SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Independence Day week brings a full lineup of local events across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. From hometown parades and fireworks to live music and outdoor markets, there are plenty of ways to connect with your community and enjoy the holiday week. Whether you’re staying close to home or exploring nearby, here’s what’s happening around Southern Maryland.
Looking for fireworks? Check out our complete Southern Maryland Fireworks Guide here.
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CALVERT COUNTY
Children’s Bike Parade on Friday, July 4 (11 a.m.), located at Our Lady Star of the Sea parking lot, Solomons Island, MD – Kids are invited to show their decorated bikes and ride in the annual Fourth‑of‑July bike parade. Part of the full-day celebration that includes live music, reenactments, boat parade, and evening fireworks. Free admission.
Rock the Dock: Eclipse on Friday, July 4 (7 to 10 p.m.), located at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort: The Bandshell, 4160 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD – Enjoy an electrifying tribute to the classic Steve Perry era of Journey with Eclipse, performing iconic hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways,” and more with the same passion and energy as Journey’s original live shows. Tickets: $15 general admission.
First Fossil Friday! on Friday, July 4 (1 to 4:30 p.m.), located at Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road S, Solomons, MD – Bring your fossil discoveries from Calvert Cliffs and other local areas for free identification by experts. Regular museum admission applies to access the exhibits.
Sea Glass & Beach Crafts Market on Saturday, July 5 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD – Celebrate summer with over 70 booths featuring handmade, homemade, and beach-inspired items. Enjoy food trucks including The Jamaican Grill and Cousins Maine Lobster, live music by Bethany Yeh, and a pet-friendly, family atmosphere. Free admission to the market area.
History Walk & Talk: Rocket’s Red Glare, SoMD and the War of 1812 on Saturday, July 5 (11 a.m. and 1 p.m. sessions), located at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, Saint Leonard, MD – Join this free guided walk to learn about the Battle of St. Leonard Creek, one of the largest naval engagements in the Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812, and its impact on local communities. Walks begin at the Visitor Center. Free admission.
Humane Society Dinner at Plaza Mexico on Wednesday, July 9 (4 to 9 p.m.), located at Plaza Mexico, 9200 Bay Ave, North Beach, MD – Enjoy dinner out while supporting the Humane Society of Calvert County. A portion of proceeds from the evening will be donated to help local animals in need. Free admission.
Kids’ Summer Show: Sparkle and Sass Dance on Thursday, July 10 (10 to 11 a.m.), located on the West Lawn, Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD – Enjoy a lively and interactive dance performance designed for young audiences. Seating, splash pad access, and snacks will be available. Free admission.
Darius Rucker with opener Shane Profitt on Thursday, July 10 (7 p.m.), located at the Motto Mortgage Preferred and RE/MAX One Waterside Pavilion, 14200 Solomons Island Road S., Solomons, MD – GRAMMY Award-winning artist Darius Rucker returns to Southern Maryland for a live performance as part of his 2025 tour. From his rock roots as lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish to his country chart-toppers like the Diamond-certified “Wagon Wheel,” Rucker’s genre-spanning career continues to captivate fans. Rising star Shane Profitt will open the evening with his signature country sound. TICKETED.
Buck Full Moon Hike on Thursday, July 10 (9 to 10:30 p.m.), located at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, 2880 Gray’s Road, Prince Frederick, MD – Experience a guided night hike under the Buck Moon, named for the regrowth of antlers during this season. Discover the magic of Calvert County’s natural landscapes illuminated by moonlight. Not stroller friendly, but infants in backpacks are welcome. Tickets: $5 per person.
Rock the Dock: Completely Unchained on Thursday, July 10 (7 to 10 p.m.), located at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort: The Bandshell, 4160 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD – Experience the high-octane sound of Van Halen with Completely Unchained, the ultimate tribute band known for their spot-on musicianship, stage presence, and full-concert energy that captures the essence of Van Halen’s golden era. Tickets: $15 general admission.
For more Calvert County events, visit the Calvert County Maryland website.
