Fireworks Guide
Friday July 1
Herrington Harbour Fireworks
Fireworks set off from a barge illuminate Herring Bay. Marina grounds are reserved for members. But the view is great from boats, private docks, lawns and beaches. About 9:15pm, Herrington Harbour South, Rose Haven: www.herringtonharbour.com.
Chesapeake Beach Fireworks
Chesapeake Beach fireworks go up from a barge anchored off shore at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa. View on grounds, from the tiki bar or air-conditioned restaurant (tables reserved), where Split Second Band plays (5-9pm). For water fun with your fireworks, view from Chesapeake Beach Water Park or the beach at neighboring North Beach. For free views, come early to claim your space at Chesapeake Beach or North Beach boardwalk. Or watch by boat: www.chesapeake-beach.md.us.
Historic St. Mary’s Fireworks
Pyrotechnics follow Brass and Blues with the Chesapeake Orchestra playing Sousa, Filmore, Clarke, Anderson, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Prince and James Brown plus Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Music at 7pm: Townhouse Green, St. Mary’s College, St. Mary’s City: www.chesapeakeorchestra.org.
Sunday July 3
Sherwood Forest Fireworks
See this private community show from the Severn River — your boat or the Harbor Queen, with light snacks and cash bar. 7:30-10:30pm, Annapolis City Dock, $48 w/discounts, rsvp: http://bit.ly/BayWeekly_JulyThirdCruise.
Monday, July 4
Annapolis Fireworks
Fireworks rise from a barge anchored in Spa Creek, illuminating Annapolis Harbor, after a United States Naval Academy concert at City Dock (8pm). Town and water views including from the Harbor Queen (7:30-10:30pm, City Dock, $53 w/discounts includes snacks and a cash bar, rsvp: http://bit.ly/BayWeekly_ FireworksCruise): Annapolis, free: www.annapolis.gov.
Baysox Fireworks
Fireworks with an extended finale follow the Baysox Minor League baseball game with the Trenton Thunder; rsvp for picnic with all-you-can-eat buffet ($31 w/discounts). Picnic 5:30pm, game 6:35pm, Baysox Stadium, Bowie, rsvp: www.baysox.com.
Baltimore Fireworks
Greater Baltimore’s Fourth of July fireworks illuminate the Inner Harbor, where the fun starts early when the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers play at the amphitheater (7pm). Come early to find your spot on land or water; for a heightened view, watch from the Top of the World observation floor, World Trade Center ($50 w/discounts), rsvp: 410-837-8439; www.promotionandarts.org.
Solomons Fireworks
Fireworks shoot from a barge anchored in the Patuxent River, giving the entire island — plus boaters — front row seats. Arrive early for a parade of decorated boats showing their patriotic colors (noon); stay to stroll the Riverwalk and see the town. rsvp (ages 7+) by July 1 to watch aboard the Wm. B. Tennison; bring picnics and beverages (8pm, Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, $30: 410-326-2042 x41; www.solomonsmaryland.com.
Washington, D.C. Fireworks
Celebrate America with high drama, music and special effects as the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery blasts cannons with smoke and thunder as fireworks burst over the capital. Tens of thousands of celebrants gather early on the National Mall for the National Symphony Orchestra’s annual concert. The nation’s capital begins the day at 11:45am with the Independence Day parade down Constitution Ave. and Seventh St., traveling toward the Lincoln Memorial. Prime views thruout the city, including the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial and Ellipse: www.nps.gov.