Annapolis July 4th Fireworks, Parade, Best Views: 2019 Guide

ANNAPOLIS, MD — From fireworks to the big parade to a relaxing cruise, there's plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day in Annapolis. Before heading out to enjoy Fourth of July festivities and watch fireworks, be sure to check the forecast first. According to the National Weather Service, Anne Arundel County will see scattered thunderstorms every day this week into the week of July 8 with chances of rain each day.

The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. July 4 starting at Amos Garrett, then travel along West Street, around Church Circle, down Main Street and on to City Dock. The Naval Academy's Concert Band will give a rousing performance at Susan Campbell Park at 8 p.m., followed by a Fourth of July fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. with pyrotechnics shot from a barge in Annapolis Harbor.

The best viewing areas to see the fireworks are from the public spaces northeast of the Severn River, City Dock, along the Naval Academy Bridge and at any parks facing Spa Creek. There's nothing more beautiful than watching the fireworks from a yacht drifting in the water. Watermark Journey organizes the fireworks cruise and tickets should be bought in advance.

No matter where you watch the fireworks from, WRNR will be hosting the fireworks show and broadcasting a special holiday playlist starting at 8 p.m. The radio station will provide a patriotic mix of music to accompany the fireworks show, too.

According to the City of Annapolis, there also will be a Fourth of July parade in West Annapolis starting at 9 a.m. at Melvin Avenue. There will be a July 4 kids parade that starts at Eastport Elementary and heads to Turner Park starting at 10:30 a.m. The Tides & Tunes summer concert series will have a concert July 4 starting at 7 p.m. at the Annapolis Amaritime Museum's waterfront McNasby campus, 723 Second St. Performing for the holiday will be Kings of Crownville, which plays Americana, blues and jazz.

Other Independence Day events in the county include:

Severna Park Parade, Bike Contest: The 46th annual Fourth of July parade hosted by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce begins at 10 a.m. on July 4. There will be music, food, drinks and a variety of fun to enjoy for all ages. The chamber also hosts a decorated bike contest for the youngest residents. It is held at the chamber office, then the kids are invited to join in the big Fourth of July parade when it reaches Riggs Avenue. They can decorate bikes, trikes and wagons. Registration is free and will be held at 9:15 a.m. at the chamber.

Glen Burnie's Fireworks Shows: There will be two nights of fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July in Glen Burnie. The Glen Burnie Improvement Association will shoot off fireworks July 3 at Sawmill Creek Park at dusk. The rain date is July 5. No alcohol, smoking or sparklers are allowed.

Galesville Parade: The Galesville Heritage Society will be hosting a July 4th Parade at 1 p.m. The parade will begin and end at the intersection of lvlain Sf and Anchor's Way /West Benning.

Annapolis Parking, Road Closures For July 4

People can park and ride a shuttle from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial. Be sure not to park at and be towed from the following locations:

• City Dock
• Main Street
• Randall Street
• Market Space
• Both sides of Severn Avenue between First and Burnside Streets
• East side of First, Second and Third Streets between Severn and Chester Avenues
• South side of Chesapeake and Chester Avenues between Riverview Avenue and Burnside Street
• Bay Ridge Avenue between Sixth and Burnside Streets
• Bembe Beach Road from Awald Road to end

The Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic from Eastport into Annapolis starting at 6 p.m. and will remain closed until the fireworks show is done, approximately 10 p.m. Prince George Street will be posted “resident only parking” from Craig Street to Maryland Avenue from 2 p.m. to midnight. East Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from Prince George Street to King
George Street from 2 p.m. to midnight. Randall Street will be posted “Resident Only Parking” from Prince George Street to King George Street from 2 p.m. to midnight.

Drivers will be denied access to the downtown area started at 5 p.m. until approximately 10:30 p.m. Road blocks will also be set up in the following locations:

• King George Street and College Avenue
• Prince George Street and College Avenue
• North Street and College Avenue
• Church Circle and Main Street
• Duke of Gloucester Street at Conduit Street, at Green Street, at St. Mary’s Street and at Compromise Street

Traffic will be allowed to flow down Duke of Gloucester Street from Church Circle and into Eastport via one lane (not into downtown Annapolis) until 9 p.m. At that time, the Spa Creek Bridge will be closed and Duke of Gloucester Street will be closed to ensure pedestrian
safety and to facilitate the movement of foot traffic leaving the area after the fireworks display.

The draw span of the Eastport Bridge will be closed to boat traffic from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Boaters must avoid the 1,000-foot SAFETY ZONE under the fireworks firing area, which will be established and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

One of the most moving events on the Fourth of July is the naturalization ceremony at 9 a.m. at William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince George St. Dozens of people from communities around the globe become the newest citizens of the U.S. in a ceremony conducted by officials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

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