Friday, July 3, 2026:

 

Chesapeake Beach Independence Day Celebration: Festivities begin at 5:00 PM at the Kellam's Field Complex with live music, food trucks, and family activities. The fireworks are launched from barges in the Chesapeake Bay at dusk (around 9:00 PM). For details, visit the Town of Chesapeake Beach site.

 

St. Mary's Freedom Fest (Leonardtown): Head to the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5:00 PM with stunt shows and family fun, leading up to a fireworks display at approximately 9:20 PM.

 

Colonial Beach will host its main Independence Day fireworks display over the Potomac River on July 3, 2026. The spectacular 15-minute choreographed show launches from the Municipal Pier just after dark (around 9:00 PM) and can be viewed from the boardwalk and public beaches.

 

Saturday July 4th, 2026: 

 

The USA 250th Celebration at Dennis Point Marina & Campground: Saturday, July 4, 2026, featuring their largest fireworks display to date along the St. Marys River. 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. (Rain date: July 5, 2026).Location: Dennis Point Marina & Campground, 46555 Dennis Point Way, Drayden, MD 20630.Cost: $20 per vehicle for the general public (prices may vary slightly by platform, ranging from $15 to $20). A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Second District Fire & Rescue Squad in Valley Lee.

 

Town of Indian Head’s Annual 4th of July Celebration: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Village Green Park. The festivities run from 3:30 p.m. through 9:10 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and amusements, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

 

Charles County Fairgrounds (La Plata): Enjoy live music, family activities, and food from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, followed by fireworks.

 

Solomons Island 250th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrate Independence Day in Solomons with a massive all-day event including a boat parade, children's bike parade, and live entertainment. Organizers are adding a second fireworks barge over the Patuxent River for a giant display at 9:15 PM. Check out the Town of Solomons Island event calendar.

Annapolis fireworks for Independence Day 2026: Launched over Spa Creek at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. The pyrotechnics serve as the grand finale to the city's 250 Years of Independence celebration.

Washington D.C.: If you are willing to make the drive, you can watch the nation's premier fireworks display over the National Mall around 9:00 PM.

To buy, or not to buy?  In general, unless they are part of a public display approved by the local fire department, most fireworks are not legal in Maryland.  There is a complete ban on all consumer fireworks in the Baltimore City, Prince George’s and Montgomery County jurisdictions.

 

Not in my backyard.  Or any backyard.  Absolutely no private display of fireworks in Maryland is permitted by law. Fireworks displays are only allowed when a permit is issued by the Fire Marshall and the requisite insurance coverage is in place.

 

It’s a sparkling affair.  Sparklers that contain no chlorates or perchlorates and non-aerial, non-explosive sparkling devices are permitted in most of Maryland (e.g., “gold label” sparklers and “champagne party poppers”).  However, ground-based sparklers are not allowed in Harford County, Howard County and Ocean City.

 

Let’s see some I.D.  The sale of sparklers to anyone under the age of 16 is against the law.

What if the fireworks were purchased out of state?  If you bought them there, use them there.  It is illegal to transport fireworks, even if purchased legally elsewhere, into Maryland.

 

But officer, I didn’t know… .  People are often not aware that they’ve purchased fireworks that aren’t legal in our state. There are, however, resources that will assist you in assessing whether what you’re considering purchasing are permissible fireworks in Maryland.  For example, the Maryland State Police publishes a guide that shows the labels for legal and illegal fireworks.

 

Boom means doom!  If a hand-held or ground-based device generates an explosion, detonation or other loud noise or in any way propels a projectile either along the ground or through the air, it is illegal for private citizens to use.  Examples include Cherry Bombs, M-80s, Smoke Bombs, Roman Candles, Sky Rockets and any firework shot from a mortar tube, just to list a few.

 

“What if I just go ahead and use fireworks in Maryland anyway?”  Although you probably won’t go to jail if you’re caught in possession of or discharging fireworks in Maryland, you can expect:  1) Your fireworks to be confiscated; 2) You may be given a criminal citation; and 3) You may be assessed a fine of up to $250 for possession/discharge and up to $1,000 for sale without a permit.