July 4th Fireworks 2023 Around Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Bel Air and Aberdeen for 2023.

We gathered up some of the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Bel Air and Aberdeen so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Bel Air and Aberdeen:

Bel Air Fourth of July

A flag-raising ceremony featuring Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30, the American Legion Post #39 and Sgt. Alfred B. Hilton Memorial American Legion Post #55 will take place in front of Bel Air High School at 6:45 a.m., at Rockfield Park at 8 a.m., Shamrock Park at 8:45 a.m. and at 10:45 a.m. at Bel Air Elementary School.

The Bel Air High School Athletic Booster Club will be hosting a special fundraiser pancake breakfast at the high school from 7 to 11:30 a.m.

A horseshoe pitching contest will take place at 8:30 a.m. at Rockfield Park.

A variety of contests and competitions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in Shamrock Park including a water balloon toss, bocce ball and watermelon eating.

A bicycle rodeo hosted by the Bel Air Police Department will start at 11 a.m. at Bel Air Elementary School.

The highly anticipated July 4 parade in Bel Air will start at 6 p.m. the intersection of Idlewild and South Main. A map of the parade route can be found online.

The fireworks show will start at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will be launched from Rockfield Park.

Red, White and Boom

The Red, White and Boom event at Leidos Field, Ripken Stadium, in Aberdeen will include live music, special activities and a fireworks show July 3. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Independence Day 5K Run or Walk

The Independence Day 5K Run or Walk will take place July 1 in Aberdeen. There will be music, snacks and more that day starting at 8 a.m.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, co-sponsored by the National Park Service, highlights the culture of the Ozarks and "Creative Encounters." On Independence Day, the festival will be open on the National Mall from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. between 12th and 14th streets, in front of the National Museum of American History.

National Independence Day Parade

Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day event from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW.

Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area

Visit the Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area on the southeast grounds of the monument for activities and a scavenger hunt about the history of the city’s most famous monument. You can also complete your Independence Day Junior Ranger booklet full of family-friendly, fun activities to earn a special Junior Ranger badge from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Independence Day.

A Capitol Fourth Concert

This star-studded salute to Independence Day will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol and is free and open to the public. Gates open at 3 p.m.

Fireworks on the National Mall

The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall. The fireworks display will be held July 4 starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Inner Harbor July 4th Activities

This year’s Inner Harbor July 4th festivities will kick off around 3 p.m. with food, fun activities and a DJ at the Red, White and Blue Picnic at West Shore Park. Then, entertainers will perform from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. Between concerts, there will be a DJ, street performers and activities from various attractions along the entire promenade.

At 8 p.m., the BSO will host a Star-Spangled Celebration concert under the baton of newly appointed Music Director Jonathan Heyward in Rash Field Park. The full orchestra performance will culminate around 9:15 p.m. with a 15-minute fireworks display. The best views are along the Inner Harbor promenade and surrounding areas.