CHARLES COUNTY
Town of La Plata 4th of July Celebration on Friday, July 4 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), located at Town Hall, 305 Queen Anne Street, La Plata, MD – Join for family-friendly fun featuring DJ Randy Runyon spinning music, water slides, splash pad, free popsicles, giveaways, airbrush tattoos, and meet‑and‑greet with first responders including fire‑hose cool‑downs and ambulance tours. Free admission
4th of July Unlimited Bowling at AMF on Friday, July 4 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), located at AMF Waldorf Lanes, 11920 Acton Lane, Waldorf, MD – Celebrate the holiday with all-you-can-bowl and all-you-can-play arcade action for one price. Shoes included. No reservations needed—just walk in and play. Tickets: Inquire at front desk (only available in person; non-redemption arcade play only)
Charles County Fairgrounds Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 4 (3 to 10 p.m.), located at Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, MD – Food vendors, pony rides, live music (4:30–9:00), followed by a family-friendly digital pyro-musical fireworks show. Free admission.
The Mix Tape Concert Series on July 5 (6 p.m.), located at Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf, MD – Celebrate Independence Day weekend with a high-energy night of live music featuring four-time Billboard No. 1 Country artists Eli Young Band and country-rap sensation Blanco Brown. Presented by Charles County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, this kickoff concert is packed with summer vibes and unforgettable performances. TICKETS REQUIRED.
General Smallwood’s State Park Historic Open House and Kitchen on Saturday, July 5 (1 to 5 p.m.), located at Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point Rd, Marbury, MD – Learn about General William Smallwood and the Maryland troops who played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War. Explore the historic home, open-hearth kitchen, and stories of the state’s military legacy. Free admission.
Summer Movie Series at Xscape Brandywine 14 on Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 10 (9:30 a.m. start time), located at Xscape Theatres Brandywine 14, 7710 Matapeake Business Dr, Brandywine, MD – Enjoy a family-friendly showing of The Lego Movie as part of Xscape’s Summer Movie Series. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., and $6 concession combos are available until 10:00 a.m. Tickets: $2 per person (+ tax)
Life-size Battleship on Tuesday, July 8 (6 to 7:30 p.m.), located at Waldorf West Branch Library, 10405 O’Donnell Place, Waldorf, MD – Join this oversized, team-based twist on the classic game Battleship, where participants become the ships on a floor-sized board. Teams take turns launching objects over a wall to “sink” opponents. Free admission; registration encouraged.
Kids’ Summer Show: Eric Energy on Tuesday, July 8 (10 a.m.), located at the West Lawn of Town Hall, 305 Queen Anne Street, La Plata, MD – This high-energy performance is geared toward preschool and elementary-aged children. Shows run 45–60 minutes and are free to attend. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy music, dancing, fitness, magic, puppetry—and even cooling off afterward at the splash pad (weather permitting). Free admission.
For more Charles County events, visit the Charles County Maryland website.
ST. MARY’S COUNTY
Fourth at the Wharf (Leonardtown) on Friday, July 4 (3 to 7 p.m.), located at Leonardtown Wharf Park, 22510 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD – Waterfront concert by The Copper Pennies, dog parade, yard games, ping‑pong, chess, and more. Free admission.
Old Jail Museum Open House – Leonardtown First Friday on Friday, July 4 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. extended hours), located at 41625 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD – Step inside one of Leonardtown’s most unique historic landmarks during First Friday festivities. Enjoy a free guided tour of the Old Jail Museum, learn about its storied past, and explore its role as the town’s official Visitor Center. Browse the on-site museum store for local gifts, books, and kids’ items. Walk-ups welcome. Free admission.
Drayden African American Schoolhouse Open House on Saturday, July 5 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), located at 18287 Cherryfield Road, Drayden, MD – Step inside one of the nation’s best-preserved, one-room African American schoolhouses. Held the first and third Saturday of each month from April through October, this open house invites visitors to explore the restored site and learn about its role in the educational history of St. Mary’s County. Staff will be on-site to answer questions and provide historical context. Free admission.
Vacation Bible School taking place July 7–11 (1 p.m. daily), located at Pottershouse Apostolic Church, 46375 Pegg Lane, Lexington Park, MD – This free weeklong program is open to Pre-K through pre-teens and features indoor/outdoor games, snacks, and engaging lessons. Free admission.
