It’s fireworks, food, floats and fun this Independence Day in Anne Arundel County. From annual displays to new traditions, there are plenty of ways to star-spangle your holiday, in addition to the City of Annapolis Parade.
Take a harbor cruise
Various charters are available in and around Annapolis to see the fireworks, including Watermark Cruises, Darling Charters and Naptown Tiki Club Cruises. Schooner Woodwind is sold out for its fireworks cruise, but daytime sailing is available July 4.
See parades from around the county
Patriotic parades are happening all over the county throughout the day. At 10 a.m., the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Stars and Stripes Forever parade.
The route will begin on Benfield Road at Our Shepard Lutheran Church and continue down Evergreen Road, finishing at Woods Memorial Church off Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. There, judges will award prizes to the top three floats and a decorated bike contest will take place.
The annual Eastport July 4th Kids Parade begins at 10:30 a.m., marching from Eastport Elementary School to Turner Park. A party will follow at the park with awards for best dressed scooter, wagon, or bike, along with games, ponies and frozen treats.
Shady Side Community Center hosts its annual parade at 10 a.m., with participants invited to bring a float, motorized vehicle or bicycle. It will start at the Corner Grill on Shady Side Road and end at the community center on Snug Harbor Road.
Celebrate Annapolis history
Celebrate the founding of our nation at the William Paca House in downtown Annapolis, named for one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The day will begin with a naturalization ceremony at 9 a.m., where people from around the globe mark their new U.S. citizenship.
Living history ceremonies will take place throughout the day beginning at 10:30 a.m., including reenactments of Frederick Douglass’ life. Explore the William Paca House and other parts of downtown, including the Waterfront Warehouse and Museum of Historic Annapolis. The events conclude at 2:30 p.m.
Eat out
Several Annapolis restaurants will have deals or live music events to go along with the city’s Independence Day celebration:
Carrol’s Creek Cafe at 410 Severn Ave. has a direct view of the fireworks from Eastport. The cost of table tickets includes a three-course meal from a selected menu and gratuity.
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille at 80 Compromise St. offers dockside dining and a view of the fireworks, which includes a three-course meal for $99. Seating begins at 8 p.m. and advance booking is required.
Severn Inn at 1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. also has dockside seating and a full buffet including a raw bar. Reservations should be made in advance with seating available at 5:30 p.m.
Stan and Joe’s Saloon at 37 West St. will have live music by Sidewalk Soul starting at 9 p.m.
Pearl Restaurant and Ponche Tiki Bar at 26 Market Space is hosting 4th of July karaoke at 6 p.m.
