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Your Insider’s Guide to Fourth of July Weekend in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Your local guide to the holiday weekend
Fourth of July Events in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Anne Arundel County
Parades, fireworks, community activities, historic programs, waterfront celebrations, and a few local tips to make the weekend easier.
The Fourth of July lands on a Saturday in 2026, and Anne Arundel County is making the most of it. Annapolis has a full America 250 lineup, Severna Park is bringing back its classic hometown parade, and nearby communities are hosting fireworks, family activities, and small-town celebrations throughout the long weekend.
Use this guide to plan your weekend, especially if you want to mix a daytime parade with evening fireworks. As always, check the official event pages before heading out, since times, parking details, and weather plans can change.
Quick picks
Weekend at a Glance
Here is the fast version before we get into the details.
Start with fireworks or history
- Fort Meade Red, White & Blue Celebration, 4 PM to 10 PM
- Fort Meade fireworks, 9:30 PM
- Historic London Town: Music of the American Revolution, 6 PM to 7 PM
Ease into the weekend
- Naturalization Ceremony at William Paca House & Garden
- Mrs. Howard's Coffeehouse at Hogshead
- Hamilton outdoor movie at St. John's College
- Sawmill Creek Park fireworks in Glen Burnie
Parades, music and Spa Creek fireworks
- West Annapolis Bike Parade, 9:30 AM
- Severna Park Parade, 10 AM
- Eastport Parade, 10:30 AM
- Downtown Annapolis Parade, 6:30 PM
- Spa Creek fireworks, 9:15 PM
Thursday, July 2
Kick Off the Weekend Early
If you want to avoid packing everything into Saturday, Thursday gives you two good options: fireworks at Fort Meade or a quieter history-focused evening at Historic London Town.
Fort Meade Red, White & Blue Celebration
Fort Meade's America's 250th Birthday celebration is free and open to the public at the Parade Field. Expect a DJ, food and beverage vendors, novelty vendors and family activities, with fireworks scheduled for 9:30 PM.
Music of the American Revolution at Historic London Town
For something a little calmer and very on-theme for America 250, Historic London Town & Gardens is hosting a one-hour concert featuring period songs, marches and ballads performed on traditional instruments. This one is a great fit for history lovers, grandparents, out-of-town guests or anyone who wants a low-key start to the holiday weekend.
Friday, July 3
Make It a Full Weekend
Friday has a nice mix of meaningful historic programming, outdoor movie fun and a fireworks option in Glen Burnie.
Naturalization Ceremony at William Paca House & Garden
Historic Annapolis is hosting an outdoor Naturalization Ceremony at the William Paca House & Garden. It is one of the more meaningful ways to begin the weekend, especially during America's 250th anniversary year.
Mrs. Howard's Coffeehouse at Hogshead
Stop by Hogshead Trades Museum to meet Mary Howard, proprietress of the Maryland Coffeehouse, and learn how colonial coffeehouses became gathering places for news, ideas and revolutionary conversation.
Movies Under the Liberty Tree: Hamilton at St. John's College
Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic for a free outdoor screening of Hamilton on the lawn at St. John's College. The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet is scheduled to perform before the movie.
Sawmill Creek Park Fireworks in Glen Burnie
The Glen Burnie Improvement Association's annual fireworks celebration at Sawmill Creek Park is a good Friday-night option if you want fireworks without doing downtown Annapolis. The park opens at 4 PM, and fireworks are expected around 9 PM. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic, or plan to grab food from vendors on site.
Saturday, July 4
Annapolis on the Fourth
Downtown Annapolis is the big one this year. Between America 250 programming, neighborhood parades, food vendors, music and fireworks over Spa Creek, you can easily make a full day of it.
West Annapolis Bike Parade
Start the day with decorated bikes and neighborhood charm. The West Annapolis Bike Parade begins at the top of Melvin Avenue and heads toward West Annapolis Elementary.
