5 FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES IN ANNAPOLIS PERFECT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
Red, white and blue, and in Maryland’s capital, too! As an Annapolis native now fortunate enough to be stationed back in the area, the Fourth of July has long been my favorite holiday to celebrate locally. There are so many events jam packed into the upcoming weekend, so I have done my best to streamline my personal favorites here.. From elaborate neighborhood parades, to festive fireworks shows, and everything in between, the Fourth of July is a holiday that Annapolis doesn’t miss a beat on.
Here is a local’s breakdown of our families’ favorite stops, year after year:
Dining Under the Stars
Every Wednesday evening in the summer in downtown Annapolis from May until September, foodies can visit The Inner West Street Association’s Dining Under the Stars, which takes place in the final stretch of West Street closest to St. Anne’s Circle.
The restaurants that line both sides of West Street, such as Picante, Luna Blu, Tsunami, and Ram’s Head Tavern, team up to offer patio seating underneath an elaborate row of string lights woven between the historic buildings.
Each week, a different local band comes out to perform for the crowd of restaurant-goers. Wednesday evenings at this fun event are always a local favorite here in Annapolis!
Sherwood Forest Fireworks
Every year on July 3, the community of Sherwood Forest, just outside of Annapolis in nearby Crownsville, puts on their own fireworks show.
The best place to watch their fireworks is by boat anchored out in the Severn River, which connects the various cities surrounding Annapolis to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The show begins just after sunset, usually between 8:45pm-9pm, and lasts about thirty minutes.
Don’t have your own vessel to take to watch the show? Don’t fret!
Military-friendly locally owned businesses often offer tickets for guided cruises from Annapolis City Dock, down the Severn River, to Sherwood Forest on July 3rd.
Tip: If traveling by your own boat or someone else’s, arrive early. Boats arrive well before sunset (usually between 6-7pm), and drop anchor off of the Sherwood Forest neighborhood pier. To avoid a congested ride in to your anchoring spot, arrive early.
Severna Park Fourth of July Parade
While my family and I reside in Annapolis now, I was lucky enough to grow up in nearby Severna Park, which is an incredible community just up the Severn River lined with family and military-friendly neighborhoods, some of the best public and private schools in the state, and tons of wonderful locally-owned businesses.
Each year on the Fourth of July, The Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce puts on a parade which includes each neighborhood in the town and dozens of local businesses.
Neighborhoods assemble committees weeks if not months in advance to build floats, and children, pets, and residents march in support of various causes. The entire town always shows up big for this annual event which is beaming with Maryland pride.
Tip: The parade runs from 10am-noon through historic downtown Severna Park. Secure your viewing spot in advance to get the best view of the parade.
City of Annapolis Parade
On Independence Day in Annapolis every year, the city puts on a huge parade that draws an impressive crowd from residents all over the state.
The parade commences at 6:30pm, and starts on Ammos Garrett Boulevard (behind Maryland Hall, off West Street), and proceeds up West Street through the Arts District before arriving at State Circle and circling through historic downtown and Main Street.
Much like the parade in Severna Park, local businesses of all kinds participate via floats along with dance and sports teams and schools, non profit groups and more. This family-friendly event is one of our favorites every year.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot in the Noah Hillman parking garage located just off Main Street at 150 Gorman Street.
City of Annapolis Fireworks
While July 3 is all about the Sherwood Fireworks, the fourth of July in Annapolis is all about the City of Annapolis fireworks display!
The city plants a floating barge in the middle of the Annapolis Harbor with perfect viewing spots in all directions from the Naval Academy, Main Street, and the Maritime Republic of Eastport. The fireworks go off at 9:15pm and last about thirty minutes.
Tip: Military ID card holders can drive onto the yard at The U.S. Naval Academy for a viewing spot that isn’t open to the general public. Visitors can lay out blankets along the seawall for a front row seat to the show!
Don't Miss Out on Festive Fun in Maryland’s Capital
The week of the Fourth of July is a favorite holiday for many Annapolitans, and for good reason. Whether you’re in the mood for a parade, a fireworks show, or a great meal outdoors with live music, Maryland’s capital has it all, as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day.
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