SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Independence Day celebrations take center stage this week as Southern Maryland comes alive with fireworks, festivals, family activities, live music, history programs and summer fun across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. Whether you’re looking for a patriotic celebration, a kid-friendly outing, a new local attraction or simply a reason to get out of the house, there’s something for everyone this week.
Before you head out, be sure to check out Southern Maryland Fourth of July Firework Guide for a complete list of fireworks displays and Independence Day celebrations happening across the region.
Grab your weekend pass now for the Cruel Summer Tattoo Festival and experience three days of tattoos, live music and entertainment. See the full lineup and schedule at CruelSummerTattooFestival.com.
Looking for even more? Visit The BayNet Events Calendar for additional happenings and to add your event to be featured across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
THINGS TO DO IN CALVERT COUNTY
☀️ See our Summer Camp Guide for Southern Maryland here.
🍦 See where Kids Eat Free in Southern Maryland here
Morning Yoga on the Beach at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort on July 4 (10 a.m.–11 a.m.), Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort: South Beach — 4160 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach, Md. — Start the Independence Day weekend with a rejuvenating beach yoga session, where waterfront views and the Chesapeake Bay breeze set the scene to stretch, breathe and recharge. Designed for all skill levels; bring your mat. Tickets required; complimentary for Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort guests.
Public Cruise on the Wm. B. Tennison on July 5 (various), Calvert Marine Museum — 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, Md. — Relax on a leisurely one-hour sightseeing cruise through the busy Solomons inner harbor aboard the historic Wm. B. Tennison, sailing past Solomons Island and the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, under the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge and back at Pt. Patience. A reservation and boarding pass are required for each person, including infants. Tickets required.
QuarterMania on July 5 (4–7 p.m.), Lord Calvert Bowling Center — 2275 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown, Md. — Enjoy an afternoon of bowling with QuarterMania, featuring discounted games for wristband holders every Sunday. Ticket required.
Critters of the Chesapeake: Aquatic Adventure on July 6 and July 8 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.), Kocen Arts Center — 22 Duke Street, Prince Frederick, Md. — Two-session class for ages 6–9 celebrating the wildlife that keeps the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem healthy and thriving, with students creating mixed-media artworks inspired by the Bay’s underwater and semi-aquatic inhabitants. All materials provided. Tickets required.
Game On! on July 6 (2 p.m.–4 p.m.), Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch, Program Room — 4100 5th Street, North Beach, Md. — Drop in for fun and games with friends, with plenty of board games to try. Geared toward tweens and teens. Free admission.
Craft Night at Chick-fil-A Prince Frederick on July 8 (5 p.m.–7 p.m.), Chick-fil-A Prince Frederick — 806 Solomons Island Road N., Prince Frederick, Md. — Family craft night featuring summer-themed canvas painting kits from Kids Art Stop. Free admission.
Tarot Study Group: Drop-In Program on July 8 (6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.), Calvert Library Southern Branch, Meeting Room — 13920 H.G. Trueman Road, Solomons, Md. — Learn and practice tarot as a creative tool for self-reflection, meditation or a fun hobby, with monthly meetups to discuss cards, explore spreads and learn from one another. Open to all experience levels and degrees of belief; bring your own deck or use one at the program. Adults. Free admission; registration requested.
Kids Art Skool Drop In Art Studio on select days and times, Kids Art Skool — 301 Steeple Chase Drive, Suite 105, Prince Frederick, Md. — Stop in for hands-on art projects in a fun, creative studio environment for children, with activities that vary by session. Ticket required.
Mully’s Solo/Couples Trivia on July 8 (6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.), Mully’s Brewery — 141 Schooner Lane, Suite 15, Prince Frederick, Md. — Monthly trivia night dedicated to individuals and couples, with a maximum team size of two so players rely on their own smarts across general trivia topics. Winners pick next month’s category — plus everyone’s favorite prize, free beer. Free admission.
Happy Hour Open Play at Imaginarium Indoor Playspace on July 9 (4:30 p.m.–7 p.m.), Imaginarium Indoor Playspace — 13360 H.G. Trueman Road, Solomons, Md. — Weekly Thursday evening open play at the indoor playspace, a cool escape from the summer heat, with add-on Gold Doubloons available for the Pirate’s Cove Craft Bar featuring sand art, build a buddy and paint crafts. Tickets required.
Paint Your Own Pottery at The Pottery Patch on Thu.–Sat. (12 p.m.–7 p.m.), The Pottery Patch — 10735 Town Center Blvd., Suite 5, Dunkirk, Md. — Drop in and pick from a large selection of bisque-fired pottery and more than 90 colors of glaze, then take home your fired masterpiece in about a week. All-inclusive pricing with no firing or studio fees; walk-ins welcome, with reservations recommended on Saturdays. Tickets required.
