BALTIMORE — Baltimore commemorates Independence Day with big band jazz and a dazzling display of fireworks. Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration takes place Wednesday, July 4, 2018 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
At 7 p.m., the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, performs contemporary hits at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater at Pratt and Light streets and at 9:30 p.m., spectators along the promenade and surrounding areas can take in the fireworks show as it ignites the harbor skyline. The 18-minute spectacle is choreographed to rousing patriotic and contemporary music, and produced by fireworks display company Pyrotecnico.
Spectators are encouraged to experience the fireworks from several locations downtown and in surrounding areas including Federal Hill, Locust Point, Fell’s Point, Canton and Harbor East. Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration is produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts and supported by Ports America Chesapeake, the City of Baltimore, Visit Baltimore, GEICO, T-Mobile, Compass Cyber Security and FOX 45. In the event of a cancellation due to severe weather, the fireworks show will take place Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 9:30 p.m.
Additional Fourth of July events in Baltimore
Visitors can make a day of their holiday downtown by going to nearby attractions, restaurants and retailers. Top of the World Observation Level offers the Picnic at the Top on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can take in the 360-degree view of Baltimore and the vibrant fireworks display from one of the most prominent buildings downtown. Family-fun activities and food and beverages will also be available. Tickets cost $65 for adults and $35 for children through Saturday, June 30, 2018, and $75 for adults and $40 for children thereafter. Top of the World Observation Level is located on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center at 401 East Pratt Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: www.viewbaltimore.org.
Art on the Waterfront hosts an opening reception with exhibitions and music on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Middle Branch Park at 3301 Waterview Avenue. In partnership with the SoBo Summer Music Series, Art on the Waterfront features exhibits by Baltimore-based artists Becky Borlan, Graham Coreil-Allen, Ashley Kidner and Matthias Neumann, and music by DJ GrownMan and soul singer Jonathan Gilmore. Art on the Waterfront is supported by South Baltimore Gateway Partnership and the City of Baltimore’s Casino Local Impact Grant funds, provided by the City of Baltimore in collaboration with the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts and the Baltimore Casino Local Development Council. The SoBo Summer Music Series is a sequence of free concerts at various locations throughout South Baltimore featuring contemporary jazz and R&B. For more information, visit www.promotionandarts.org.
Baltimore Beach Volleyball holds its annual “Hat Draw” Tournament on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at noon with walk-up registration beginning at 10 a.m. The tournament takes place at the Inner Harbor’s Rash Field, located on Light Street and Key Highway. Men, women, co-ed teams and singles are invited to participate in the event. Cost is $25 per person in advance or $32 at the door. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Baltimore Beach Charity Challenge Tournament Committee. For more information or to register, visit: www.baltimorebeach.com/hatdraw/.
Historic Ships commemorates America’s Independence aboard an American treasure. The 2018 Independence Day Deck Party takes place on the USS Constellation on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat American backyard barbecue favorites, along with local beer, wine and sodas. The USS Constellation deck offers an incredible view of the fireworks, in addition to guided ship tours, music and cannon firings. All-
inclusive Deck Party Tickets are $75 for adults, $45 for teens and $25 for youth. Historic Ships in Baltimore is located at Pier 1, 301 East Pratt Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: www.historicships.org.