The Fourth of July is always an exciting occasion, and it’s especially exciting this year as the United States of America celebrates its 250th anniversary. The Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776. We celebrate this historic occasion every year, but 2026 offers a unique opportunity to look back on the country’s history and how it’s grown and changed over the past 250 years.
In addition to Fourth of July traditions like community parades, street fairs and fireworks shows in Sykesville, Bel Air, Catonsville and more, Baltimore area residents can look forward to unique events focused on U.S. history and culture, including a concert by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra highlighting music from the Revolutionary era, the annual Cherry Hill Music & Arts Waterfront Festival — a popular Fourth of July tradition in Baltimore — fun on the farm at the Carroll County Farm Museum (which features the biggest fireworks show in the county) and other can’t-miss celebrations for America’s semiquincentennial. Or you could start small by celebrating the holiday in your hometown, as many towns will be hosting their own parades, carnivals and fireworks shows. No matter where you live, you don’t have to travel far to get your fix of Fourth of July fun! As well as teaching your children about American history, these events also offer a great opportunity to get to know local community organizations marching or organizing floats in the area’s Fourth of July parades.
It’s worth noting that the Fourth of July can be one of the hottest days of the year, and many events celebrating the holiday take place outside. In addition to decking out your family in red, white and blue attire, make sure that everyone’s wearing sunscreen and proper sun protection!
Fireworks & Festivities
- 2026 Walkersville Carnival | Through July 4 (Walkersville)
- Helpful Hearts Family & Community Celebration | July 3 (Owings Mills)
- Star-Spangled 250! | July 3-4 (Cockeysville)
- Baltimore’s 4th of July Celebration | July 4 (Baltimore)
- Baltimore Fireworks Cruise on Catherine Marie | July 4 (Baltimore)
- Big Truck USA Day | July 4 (Parkton)
- Catonsville 79th Parade and Fireworks | July 4 (Catonsville)
- Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival | July 4 (Baltimore)
- Dundalk Heritage Fair Fireworks Spectacular | July 4 (Dundalk)
- Fourth of July Celebration at the Carroll County Farm Museum | July 4 (Westminster)
- Fullerton Fireworks | July 4 (Overlea)
- Howard County’s July 4th Fireworks | July 4 (Columbia)
- Independence Day Family Night and Fireworks VIP Viewing | July 4 (Baltimore)
- Independence Day in Bel Air | July 4 (Bel Air)
- Let Freedom Ring Parade | July 4 (Sykesville)
- Middle River Fireworks Extravaganza | July 4 (Middle River)
- Towson Fireworks | July 4 (Towson)
- A Red, White & Blue Tea | July 5 (Elkridge)
- Celebrate! Independence Day | July 5 (Havre de Grace)
- Kingsville Fireworks | July 5 (Kingsville)
