Frederick Douglass delivered a keynote address on July 5, 1852, at an Independence Day celebration. While there, he posed a question: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Independence Day, otherwise known as the Fourth of July, did not represent freedom for enslaved African Americans, although it acknowledged the passage of the Declaration of Independence. Whether the Fourth of July serves as a time for reflection or celebration, the home of the red, white and blue has a complicated past but triumph and freedom for everyone is embedded in America’s story, too.
Juneteenth is a reminder of victorious freedom for all, but celebrating the Fourth of July is a personal choice. Today, celebrations that include fireworks, parades, parties, and barbecues still mark this country’s separation from the British Empire in 1776. For those who want to participate in activities, find compiled events that will be held on July 4, 2025 listed below. Confirm event details by reviewing source details.
July 4
Anne Arundel County parade and fireworks
Enjoy Annapolis’ parade at 6:30 p.m. The parade steps off from Amos Garrett Boulevard and proceeds along West Street, around Church Circle and down Main Street. Enjoy fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Top fireworks viewing locations include public spaces northeast of the Severn River, City Dock, Naval Academy Bridge, any of the end-of-street parks facing Spa Creek or from a boat in the harbor. See https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/4th-of-july/ for details.
Baltimore’s 4th of July Celebration and Baltimore City fireworks
Come to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore from 1:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m. Enjoy a celebration from 6-10 p.m., July 4, 2025. A kickoff celebration will be held at the Amphitheater at 6 p.m. Live band performance from Avenue 66 along the Waterfront Promenade at 7 p.m. Enoy a fireworks show at the Waterfront Promenade at 9 p.m. followed by a 9:30 p.m. drone show at Middle Branch Park located at 3301 Waterview Avenue in Baltimore. Obtain more details via https://baltimore.org/event/fourth-of-july-in-baltimore/.
The Youth Resiliency Institute in partnership with The Cherry Hill Community Coalition and The Cherry Hill Coalition Family Congress presents The Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival from 1- 9:45 at Middle Branch Park, located at 3301 Waterview Avenue in Baltimore. This year’s festival offers a variety of entertainment from hip-hop and R&B to jazz and gospel. It will be headlined by Navasha Daya. The festival also features arts & crafts; a children’s village; historical reenactments; and more. See https://cherryhillfest.com for more information.
July 4 Fireworks at Fairgrounds Park in Hagerstown, Maryland
Enjoying a professional-grade fireworks display at Hagerstown’s annual Independence Day fireworks display held at approximately 9:30 p.m. This impressive pyrotechnic show illuminates the evening sky over the park while families relax on blankets and lawn chairs. The park’s open spaces provide excellent viewing from multiple locations. Free. Ample parking. Visit https://www.hagerstownmd.org/1456/Fireworks-July-4th-at-Fairgrounds-Park for details.
Howard County’s July 4th Fireworks
Attend the 4th of July annual fireworks celebration located at Columbia Lakefront,10275 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland 21044. The event features live entertainment. Blankets may be placed at the Lakefront at 3 p.m. Bring a picnic or purchase food from on-site vendors from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy music performances produced by the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center from 6- 9:00 p.m. Fireworks hosted by Howard County Rec & Parks start around dusk or 9: 15 p.m. Rain date: 7/5, fireworks only. All ages can attend. Call 410-313-1668 or visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/july-4th-fireworks to obtain more information.
Takoma Park 4th of July Parade & Evening Street PartyTakoma Park hosts its annual Independence Day parade at 10:00 am on July 4. The parade starts at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Aves and travels South on Carroll Ave to Willow Ave, where it turns right. The parade will be followed by an evening street party celebrating American independence. This beloved community tradition features local organizations, families, and businesses parading through Takoma Park’s tree-lined streets, followed by evening festivities, live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities. Entertainment will be provided by Takoma Park Community Band from 6:00-6:45 p.m. and The JoGo Project Street 7:15-9:00 p.m. Free. See https://www.takomapark4th.org/when-and-where and https://www.takomapark4th.org/team-1.