Popping fireworks, waving flags and red-hot crabs doused in Old Bay are just a few of the sites, smells and sounds of Maryland?s Fourth of July festivities. Before crowds ooo and ahh over spectacular night-time aerial displays, communities proudly display their patriotic spirit with parades, concerts and cruises. The seventh statein the union definitely knows how to celebrate the nation?s birth.
Baltimore City
>> Field Music Weekend ? A Fife and Drum Extravaganza, Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine, E. Fort Ave., Baltimore; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; $7; 410-962-4290.
>> 4th of July Visionary Pets on Parade, American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway, Baltimore; 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday; free; 410-244-1900.
>> 7th Annual July 4th Deck Party, USS Constellation Museum, 301 E. Pratt St., Baltimore; 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday; $25 to $65; 410-539-1797.
>> Baltimore?s Fourth of July Celebration, Baltimore?s Inner Harbor between Pratt, Light and President streets, Baltimore; 11 a.m. Wednesday; free; 410-752-8632.
>> Stars and Stripes Wiggle Wednesday, Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday; $10 to $14.50; 410-545-5927.
>> The Glorious Fourth! An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, E. Fort Ave., Baltimore; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday; $7; 410-962-4290.
>> Independence Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise, Bay Lady and Lady Baltimore, Inner Harbor, Baltimore; 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday; $40 to $80; 410-727-3113.
Baltimore County
>> Dundalk Heritage Independence Day Parade, Logan Village Shopping Center, Dundalk Ave., Dundalk; 8:15 a.m. Wednesday; free.
>> Towson Fourth of July Parade, Towson Courthouse, corner of Bosley Avenue and Towsontown Boulevard, Towson; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday; free; 410-832-2190.
>> Middle River Fireworks Extravaganza, Eastern Yacht Club, 2330 Seneca Road, Essex; dusk Sunday; free; 410-686-3555.
>> Fireworks, Woodholme Country Club, 300 Woodholme Ave., Pikesville; dusk Tuesday; free.
>> 60th Annual Catonsville Parade and Mammoth Fireworks Display; parade starts at Frederick Road and Montrose Avenue; fireworks at Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville; parade at 3 p.m. Wednesday; fireworks at 9:15 p.m.; free; 410-744-9655.
Anne Arundel County
>> Fort Meade Lights Up the Sky, Mapes Road and Route 175, Fort Meade; gates open at 1 p.m. Wednesday; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; free.
>> Independence Day Parade, Concert and Fireworks; parade begins at West Street around Church Circle; fireworks at Annapolis City Dock, Annapolis; parade at 6 p.m. Wednesday; fireworks at 8 p.m.; free; 410-293-0263.
>> Fourth of July Spectacular!, Anne Arundel Community College Stadium, Arnold; gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday; fireworks at 9 p.m.; free; call 410-269-1132.
Howard County
>> Music, Entertainment and Fireworks; Lake Kittamaquandi, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia; July 4; Entertainment at 2 p.m.; Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; free. Call 410-740-4545.
Carroll County
>> Old-Fashioned July 4th and Fabulous Fireworks Display, Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 South Center Street, Westminster; July 4; Celebration starts at noon; Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; free; 410-386-3880.
Harford County
>> 4th of July Parade and Festival, Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., Parkton; July 1; 2 p.m.; free.
>> Independence Day Carnival, Tydings Park, Havre de Grace; June 29 through July 3; various times; free; 410-939-4362.
>> Independence Celebration Parade, Union Ave., Havre de Grace; June 30; 2 p.m.; free; 410-939-4362.
