Celebrating the Fourth of July by Land and Sea 2026
Below you will find our list of Fourth of July festivities along the waterfront. Check event websites for updates or weather cancellations. We will also continue to update events at spinsheet.com/calendar.
Wednesday, July 1
Kent Narrows, MD: Queen Anne’s County’s annual fireworks show is scheduled for July 1 with a rain date of July 2 (only fireworks will be rescheduled; all other activities will be canceled). Located at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center; event opens at 6 p.m. Fireworks launch at 9:15 p.m. Find food trucks, live music, and plenty of activities for children. Free parking at the old Kent Narrows outlets (handicap parking is available). qac.org
Friday, July 3
Chesapeake Beach, MD: Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at Kellam’s Field Complex and include live entertainment, food trucks and sweet treats, family-friendly activities, and more. Fireworks will launch from barges in the Chesapeake Bay near Veterans’ Memorial Park at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). chesapeakebeachmd.gov
Irvington, VA: On July 3, the Rappahannock River Yacht Club will host a patriotic decorated boat parade on Carters Creek beginning at 2 p.m. to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary. Boats will gather near Custom Yachts, cruise past The Tides Inn into the western branch of Carters Creek, and return to eastern branch near Custom Yachts. irvingtonva.gov
North East, MD: The 35th annual Salute to Cecil County Veterans and fireworks show returns to North East Community Park from 4 to 10 p.m. This free, family-friendly event includes food vendors, community organizations, live music, and activities for all ages. A fireworks show over the North East River at dusk will close out the night. stoccv.org
Oxford, MD: The Oxford fireworks show celebrates Independence Day on the “Strand.” Bring your lawn chair and get a spot early! oxfordmd.gov.
Rock Hall, MD: Fireworks over the harbor at 9 p.m. Parade at 10 a.m. the next day. rockhallmd.com
Saturday, July 4
Annapolis, MD: Get ready for a full day of events, including the West Annapolis Bike Parade at 9 a.m., a food festival with local vendors beginning at 11:45 a.m. at People’s Park, a Fourth of July Festival with Historic Annapolis, the City of Annapolis Downtown Parade at 6:30 p.m., the USNA Electric Brigade Concert on the State House Grounds at 7:45 p.m., and more. Fireworks over Spa Creek begin around 9:15 p.m. visitannapolis.org
Baltimore, MD: The celebration kicks off at the Inner Harbor Amphitheatre at 6 p.m., followed by a live band performance from Avenue 66 along the Waterfront Promenade, where the fireworks show takes place at 9 p.m. At 9:30 there will be a drone show at Middle Branch Park. baltimore.org
Cambridge, MD: Watch fireworks over the Choptank River at dusk (a little after 9 p.m.). Bring your own blankets and chairs, snacks, and bug spray. View from Long Wharf (High and Water Streets), Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh (at the end of Somerset Avenue at the Choptank River), or Cambridge Harbor (next to the Dorchester County Visitor Center). visitdorchester.org
Drayden, MD: Dennis Point Marina and Campground will host a USA 250th celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. with food, music, games, and a fireworks display. Cost: $20 per vehicle. dennispointmd.com
Easton, MD: Celebrate summer in Easton with a classic hometown carnival capped by a star-spangled July 4th fireworks show. Plan to arrive early on July 4 to secure a good viewing spot near the designated launch area. tourtalbot.org
Irvington, VA: The Irvington Fourth of July Hometown Parade takes place at 3 p.m. on King Carter Drive. irvingtonva.gov
Kinsale, VA: Find live music, food, and drinks at The Slips, where the crowd gathers to celebrate the 4th of July and watch fireworks launched at 9:15 p.m. over the Yeocomico River. the-slips.com/july-4th
Middle River: The Fireworks Extravaganza over Middle River has become a cherished tradition bringing the community together. Visit mtabc.org for more information/to make a donation. Weather may affect start time. No rain date. No public viewing location.
Newport News, VA: 6 to 9:15 p.m. at Victory Landing Park. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. and can be seen over the James River. visitnewportnews.com
Norfolk, VA: 5 to 10 p.m. at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. The free event begins with live patriotic music, food, and family-friendly activities, followed by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. high above the Elizabeth River. Also featuring a wide variety of all-American fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, cotton candy, and more. festevents.org
Ocean City, MD: Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States at two locations: N. Division Street and Northside Park. The fun kicks off at N. Division Street with live music acts at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy music at Northside Park beginning at 8 p.m. followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. ococean.com
Solomons, MD: Join the family-friendly celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. featuring live entertainment, more than 30 vendors, inflatables and bounce houses, face painting... and a fireworks finale. Find details at solomonsmaryland.org and calvertcountymd.gov/calendar. For the Solomons Island Fourth of July Boat Parade dress up your boat and join in on the fun. The starting cannon will sound at 12 p.m. sharp on Mill Creek in Solomons at 38.331264 x 76.450065. No registration, just jump in behind the last boat and form a line. Stay on channel 68 for the duration of the parade.
Virginia Beach, VA: The Stars and Stripes Celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. at the 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks. Live concerts at each location followed by an oceanfront fireworks display (24th Street) at 9:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. virginiabeach.gov
Washington, DC: A full day of programming on the National Mall culminates in a massive pyrotechnics display. America’s National Independence Day Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at 3rd St. and Constitution Ave. The annual concert event, A Capitol Fourth, will move to July 3 to kick off a weekend of celebrations. washington.org
Yorktown, VA: A full day of patriotic festivities, featuring a spirited parade through the village, a traditional bell ringing ceremony marking the historic call for liberty, a lively outdoor concert, and a spectacular fireworks display over the York River at 9:15 p.m. visityorktown.org
Sunday, July 5
Chesapeake City, MD: Free family fun event in Pell Gardens with food and craft vendors and live music starting at 5 p.m. The fireworks will start at dark (approximately 9:30 p.m.) from the hill behind Schaefer’s. Plenty of free parking at the old elementary school. chesapeakecity.com
Havre de Grace, MD: 2 p.m. parade down Union Avenue, 7:30 p.m. concert at Concord Point Park, and fireworks over the Susquehanna River at 9:15 p.m. hdgjuly4th.com
St. Michaels, MD: The Children’s Parade will kick off the celebration, beginning at 10 a.m. Patriotic dress is encouraged for kids, bicycles, tricycles, wagons, and pets! The main event is on July 5 when fireworks will light up St. Michaels Harbor shortly after dusk. You can also purchase tickets to attend the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Big Band Night from 6 to 10 p.m. with live music, dancing, and a great vantage point to see the fireworks. cbmm.org
