating bikes, wagons, and floats.

Insider Tip: If you want to be in the parade, be at the firehouse by 9:30 am. Otherwise, find a spot along Cape St. Claire Road. After the parade, let the kids loose for games on the beach (bring towels and a change of clothes – they will get wet!). Pack a picnic or grab lunch from local food vendors by the beach. It’s a low‑key way to spend midday before the evening fireworks.

Annapolis Downtown Parade (Evening)

When & Where: Friday, July 4, 2025 | 6:30 pm through Downtown Annapolis (steps off at Amos Garrett Blvd, then down West St., around Church Circle, and down Main St. to City Dock).

What to Expect: Annapolis brings colonial flair to Independence Day with an evening parade through the historic downtown. You’ll see marching bands (often including the U.S. Naval Academy Band), fife‑and‑drum corps in colonial garb, dance troupes, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and creatively decorated floats. Mayor Gavin Buckley and local dignitaries usually lead the procession. As the sun sets, the brick‑lined streets fill with families eager for a patriotic pageant that ends by the City Dock – a perfect prelude to the fireworks.

Insider Tip: Plan to arrive by 5:30 – 5:45 pm for the best spots. Consider parking at one of the city garages (Hillman, Knighton, etc.) and walking, or use the free shuttle from Navy–Marine Corps Stadium (parking is $15; shuttles run 4:30 pm–midnight). Bring chairs or a blanket and pack snacks or ice cream from Main Street. Downtown road closures begin around 5:00 pm (Main St. and Spa Creek bridge) – arrive early or come by boat if you can!

Other Local Parade Option: If you’re an early riser or live in south county, check out the Shady Side 4th of July Parade at 9:30 am. Floats, decorated bikes, classic cars, and walkers are all welcome. The route runs along Shady Side Road (closing at 10:00 am) and ends near the waterfront. It’s smaller but full of community pride – perfect for catching two parades in one day.

Fireworks Displays to Light Up Your Night

Annapolis Harbor Fireworks & City Dock Festivities

When & Where: Friday, July 4, 2025 | 9:15 pm from a barge in Annapolis Harbor (visible at City Dock, Naval Academy Bridge, Eastport).

What to Expect: As night falls, Annapolis delivers a spectacular waterfront pyrotechnic show. Fireworks are launched over the harbor, reflecting on the water and lighting up the city skyline. The 20‑minute show is synchronized to patriotic music broadcast locally. Downtown transforms into a block party: families gather at City Dock, Spa Creek waterfront parks, and other vantage points to “ooh” and “aah.” Earlier in the evening, street performers and live music entertain while you wait.

Best Viewing Spots: City Dock is popular for its proximity to restrooms and ice cream. For fewer crowds, try Jonas Green Park or the Naval Academy Bridge overlook (limited parking). Small street‑end parks in Eastport offer intimate views. Or watch from a boat for an unforgettable perspective.

Insider Tip: Downtown road closures begin around 5:00 pm and the Spa Creek Bridge closes by 8:00 pm. Park early, enjoy dinner downtown or at the Naval Academy, then stake your spot. Bring glow sticks or LED wands for the kids, plus bug spray, chairs or blankets.

Sherwood Forest Community Fireworks (July 3)

When & Where: Thursday, July 3, 2025 | ~9:00 pm over the Severn River near Sherwood Forest (view best by boat).

What to Expect: A unique local tradition – Sherwood Forest residents host their own fireworks display on July 3. Fireworks launch from the riverbank, creating a stunning show families enjoy by boat or from nearby shores. While the community is gated, you can catch glimpses from the Naval Academy Bridge overlook, Jonas Green Park, or any waterfront spot across the river.

Insider Tip: The best view is by boat. Anchor on the Severn River and watch from the water. Watermark Cruises even offers a July 3rd cruise specifically for these fireworks. If you can’t boat, scope out the bridge or park overlooks.

Glen Burnie Independence Day Fireworks (July 3)

When & Where: Thursday, July 3, 2025 | 9:00 pm at Sawmill Creek Park, Glen Burnie (rain date: July 5).

What to Expect: For a less crowded experience, head to Glen Burnie’s Sawmill Creek Park. The annual display by the Glen Burnie Improvement Association is a family favorite. Spectators spread out blankets and chairs on the park’s open fields and enjoy snacks from concession stands as they await the boom.

