There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in Maryland’s historic capital city, and there’s certainly enough going on downtown to keep you occupied all day and well into the night on July 4th. Come decked out in red, white and blue and let Annapolis take care of the rest — you’re guaranteed to have an excellent, not to mention an uber-patriotic, holiday. 

4th of July Parade

6:30 p.m.

Begin your night by watching the annual Independence Day Parade, where marching bands, firetrucks, service clubs and scouts take to the streets of Annapolis, starting at Amos Garrett Boulevard and West Street then heading toward Church Circle, down Main Street, left on Randall Street and ending in front of the Market House. Anywhere along the parade route will provide you with a good view.

4th of July Fireworks

9:15 p.m.

If you’ve never seen the fireworks as they sparkle and fly over the water, you’re in for a treat. Stop by Susan Campbell Park after the parade at 8 p.m. to hear the Naval Academy’s Concert Band perform, then make your way toward the Annapolis Harbor for the fireworks. The fireworks are launched off a barge in the harbor, and optimal viewing points include City Dock, along the Naval Academy Bridge and any of the street-end parks facing Spa Creek. And from a boat on the water, of course. 

Fireworks Cruises

July 3 – 4, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Speaking of watching fireworks from a boat on the water… On the night of July 3 and 4, board the Harbor Queen from City Dock, watch the beautiful fireworks displays in the sky and even purchase a drink or two from the boat’s full bar. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for children 11 and under on July 3, and each increase by $5 on the 4th. You might want to book your spot ahead of time. 

Music at City Dock 

8 p.m.

Local radio station WRNR will broadcast live from their Sky Box Studio above City Dock and will air a special holiday playlist starting at 8 p.m. Ready yourself for the sounds of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, as well as the annual playing of “Stars and Stripes Forever” at 9:15 p.m. to signal the countdown of the fireworks display. They will continue playing only the most patriotic of tunes during the fireworks display.

New Citizens Independence Day Celebration

10 a.m.

Get to Annapolis a little early on the 4th to join Historic Annapolis in celebrating 40 new U.S. citizens. The free event is an annual tradition in Annapolis and takes place at the William Paca House and Garden every Independence Day.

TRAFFIC INFO & ROAD CLOSURES 

Parking Prohibited 

Approximately 4 – 10:30 p.m.

City Dock
Main Street
Randall Street
Market Space
Both sides of Severn Avenue between First and Burnside Streets
East side of First, Second and Third Streets between Severn and Chester Avenues
South side of Chesapeake and Chester Avenues between Riverview Avenue and Burnside Street
Bay Ridge Avenue between Sixth and Burnside Streets
Bembe Beach Road from Awald Road to end

Road Closures

Approximately 5 – 10:30 p.m.

King George Street and College Avenue
Prince George Street and College Avenue
North Street and College Avenue
Church Circle and Main Street
Duke of Gloucester Street at Conduit Street, at Green Street, at St. Mary’s Street and at Compromise Street

Residents Only

Approximately 2 p.m. – Midnight

Prince George Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from Craig Street to Maryland Avenue from 2 p.m. to midnight. East Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from Prince George Street to King George Street from 2 p.m. to midnight. Randall Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from Prince George Street to King George Street from 2 p.m. to midnight.

Approximately 2 – 10:30 p.m.

Both sides of Severn Avenue between First Street and Severn Avenue
East side of First and Third Streets between Severn and Chester Avenues
Both sides of Third Street between Spa Creek and Severn Avenue and from Chester Avenue to Eastern Avenue
East side of Second Street from Severn Avenue to Bay Front Avenue
South side of Chesapeake and Chester Avenues between Riverview Avenue and State Street
Bay Ridge Avenue between Sixth and State Streets