Annapolis New Year's Eve Features Two Fireworks Shows

Annapolis invites everyone to welcome 2016 from City Dock, where two fireworks shows are planned in the family-friendly New Year’s Eve event on Thursday.

Performances are free and no badges or buttons are required for any of the festivities listed below:

3 p.m.

• Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps “Pied Piper”
• Squire Frederick
• Children and youth activities begin at 3 p.m. in the Big Tent with a special fireworks show at 7:30 p.m. for those early to bed.

Big Tent

3:00-7:00 p.m.: Get Painted on Your Naked Face- Face-painting

4:30-5:00 p.m.: The Magical Worlds of Jack Julius - Back for a 6th Year.

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Goombay “Caribbean Experience” featuring Orlando Phillips and Elizabeth Melvin. Move to the beat and join in the limbo contest.

7:30 p.m.: Fireworks! Light up the Night! But the party isn’t over.

7-9 p.m.: Scott Hymes, Deejay- Dance to the great party songs of the last few decades.

9 p.m.: Radio City Band - Dance the night away with live music from Annapolis’ Best Party Band. Join the fun as you listen to top hits from yesterday and today.

Midnight: Fireworks! Countdown to the New Year!

Remember to park at one of the city’s garages and take the free Circulator trolley to the festivities:

• $20 all day - Noah Hillman Parking Garage – 150 Gorman Street
• $15 all day - Gotts Court Parking Garage – 25 Northwest Street
• $10 all day - Knighton Parking Garage – 1A Colonial Avenue
• $10 all day - Park Place - 5 Park Place

No shuttle service will be offered to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. There will not be any parking restrictions specifically related to New Year’s Eve. However, please be sure to adhere to all residential parking signs to avoid tickets, fines, or towing. Also remember, the free three-hour parking is only for three hours.

Fireworks viewing spots: There are two firework shows again this year, one at 7:30 p.m. for the kids and the second at midnight for the countdown to 2016. The best viewing areas from City Dock will be at Susan Campbell Park. There will also be great views from Main Street. Other suggested areas include public spaces northeast of the Severn River, any of the street-end parks facing Spa Creek and aboard a boat in the city harbor.

Boaters in the harbor: Because of the anticipated crowded conditions, boaters are urged to select their preferred viewing-area anchorage early and are also warned to avoid the 1,000-foot safety zone around the fireworks barge. Please note: Immediately after the fireworks, the barge will be under way to clear the harbor. All boaters are urged to heed the instructions of safety and law enforcement officials including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Natural Resources Police, the Annapolis Police, the Annapolis Fire Department, the Annapolis Harbormaster and others.

Remember, this is an alcohol-free event. If you would like to celebrate with alcohol, visit one of the local bars, restaurants or hotels. If you are attending New Year’s Eve celebrations anywhere in the area, drink responsibly and use designated drivers.

Volunteers are still needed. For more information, contact Felicia Nolan at fcnolan@annapolis.gov.