For more Calvert County events, visit the Calvert County Maryland website.
THINGS TO DO IN CHARLES COUNTY
☀️ See our Summer Camp Guide for Southern Maryland here.
🍦 See where Kids Eat Free in Southern Maryland here.
250 at Thomas Stone National Historic Site on July 4 (10 a.m.), Thomas Stone National Historic Site — 6655 Rose Hill Road, Port Tobacco, Md. — Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a special ceremony, wreath-laying and the opportunity to tour the restored Thomas Stone House and explore Revolutionary-era history. Free admission.
4th of July Celebration: Waterpark at Town Hall on July 4 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), Town Hall — 305 Queen Anne St., La Plata, Md. — Celebrate Independence Day with water slides, Rumble Ball, a DJ, rides, caricatures, food trucks, family activities and a Maryland 250 celebration. Free admission.
Dome Movies on July 5 (9:30–11:15 a.m.), James E. Richmond Science Center — 5305 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, Md. — Enjoy a morning of family-friendly dome movies, including 3-2-1 Liftoff! and H2O, with each show followed by a seasonal planetarium presentation and access to interactive exhibits. Ticket required.
Public Skate on July 5 (1:50–3:20 p.m.), Capital Clubhouse Recreation Center — 3033 Waldorf Market Place, Waldorf, Md. — Enjoy an afternoon of recreational ice skating during this family-friendly public skate session for all ages. Ticket required.
Graduation Celebration Paintball on July 5 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), Southern Maryland Paintball — 11272 Edge Hill Road, Newburg, Md. — Recent graduates from elementary school through college can celebrate with free admission, free marker and mask rentals during this special paintball event; paintballs must be purchased separately. Ticket required.
Books! The Magic Is Real with Joe Romano on July 6 (2–3 p.m.), P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library — 50 Village St., Waldorf, Md. — Enjoy a family-friendly magic show inspired by popular children’s books as part of the Charles County Public Library Summer Learning Challenge. Free admission.
Summer Kids Shows on July 7 (10–11 a.m.), Town Hall Concert Lawn — 305 Queen Anne St., La Plata, Md. — Enjoy a free outdoor family show featuring music, magic, dance, fitness or puppetry designed for preschool and elementary-age children. Free admission.
Mall Walkers at St. Charles Towne Center on July 9 (9–11 a.m.), St. Charles Towne Center — 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf, Md. — Walk the mall while connecting with representatives from the Charles County Health Department and UM Charles Regional Medical Center for wellness resources, giveaways and more. Free admission.
Teen Film Club on July 9 (6–7:30 p.m.), Waldorf West Branch Library — 10405 O’Donnell Place, Waldorf, Md. — Teens can explore the art of filmmaking by developing story ideas, writing scripts, planning scenes and editing original short films in this hands-on workshop. Free admission.
32nd Annual Open All-Media Juried Exhibition through July 12 (gallery hours), Mattawoman Creek Art Center — 5565 Upham Place, Marbury, Md. — Juried exhibition featuring works in all media by regional artists inside Smallwood State Park. Free admission.
Discover Port Tobacco: Historic Tours on Thu.–Sat. (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), Historic Port Tobacco Village — 8450 Commerce Street, Port Tobacco, Md. — Year-round guided tours of the colonial-era Maryland settlement with restored buildings, archaeological sites and local history. Admission TBD.
For more Charles County events, visit the Charles County Maryland website.
THINGS TO DO IN ST. MARY’S COUNTY
☀️ See our Summer Camp Guide for Southern Maryland here.
🍦 See where Kids Eat Free in Southern Maryland here.
Old Jail Museum Open for Leonardtown First Fridays on July 3 (10 a.m., extended hours for First Friday), Old Jail Museum — 41625 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, Md. — Free tours of the historic landmark and official Leonardtown Visitor Center, with staff on hand to showcase the Old Jail and its story. Museum store on-site with local products, books, apparel and kids items; walk-ups only. Free admission.
Themed Tour: Sotterley During the Revolution on July 3 (10 a.m.), Historic Sotterley — 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, Md. — Special themed guided tour exploring Sotterley’s role in the American Revolution as America marks its 250th anniversary. Tours July 3–5 begin in the air-conditioned Visitor Experience Center followed by a brief Manor House walk due to the extreme heat watch. Tickets required.
North End Gallery’s July Show Opening: Exploring the Unknown on July 3 (5 p.m.–8 p.m.), North End Gallery — 41652 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown, Md. — First Friday opening reception for “Exploring the Unknown,” featuring paintings and clay creations from artists Richard McMurry and Ray Bogle exploring the future, the universe, color, texture and imagination. The show runs June 30 through July 31. Free admission.
USA 250th Celebration at Dennis Point Marina and Campground on July 4 (5–10 p.m.), Dennis Point Marina and Campground — 46555 Dennis Point Way, Drayden, Md. — Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with live music, food, games and a fireworks spectacular while supporting the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Ticket required.