Art Kids @ St. Clement’s Island Museum taking place July 8–10 (noon to 3 p.m.), located at St.Clement’s Island Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Road, Coltons Point, MD – Young artists ages 7–17 will explore sketching, painting, weaving, sculpting, and more with instructor Ellen Duke Wilson. All materials provided; bring a light snack. Tickets: $5 per child (pre-registration required).
Cornhole Competition: Summer 2025 on Tuesday, July 8 (10 a.m. to noon), located at Northern Senior Activity Center, 29655 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD – Join a fun and casual indoor cornhole tournament for all skill levels with shortened board distances. Prizes awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners. Advance registration is required. Free admission.
“Tory in Congress” Presentation with John Beasley on Wednesday, July 9 (10 to 11 a.m.), located at Garvey Senior Activity Center, 23630 Hayden Farm Ln, Leonardtown, MD – Discover the little-known story of Philip Barton Key, a Tory captain turned U.S. Congressman and uncle of Francis Scott Key, in this engaging historical presentation by John Beasley. Free admission.
War on Wheels II on Wednesday, July 9 (5 to 9 p.m.), located at Maryland International Raceway, 27861 Budds Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, MD – Get ready for an adrenaline-filled evening as the Dental Billing Group hosts a fantasy draft and heads to the track. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with shakedowns starting at 6:00 p.m. All ladies admitted free.
Hollywood Carnival taking place July 10-13 (7 to 10 p.m.), located at Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, Hollywood, MD – Summer carnival with rides, games, nightly bicycle giveaways (ages 12 and under), and community fundraising. Free admission.
25th Silver Anniversary Potomac Seafood & Jazz Festival taking place July 10–13 at St. Clement’s Island Museum and Piney Point Lighthouse, St. Mary’s County – Celebrate 25 years of smooth sounds and seafood along the Potomac River. The weekend includes Thursday’s Jazz at Sunset Affair at Piney Point ($85 per person / $160 per couple), Friday’s Jazz in the Neighborhood concert (FREE) and Plein Air on the Potomac (FREE), Saturday’s Main Event with performances by Casual Groove, Rebecca Jade, Andrea Lisa, and Chelsey Green ($75 General Admission / $95 VIP), and Sunday’s Jazz Brunch & Golf at Wicomico Shores ($50 per person / $90 per couple) and Jazz Cruises with Captain Phil ($85 per person / $160 per couple). More Info & Tickets
Oil Painting with Chris on Thursday, July 10 (5 to 7 p.m.), located at Garvey Senior Activity Center, 23630 Hayden Farm Ln, Leonardtown, MD – Learn the fundamentals of oil painting in this hands-on workshop designed for all skill levels. Participants will work on an 11” x 14” canvas to take home. Advance registration is required. Free admission.
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 4th
1:00pm – Joe Cox – Mully’s Brewery – Prince Frederick MD
1:00pm – Sax Appeal – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
2:00pm – Reluctant Jazz Band – Corteau Vineyards – Mechanicsville MD
2:00pm – 3 of a Kind – The Boathouse @ Anchored Inn – Deale MD
5:00pm – The Copper Pennies – Leonardtown Wharf – Leonardtown MD
5:00pm – Tiffany & Jay – Blue Fish Pub – Solomons MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Morris Point Restaurant – Abell MD
7:00pm – Social – Solomons Board Walk Gazebo – Solomons – MD
5:30pm – Eddie Anderson – Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards – Brandywine MD
5:30pm – Run Catch Rain – No Thyme To Cook – Solomons MD
6:00pm – Kevin Lee – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
6:00pm – Jason Bishop – Stoney’s Clarkes Landing – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – Smoke Signals – Seabreeze Tiki Bar – Mechanicsville MD