Eastport Parade
The Eastport parade starts at Eastport Elementary School and brings that classic Eastport energy. This is a fun pick if you want a festive morning without committing to the whole downtown day.
People's Park Food Vendors, Music and America 250 Programming
People's Park will host food vendors, live music and cultural programming throughout the afternoon. The schedule includes local and international food, live performances and storytelling connected to the America 250 celebration.
Historic Annapolis 4th of July Celebration
Historic Annapolis is offering a multi-site festival with access to the William Paca House & Garden, Hogshead Trades Museum and the Museum of Historic Annapolis. This is one of the best add-ons if you have family visiting or want the day to feel more connected to the 250th anniversary.
Maryland State House 250th Celebration
The Maryland State House will be part of the day's America 250 programming, with activities, exhibits and a chance to connect Annapolis's role in the founding era to the celebration happening now.
Downtown Annapolis Parade
The City of Annapolis parade steps off at 6:30 PM, beginning at Amos Garrett Boulevard and moving along West Street, around Church Circle, then toward Northwest Street and Calvert Street. Expect marching bands, community groups, vintage vehicles and a lot of people downtown.
USNA Electric Brigade at the State House Grounds
Before the fireworks, the USNA Electric Brigade is scheduled to perform family-friendly popular and patriotic songs on the State House Grounds.
Fireworks Over Spa Creek
The fireworks display over Spa Creek is scheduled for approximately 9:15 PM. Popular viewing areas fill quickly, so give yourself more time than you think you need.
Severna Park
Classic Hometown Fourth of July Fun
Severna Park's July 4 traditions are easy to love: decorated bikes, floats, families lining the route and that small-town parade feeling that never really gets old.
Decorated Bike Contest at the Chamber
Kids can decorate bikes, tricycles and wagons before joining the parade group. Registration is free, and helmets are required. The contest begins at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce at 1 Holly Avenue.
Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber Independence Day Parade
The annual parade is scheduled from 10 AM to noon and is sponsored by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce. Expect community groups, local businesses, decorated entries, and plenty of red, white, and blue.
More local picks
More Around Anne Arundel County
Not everyone wants to stay downtown all day. These are good options if you are looking for a different plan, a smaller-town parade or a Friday-night fireworks show.
Glen Burnie Fireworks at Sawmill Creek Park
A practical Friday-night pick if you want a classic fireworks evening before the busier July 4 schedule. Park opens at 4 PM, fireworks are expected around 9 PM, and the rain date is Sunday, July 5.
Galesville Heritage July Fourth Parade
Galesville's parade celebrates America's 250th and the village's 30-year parade tradition. The parade is listed from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Galesville Heritage Museum area, with staging beginning at 12:30 PM.
Cape St. Claire Parade and Beach Celebration
Cape St. Claire's annual celebration begins with a 10 AM parade from the fire department to the beach, followed by beach activities for all ages from 11 AM to 2 PM. This is a good one to check if you are closer to the Broadneck side of the county.
Before You Go
A little planning goes a long way on July 4, especially in downtown Annapolis.
Official Event Links and Helpful Local Guides
- Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Fourth of July guide
- City of Annapolis parade, fireworks and closure information
- Annapolis 250 July 4 schedule
- Annapolis 250 official website
- Severna Park Independence Day Parade
- Severna Park Decorated Bike Contest
- Fort Meade Red, White & Blue Celebration
- Historic London Town: Music of the American Revolution
- Sawmill Creek Park fireworks
- Galesville Heritage July Fourth Parade
- Annapolis Moms Media Fourth of July guide
- Naptown Scoop Fourth of July in Annapolis guide
Happy Fourth of July from The Jen Holden Group
Whether you are watching fireworks from the water, decorating bikes in Severna Park or spending the day downtown, we hope this guide helps you make the most of the long weekend.
Save it, share it with your July 4 crew, and check back for more local guides around Annapolis, Severna Park, and Anne Arundel County.
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