Insider Tip: Park for free at Monsignor Slade Catholic School on Dorsey Road and walk to the park. Overflow at the light rail station on Baltimore‑Annapolis Blvd. Bring chairs, a blanket, and ear protection for little ears. Watching a big show in a smaller venue makes cleanup quick and traffic light on exit.

Bowie Baysox “Fireworks & Baseball” Nights

When & Where: Friday, July 4 & Saturday, July 5, 2025 | Game start: 6:35 pm; fireworks immediately after at Prince George’s Stadium, Bowie.

What to Expect: Baseball and fireworks – a perfect combo! Watch the Bowie Baysox (Double‑A Orioles affiliate) host home games on July 4 and 5, then stick around for a stadium fireworks show. Kids get mini‑flags, in‑inning games, and the chance to run on the field post‑game for a front‑row fireworks view.

Insider Tip: Tickets sell fast. Buy early and check the Baysox promotions page for special deals. Parking is free. Bring a glove – you might catch a foul ball on Independence Day!

Festivals, Historic Events & Kids’ Activities

Beyond parades and fireworks, these daytime celebrations offer history, culture, and active fun.

“Celebrate America!” at William Paca House & Downtown Historic Sites

When & Where: Friday, July 4, 2025 | Naturalization Ceremony: 9:00 am; celebration: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm at William Paca House & Garden (186 Prince George St.) plus Hogshead, Waterfront Warehouse, Museum of Historic Annapolis.

What to Expect: Begin with a moving Naturalization Ceremony at 9:00 am in Paca House’s garden tent, where new citizens take the Oath of Allegiance. Then tour four historic sites with one ticket: William Paca House & Garden, Hogshead trades workshop, Waterfront Warehouse, and the Museum of Historic Annapolis. Living history interpreters, colonial music, crafts, quill‑pen Declaration signings, scavenger hunts in the garden, and even Frederick Douglass reenactments bring history to life.

Insider Tip: Timed‑entry tickets required; reserve online. Kids under 3 are free; older kids discounted. Avoid stroller hassles in historic stairs/gravel – consider baby‑wearing. Parking downtown is limited due to parades – use garages or park in Eastport and walk.

Odenton’s GORC Park 4th of July Celebration (June 28)

When & Where: Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm; fireworks at 9:30 pm at GORC Park (940 Strawberry Lake Way, Odenton).

What to Expect: Kick off Independence Week early with a block party atmosphere: a DJ spinning tunes, inflatables, food trucks, carnival games, face painting, and a 9:30 pm fireworks show. It’s organized by local volunteers and perfect for younger kids who want a mellow evening before the big day.

Insider Tip: Bring chairs or blankets. Arrive early for games and to snag parking. Pack ear protection and cash for snack tables.

Star‑Spangled Cruises & Waterfront Experiences

Why watch from land when you can be on the water? Our sailing capital offers unforgettable fireworks cruises.

Watermark’s Fireworks Cruises: July 3 & 4 – depart City Dock around 7:30 pm, return after the show. Complimentary desserts onboard and full bar available. Watch Sherwood Forest fireworks on July 3 and Annapolis harbor fireworks on July 4 without crowds.

Schooner Woodwind’s Fireworks Sail: July 4 – 6:30 pm departure from Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. Sunset sail, then anchor under the fireworks barge. Soft drinks and dessert platter included; beer/wine available. Limited to 30 guests; ~3.5‑hour experience. A splurge worth remembering.

Insider Tip for Cruises: Book early — these fill up by early summer. Arrive downtown late afternoon, enjoy dinner, then check in 30–45 minutes before departure. Pack water, light layers, motion‑sickness remedies, and glow bracelets for the kids.

Final Thoughts: As a local realtor and neighbor who’s spent countless Fourth of July holidays here, I can assure you there’s something truly special about our community celebrations. Whether you’re waving at the Severna Park parade, picnicking at City Dock for the fireworks, or exploring colonial history with your kids, you’ll feel the sense of unity that makes our area shine. Happy Fourth of July to you and your family – may it be filled with laughter, patriotism, and plenty of “oohs” and “aahs”!

Enjoy your Fourth – and stay safe!