In the City
July 4: Visionary Pets on Parade: Dress your pet up, and come out for a fun filled pet-centric event. Activities include costume contests (most patriotic, most visionary, owner and pet look-alikes), pet musical chairs, a pet parade, and a most talented (and most not talented) competition. H20 and baggies included! 800 Key Hwy. 9:30 a.m. Free. 410-244-1900. avam.org.
July 4: The Glorious Fourth!...An Old Fashioned Fourth of July at Fort McHenry: Fort McHenry offers fife-and-drum music, cannon firing, a musket salute for 18 states, period dancing and games, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. 2400 E. Fort Avenue. 12-4:30 p.m. 410-962-4290. nps.gov/fomc.
July 4: Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration: Baltimore’s premiere Fourth of July celebration includes music by country band Mason Vixon and the U.S. Naval Academy Electric Brigade, as well as an appearance by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake who will officially kick off the Independence Day celebration preceding the firework show! Inner Harbor. 4-10 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. bop.org.
July 4: Top of the World Fourth of July Celebration: Take a sky-high view of the fireworks from Baltimore’s World Trade Center. Enjoy sliders, hot dogs, barbecue chicken and corn on the cob with open bar (beer and wine). 401 E. Pratt Street. 7-10 p.m. $30-75. 410-837-8439. viewbaltimore.org.
July 4: USS Constellation Museum’s Independence Day Deck Party Picnic: Overlook the Inner Harbor high above the crowds and enjoy a wonderful view of the fireworks. Look forward to plenty of backyard barbeque as well as an assortment of delicious local brew. Live music, special tours, cannon firings. Inner Harbor. 7-10 p.m. Free-$65. 410-539-1797. historicships.org. July 4: Baltimore Spirit Cruises: Experience the fireworks from the bay on a luxurious dining vessel! Featuring a buffet, interactive DJ, entertainment, and dancing. 561 Light Street. 7 p.m. $99.90. 866-312-2469. spiritcruisesbaltimore.com.
July 4: July 4th at The Baltimore Museum of Industry: Besides a great view of the fireworks, expect museum tours and other activities. Pack a snack or buy food in the pavilion. 1415 Key Highway. 6-10 p.m. $40-60 (per car). 410-727-4808 ext. 105. bmi.org.
July 4: Pier Party at the National Aquarium: Enjoy a great view of the fireworks and live entertainment. Bring a picnic basket or purchase snacks at the party. There is ample, unreserved seating. Entry into the aquarium will be permitted from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. 7-10 p.m. (admission to aquarium: 7-8:30) $15-40. 410-727-3474. aqua.org.
In the County
July 4: 32nd Annual Kingsville Independence Parade: Since 1980, the Kingsville Parade has been an exclusively volunteer-run effort to commemorate our nation’s independence. Features pre-parade music and other festivities. Parade starts at the Fire Company and proceeds on Bradshaw Road to Jerusalem Road, ending at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. 11601 Bellvue Ave. 9:30 a.m. 410-592-7385. kingsvilleparade.org.
July 4: Towson 4th of July Parade: Follow the parade on Bosley and Burke Avenues. 10:30 a.m. 410-832-2190. towsonparade.org.
July 3-5: Star-Spangled Spectacular: Join the BSO at Oregon Ridge Park for an independence day extravaganza featuring Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever and more, choreographed to an amazing fireworks display! Plus hear the BSO’s Oh, Say Can You Sing contest winner perform the national anthem. Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville. 8 p.m. $9-18. 410-783-4000. bsomusic.org.
July 4: The Dundalk Heritage Fair Parade and Fireworks: This year’s 78th annual Dundalk Heritage Fair Parade’s theme is “Welcome Home Our Troops.” The fair’s mission is to support and reinforce the tremendous patriotism of the Greater Dundalk Community. North Point Government Center. 8:15 a.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Free-$5. 410-284-4022. dundalkheritagefair.org.
