2020 was a discouraging year on many fronts, but celebrating the 4th of July without our favorite waterfront fireworks displays just didn’t feel right. In 2021, not every municipal fireworks show is back up and running (Baltimore, for example, remains canceled this year), but an awful lot are ready for an audience this holiday weekend. Below, find our list of waterside displays.
Maryland
Middle River, July 3. Sponsored by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County (MTABC), who are still looking for donations to help offset the cost of the show, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Rock Hall, July 3. Starting at 9:15 p.m., the Town of Rock Hall promises a full 30-minute show. The Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company is asking for donations: rockhallvfc.org
St. Michaels, July 3. Bring your lawn chairs and find a good spot in town! The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will be open to the public for viewing. Or come by boat and anchor out in the Miles River.
Crisfield, July 3. Watch the fireworks at 9 p.m. from your boat or car (social distancing is required). Sponsored by the local American Legion post and hosted by Somers Cove Marina.
Havre de Grace, July 4. At Concord Point Park, patriotic music will be performed by the Maryland Military Band. Fireworks are shot from a barge directly in front of this location, starting at approximately 9:30 pm.
Annapolis, July 4. Beginning at 9:15 p.m., the best public places to watch are northeast of the Severn River, City Dock, along the Naval Academy Bridge (limited parking area), any of the street end parks facing Spa Creek, and aboard a boat in the Annapolis harbor.
Kent Island, July 4. The Family Fireworks Celebration takes place at 9:15 p.m. at the Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center in Chester, Md.
Solomons, July 4. Promising a bigger and better show for 2021, the Solomons Business Association (SBA) credits a community effort, the Save Solomons Fireworks Facebook page. Parking is available for $5 at Glascock Field, with funds going to the fireworks and the local Boy Scout troop. Rain date July 5.
Easton, July 4. Fireworks and carnival finale on the corner of MD Route 33 (St. Michael’s Road) and MD Route 322 (Easton Parkway). Rain date July 5.
Cambridge, July 4. A fireworks show over the Choptank River at dusk (usually a little bit after 9pm). Best viewing spots include Great Marsh Park, near Somerset Avenue and Hambrooks Boulevard and Long Wharf Park, near High and Water Streets.
Ocean City, July 4. Simultaneous fireworks displays, downtown on the beach at North Division Street and uptown at 125th Street at Northside Park.
Virginia
Urbanna, July 2. Come to Urbanna Town Marina at dark (around 9:00 pm) to see the most spectacular fireworks show over Urbanna Creek from your boat or the dock.
City of Chesapeake, July 3. Celebrate America’s Birthday with the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, providing stirring patriotic sounds, with fireworks beginning around 9:30 p.m.
Norfolk, July 4. Waterfront fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. for the Great American Picnic & Fireworks at Town Point Park.
Portsmouth, July 4. Fireworks over the Elizabeth River begin around 9:30 p.m. and the best viewing is at the north end of Olde Towne. Bring out the whole family for this celebration of America!
Virginia Beach, July 4. A weekend-long “star-spangled salute” of live entertainment on multiple stages at the oceanfront, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Suffolk, July 4. Watch fireworks over the Nansemond River at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina. The show will begin at 9:00 p.m. There will be free shuttles from the First Baptist Church, Godwin Courts, and Suffolk Municipal Building parking lots beginning at 5:15.
Historic Williamsburg, July 4. Fireworks will be ignited at 9:20 p.m. from behind the Governor’s Palace and last about 20 minutes. The best locations for viewing are on Palace Green, Market Square and the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on the eastern side.
Yorktown, July 4. Evening activities include a bell-ringing ceremony, patriotic concert, and an amazing firework display over the York River. Bring your flags; wear red, white, and blue; and come together to celebrate America!
Washington, D.C.
National Mall, July 4. The 17-minute display will start at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Don’t see your town’s fireworks listed? Please email us at [email protected].