Summer Saturday Tours: Changing Landscapes on July 4 (1 p.m.), Historic St. Mary’s City — 18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City, Md. — Guided one-hour tour highlighting recent archaeological discoveries at St. Mary’s Fort and sites representing 8,000 years of continuous Native presence, with visitors advised to prepare for rough terrain and bring a personal vehicle as the tour moves between museum locations. Included with general admission; register day-of at the Visitor Center or The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary. Tickets required.
Fourth of July Celebration at Toot’s Bar on July 4 (Rockstar Karaoke Contest 3 p.m., live music into the evening), Toot’s Bar — 23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood, Md. — All-day Independence Day celebration featuring the Rockstar Karaoke Contest with $500 in cash prizes across categories including Best Male Voice, Best Female Voice and Crowd Favorite. Ages 21 and older. Free admission.
La Tazza Coffee Co. Grand Opening on July 7 (7 a.m.), La Tazza Coffee Co. — 26945 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, Md. — Celebrate the opening of Southern Maryland’s newest coffee shop with handcrafted beverages, breakfast favorites and a welcoming community gathering space. Free admission.
250th Under the Oaks at Tudor Hall on July 5 (5–7 p.m.), Tudor Hall — 41680 Tudor Place, Leonardtown, Md. — Bring a lawn chair, picnic blanket and picnic basket for a family-friendly evening of music, local history and community celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Free admission.
A Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 (6 p.m.; arrive by 5:45 p.m.), Governmental Center Lawn, Potomac Building — 23115 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, Md. — St. Mary’s County marks America’s 250th anniversary with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence as part of the nationwide “Sharing the Spirit of America” initiative, 250 years after it was first read aloud to the public on July 8, 1776. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; a light reception follows, and the reading moves inside to Meeting Room 14 in inclement weather. Free admission.
Thirsty Thursdays at Toots: Weekly Beerpong Tournament on July 9 (Happy Hour 1 p.m.–6 p.m.; beerpong signups 7 p.m.), Toot’s Bar — 23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood, Md. — Weekly Thursday celebration with discounted drinks during happy hour, free pool and cornhole, and a beerpong tournament. Adults 21+. Free admission.
Paint Your Own Pottery at The Pottery Patch on Thu.–Sat. (12 p.m.–7 p.m.), The Pottery Patch — 29015 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, Md. — Drop in and pick from a large selection of bisque-fired pottery and more than 90 colors of glaze, then take home your fired masterpiece in about a week. All-inclusive pricing with no firing or studio fees; walk-ins welcome, with reservations recommended on Saturdays. Tickets required.
For more St. Mary’s County events, check out the Visit St. Mary’s MD website.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE BROUGHT TO YOU BY LYNN’S MUSIC LISTINGS
Friday – July 3rd
1:00pm – Shaun Gomban – Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort – Chesapeake Beach MD
3:00pm – Wes Ryce – The TIKI Bar – Solomons MD
4:00pm – Kevin Lee – Trueman Vineyards & Winery – Aquasco MD
5:00pm – Mike Mead & Eric Wolf – Mully’s Brewery – Prince Frederick MD
5:00pm – Richard Hayward – The Boathouse @ Anchored Inn – Deale MD
5:00pm – Root 3 Jazz – Robin Hill Farm & Vineyard – Brandywine MD
5:00pm – William Powell – 7th D. Waterfront Bar & Grill – Bushwood MD
5:00pm – Out of Order – Running Hare Winery – Prince Frederick MD
5:00pm – Lost & Found – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Morris Point Restaurant – Abell MD
5:30pm – Will Benthal & Gabe Hurley – POL Winery – Leonardtown MD
6:00pm – Girl Crush – Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar – Colonial Beach VA
6:00pm – Juniper Lights – Port Tobacco Restaurant – Port Tobacco MD
6:00pm – Justin Allen – The Pier House – Cobb Island MD
6:00pm – Levi Stephens – Stoney’s Clarkes Landing – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – Rise Band & Show – Bluefish Pub – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Shaun Gomban – The Local – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – Joe Cox – Seabreeze Tiki Bar – Mechanicsville MD
6:00pm – John Luskey – St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds – Leonardtown MD
6:00pm – Red Jam – Trader’s Seafood & Ale – Chesapeake Beach MD
6:30pm – Hat Trick Band – Bugeye Grill – Solomons MD
