Sailors Follow the Fireworks
If you’re looking for an amazing way to experience the razzle dazzle of Independence Day fireworks, a view from an anchorage or shoreline seat is hard to beat. It’s really cool to see the twinkling embers reflect on the water’s surface as they fall toward earth. It’s no wonder many Chesapeake sailors cruise from one show to another over the holiday weekend. We recommend arriving early and staying late. Better yet, sleep on the hook if you can and skip entirely weighing anchor and departing at the same time as everyone else. With that said, have fun, and remember to check event websites for weather cancellations before heading out. Happy Fourth!
Wednesday, July 3
North East, MD: The 32nd Annual Salute to Cecil County Veterans celebration runs from 4 to 10 p.m. at the North East Town Park. Veterans’ service organizations, food vendors, military vehicles and personnel, rubber ducky race, and more. The official ceremony begins at 8 p.m. and the evening concludes with fireworks over the water.
Rock Hall, MD: Fireworks over the harbor at 9 p.m. The Independence Day parade takes place Thursday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, July 4
Annapolis, MD: Parade runs 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning at Amos Garrett and West Street to Church Circle, and down Main Street. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. from a barge in Annapolis Harbor. Viewing areas include public spaces northeast of the Severn River, City Dock, along the Naval Academy Bridge, any of the street end parks facing Spa Creek, and aboard a boat in the Annapolis Harbor. The Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic from Eastport into Annapolis beginning at 6 p.m. and remain closed until the conclusion of the fireworks at approximately 10 p.m.
Baltimore, MD: 1 to 10 p.m. at various locations around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Chester, MD: Celebrate with Queen Anne’s County at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center. The free event starts at 6 p.m., with activities for children, live music, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Rain date July 5 (only fireworks, activities will be cancelled). Free parking at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center; handicap parking available.
Kinsale, VA: Live music, food, drinks, and vendors will be at The Slips Marina. Fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m. over the Yeocomico River. Hosted by the Yeocomico Club, The Slips, The Kinsale Market, and the Cople Volunteer Fire Department, this is a great annual community event.
Newport News, VA: Celebrate from 6 to 9:15 p.m. at Victory Landing Park with great food, live music, festive entertainers, and a fireworks display above the James River. Musical performances from Good Shot Judy and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. Gerome Meminger will conduct a live stage painting performance. Admission and parking are free.
Norfolk, VA: The Fourth of July Great American Picnic takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. Relax on the lawn and enjoy an evening of all-American fare with live entertainment from military brass bands. Fireworks above the Elizabeth River begin at 9:30 p.m. Free!
Ocean City, MD: Celebrate with great music and fireworks at two locations—Downtown Beach and Northside Park. Free.
Solomons, MD: Boat Parade will starts at noon at 8.331264 by 76.450065 (up Mill Creek) and go around the buoy on Back Creek. Dress up your boat or your person (stars and stripes and fun only). Follow the boat in front of you, do not lag behind (must be able to do 6 mph), and stay on channel 68. No registration, just show up. More information: [email protected]. Free concert at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15.
Yorktown, VA: Day starts with an 8K/5K run/walk at 8 a.m. followed by the 9 a.m. parade on Water and Main Streets. At 7 p.m., the Fifes and Drums of York Town performance and reading of the Declaration of Independence unfolds on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. Jazz band concert at 8 p.m. and fireworks over the York River at 9:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 6
Middle River, MD: Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County, begins at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.). Barges will be anchored just outside the six-knot zone in Middle River. Visit mtabc.org to make an online donation, or call (410) 335-7000 for more information. MTABC thanks Kyle Fennel of Chesapeake Marine and Rob Cooper (The Dock Guy) for their generosity in donating the use of barges for the show.
St. Michaels, MD: Fireworks in St. Michaels Harbor are scheduled for shortly after dusk with a rain date of July 7. Bring your lawn chairs and find a good spot in town or come by boat and anchor out in the Miles River. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) will host Big Band Night; doors open at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $7 for CBMM members, $12 for non-member adults. Visit cbmm.org/event/big-band-night to purchase tickets.
Where will you cruise after the shows? Find destination ideas here.
