MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Fourth of July activities in Silver Spring could have extra sparkle in 2026, due to the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the Declaration of Independence.
The holiday falls on a Saturday in the middle of a three-day weekend, July 3-5. To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to fireworks and other celebrations in Silver Spring and the surrounding areas.
The Fourth of July events being held across the region range from fireworks to parades, races, and festivals.
What: 'Independence Day Celebration' Fireworks
When: July 4 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Mattie J.T. Stephanek Park
1800 Piccard Drive
Rockville
What: 'SummerFest' Fireworks
When: June 27 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm
506 S Frederick Avenue
Gaithersburg
What: 'Independence Day Parade and Celebration'
When: July 3 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 20020 Montgomery Village Ave.
Montgomery Village
What: 'Shine Together' Fireworks
When: July 3 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Albert Einstein High School
11135 Newport Mill Road
Kensington
What: 2026 Maryland Fireworks 5K & 10K
When: July 4 from 7:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Where: 1120 Jackson Road
Silver Spring
What: MCRRC Red, White, and Blue 5K 2026
When: July 4 from 8 a.m.
Where: 10101 Glenolden Drive
Potomac
What: Parade, Evening Street Party 2026
When: July 4 from 9:30-12 p.m.; 6-9 p.m.
Where: Takoma Park
What: 'Independence Day Picnic and Parade
When: July 4 from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lawton Center Grounds
4301 Willow Lane
Chevy Chase
What: 'Stars, Stripes & Putts' Mini Golf
When: July 4 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 514 S Frederick Avenue
Gaithersburg
What: 'Germantown Glory' Fireworks
When: July 4 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: South Germantown Recreational Park
18041 Central Park Circle
Boyds
What: Annual Fireworks Celebration
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Soccer Fields
15598 Hughes Road
Poolesville
Celebrations around the country recall not only the events leading up to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but also look forward and aim to make the 4th of July weekend a massive, multigenerational cultural moment focused on community connections and charitable giving.
America’s Block Party, an unprecedented coast-to-coast initiative, is one of the signature events of America 250, the congressionally chartered nonprofit overseeing the semiquincentennial celebration.
A Times Square Ball Drop, a rolling series of ball drops, timed to occur at midnight on July 3 in every U.S. time zone from Guam to American Samoa, is part of the “Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show,” creating a nearly 24-hour celebration of the 250th anniversary. It’s part of the broader “Giving 4th” initiative that aims to make and establish Independence Day the biggest annual day of giving.
A time capsule will be buried in Philadelphia to be opened in 2276 on July 4. It contains a carefully curated collection of letters and artifacts reflecting the leadership, institutions, and communities that shape the country today. It will include contributions from all three branches of the U.S. federal government and submissions from each of the 50 states, Washington D.C., and five territories.
Separately, the White House’s Freedom 250’s biggest spectacles are the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, running June 25 to July 10; the July 4 Salute to America Fireworks, also on the National Mall; “Sail 4th 250,” billed as the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world in New York Harbor; and Rushmore 250, an iconic 4th of July fireworks on July 3 alongside military concerts and live presidential reenactors.
Are you planning an event this summer? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!
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