7:00pm – Shane Graham – The Brass Tap – California MD
7:00pm – Generations Band – Mt. Zion Methodist Church – Mechanicsville MD
7:00pm – South Creek – The Potomac Gardens – Colton’s Point MD
7:00pm – Cole Larravide – Swan Point Country Club – Swan Point MD
7:00pm – The Reagan Years – The TIKI Bar – Solomons MD
8:00pm – Jack McNutt – Olde Town Pub – Leonardtown MD
8:00pm – The Road Ducks – Fitzies Restaurant & Pub – Leonardtown MD
8:30pm – Bangerz Only – Ollie’s Bar & Grill – La Plata MD
Saturday – July 4th – Independence Day
12:30pm – Josh Airhart – Running Hare Winery – Prince Frederick MD
1:00pm – Mariah Jean – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
1:30pm – Glamour Kitty – The TIKI Bar – Solomons MD
2:00pm – Michael Ferro – Ketch 22 Restaurant – North Beach MD
2:00pm – Eric Irvin – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
2:00pm – Slip Hippies – Wharf 38 – Deale MD
2:00pm – Coastal Jazz – Robin Hill Farm & Vineyard – Brandywine MD
2:00pm – Brian Lawrence – Corteau Vineyards – Mechanicsville MD
2:00pm – Myles Deep Band – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
3:00pm – Beer Money Band – Skippers Pier – Deale MD
3:00pm – Girl Crush Acoustic – The Boathouse @ Anchored Inn – Deale MD
3:00pm – Monkey Business – Seabreeze Tiki Bar – Mechanicsville MD
3:30pm – America’s 250th Anniversary – PTR Waterfront – Port Tobacco MD
——— Changing Scene, Censored Image, Edward! & Landon Cube –
4:00pm – Stars In Bars – Clarkes Landing Field – Hollywood MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Morris Point Restaurant – Abell MD
6:00pm – John Haywood – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
6:00pm – Pete Best – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
6:00pm – New Normal – The TIKI Bar – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Milton J – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
7:00pm – Funkzilla – Goose Bay Marina & Campground – Welcome Acres MD
7:00pm – Twist Of Fate – Seabreeze Tiki Bar – Mechanicsville MD
7:00pm – Eclipse (Journey tribute) – Rod ‘N’ Reel – Chesapeake Beach MD
7:00pm – Social – High Tides On The Potomac – Colonial Beach VA
8:00pm – Independence Day Invasion – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
——— shallowDeep, Others May Fall, Red Skies Dawning –
9:00pm – Zip Code Band – Mi Tierra Restaurant – Lexington Park MD
Sunday – July 5th
1:00pm – Alex Bizzarro & Jin Stephanson – Anglers Seafood Bar – Solomons MD
1:00pm – Capital Rats – Breezy Point Marina – Chesapeake Beach MD
1:00pm – Vicki Roberts Band – Robin Hill Vineyards – Brandywine MD
1:00pm – Fran Scuderi – Running Hare Winery – Prince Frederick MD
2:00pm – Nightcap – The TIKI Bar – Solomons MD
2:00pm – Gabriel Heisey – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
2:00pm – Shaun Gomban – Safe Harbor @ Zahnisers – Solomons MD
2:00pm – Vicki Roberts Band – Robin Hill Farm & Vineyard – Brandywine MD
2:00pm – Big Scott – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
2:00pm – Levi Stephens – Skippers Pier – Deale MD
2:00pm – John Luskey – Wharf 38 – Deale MD
2:00pm – Byron Ciotter – Trader’s Seafood & Ale – Chesapeake Beach MD
2:00pm – Dagenhart – Seabreeze Tiki Bar – Mechanicsville MD
3:00pm – Shane Graham – The Scuttlebutt – Cobb Island MD
3:00pm – Monkey Business – Stoney’s Clarkes Landing – Hollywood MD
3:00pm – Kevin Lee – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
3:00pm – All Funked Up – Port Tobacco Restaurant – Port Tobacco MD
3:00pm – Water’s Edge Band – The Pier House – Cobb Island MD
3:00pm – Ryan Forrester – The Pier River Bar – Solomons MD
3:00pm – Myles Deep Duo – The Boathouse @ Anchored Inn – Deale MD
3:00pm – HydraFX – Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar – Colonial Beach VA
6:00pm – Kurt Gibbons – Pirates Cove Dock Bar – Galesville MD
8:00pm – Parker Barrow & Chesapeake Sons – Ram’s Head – Annapolis MD
Monday – July 6th
1:00pm – Dance Hall Ghosts – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
Tuesday – July 7th
6:00pm – Mike Mead – High Tides on the Potomac – Colonial Beach VA
7:00pm – John Luskey – Heritage 485 – Prince Frederick MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Derek Norris – Twisted Bar & Grill – Hollywood MD
Wednesday – July 8th
5:00pm – Ryan Forrester – Ketch 22 Restaurant – North Beach MD
5:00pm – John Luskey – The Boathouse @ Anchored Inn – Deale MD
5:00pm – Shaun Gomban – Trifecta Restaurant – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Jeremy Robinson – Brick Wood Fired Bistro – Prince Frederick MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Steve Nelson – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD
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