Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland, is one of the prime places in the region to celebrate the fourth of July.  Patriotic and family-friendly events include an Independence Day parade, concerts and fireworks. The City Dock area, along the historic seaport, is a popular destination for pedestrians and boaters to watch the fireworks. See photos of the 4th of July in Annapolis.

Rain Date: July 5 - fireworks only

Event Schedule

Annapolis Independence Day Parade - Stepping off at 6:30 p.m. the parade begins on Amos Garrett Blvd., and then proceeds right on West Street, around Church Circle, down Main Street, left on Randall Street, and ends in front of the Market House. Anywhere along the parade route will provide a good view of the parade.

Band Concerts -The United States Naval Academy Band's Concert Band will play from at 8:00 p.m. to dark at Susan Campbell Park, City Dock. The USNA Concert Band performs a public concert series featuring everything from light classics to marches to classic band literature and patriotic songs.

Annapolis Fireworks - At approximately 9:15 p.m., the fireworks will be launched from a barge in Annapolis Harbor. The best viewing areas include public spaces Northeast of the Severn River, 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. The Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic beginning at 9 p.m.

to create a spectator pier with an unobstructed view of the fireworks.

Parking and Transportation

Parking will be restricted in many areas and parking in residential areas is not suggested. Instead, park in Park Place Garage or Knighton Garage for $10 all day and take the FREE Circulator down to City Dock. Both garages are right on the parade route, so you can step out of the garage and onto a great viewing spot for the parade. Due to heavy traffic and large attendance, local garages may fill up early. Therefore, the city will also provide shuttle service from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium ( Gate 5)  to Lawyers Mall from 5 p.m. to midnight. The shuttle will charge $1 per ride for adults with children 12 and under riding free of charge.Other City Parking garages include Gott's and Hillman. The FREE Circulator runs 6:30 a.m. to midnight, usually at 10-minute intervals at each stop.

See a map of Annapolis

Parking Restrictions: Beginning at 4 p.m. and extending until about 10:30 p.m., parking will be prohibited and violators may be towed from the following areas:

• City Dock
• Main Street
• Randall Street
• Market Space
• Cathedral Street between West and Franklin Streets
• 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 to end.

Boating Restrictions

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

Alcohol Policy

The consumption of alcoholic beverages on the streets and sidewalks of the City of Annapolis is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy.

Public Restrooms

Restrooms are available in the Annapolis Harbormaster's building at the City Dock.