6:00pm – Myles Deep Band – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Thunderball – The TIKI Bar – Solomons MD
7:00pm – River Concert Series @ St. Mary’s College – St. Mary’s City MD
7:00pm – One Trick Pony – Fitzies Marina & Pub – Leonardtown MD
Saturday – July 5th
1:00pm – Run Catch Rain – Seabreeze Tiki Bar – Mechanicsville MD
2:00pm – Catey Peters – Baia Coastal Kitchen – Chesapeake Beach MD
2:00pm – Peter James – Wharf 38 – Deale MD
2:00pm – Jason Bishop – Ketch 22 Restaurant – North Beach MD
2:00pm – Blakbyrds – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
2:30pm – Coastal Jazz – Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards – Brandywine MD
2:00pm – Swamp Weasels – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
3:00pm – Rob Blake & David Hamner – Dockside Tiki Bar – Colonial Beach VA
3:00pm – Ryan Keith Band – The Boathouse @ Anchored Inn – Deale MD
3:00pm – Shane Graham & Krys Baker – Running Hare – Prince Frederick MD
5:00pm – Joseph Norris – Morris Point Restaurant – Abell MD
6:00pm – Justin Myles – Stoney’s Clarkes Landing – Hollywood MD
6:00pm – Jayce Paris – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
6:00pm – Levi Stephens – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
6:00pm – Red Jam – Trader’s Seafood Pub – Chesapeake Beach MD
6:00pm – Chris Dean – Southern Trail Distillery – Mechanicsville MD
6:00pm – Midnight Sunsets – Seabreeze Tiki Bar – Mechanicsville MD
6:30pm – Brian Grumbine – Bugeye Grill – Solomons MD
7:00pm – Jay Shade – Pax River Ale House – Lexington Park MD
7:00pm – Sister Midnight – Big Owl’s Tiki Bar – Grasonville MD
7:00pm – Emily Woodhull – Brudergarten @ SOF Market – Leonardtown MD
7:00pm – Eli Young Band – Regency Furniture Stadium – Waldorf MD
7:00pm – One Trick Pony – Blue Fish Pub – Solomons MD
7:00pm – Shane Ridgell – The Brass Tap – California MD
7:00pm – The Reagan Years – The TIKI Bar – Solomons MD
7:00pm – Funkzilla – Goose Bay Campgrounds – Welcome Acres MD
8:00pm – Hat the Toy – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
8:00pm – SouthBound 4 – Buckets Bar & Grill – Lusby MD
9:00pm – Smoke Signals – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton MD
Sunday – July 6th
1:00pm – Sister Midnight – Running Hare Winery – Prince Frederc MD
2:00pm – HydraFX – The Jetty Dock Bar – Grasonville MD
2:00pm – Dead Eye Stare – Seabreeze Tiki Bar – Mechanicsville MD
2:00pm – Levi Stephens – Port of Leonardtown Winery – Leonardtown MD
2:30pm – Eddie Anderson – Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards – Brandywine MD
2:00pm – Doc Lohn – Traders Seafood Pub – Cheasapeake Beach MD
3:00pm – Bradley Turner – The Boathouse @ Anchored Inn – Deale MD
3:00pm – Monkey Business – Stoney’s Clarkes Landing – Hollywood MD
3:00pm – Ryan Forrester – Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar – Deale MD
3:00pm – Bourbon Decay – Wheel House Beer Garden – North Beach MD
3:00pm – Will Simms Band – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
3:00pm – SouthBound 4 – The TIKI Bar – Solomons MD
3:00pm – Jack Allen – The Pier – Solomons MD
3:00pm – Smoke Signals – Dockside Tiki Bar – Colonial Beach MD
Monday – July 7th
7:00pm – Open Mic w/ Will Benthal – Toots Bar – Hollywood MD
Tuesday – July 8th
5:00pm – Kevin Lee – Wharf 38 – Deale MD
6:30pm – Open Mic w/Mike Trujillo – Twisted Bar & Grill – Hollywood MD
7:00pm – Wes Ryce & Moe Owens – Apehangers Bar & Grill – Bel Alton MD
Wednesday – July 9th
5:00pm – Alex Peters – Ketch 22 Restaurant – North Beach MD
5:00pm – Mac Heat – The Boathouse @ Anchored Inn – Deale MD
6:00pm – Justin Myles – The Pier – Solomons MD
7:00pm – Open Mic w/Steve Nelson – The Tavern – Saint Leonard MD
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