ANNAPOLIS, Md. – It’s officially summer and July is the perfect month to circumnavigate “America’s Sailing Capital” and one of the nation’s most charming historic towns as we kick off a year-long celebration of America’s 250th this Independence Day. This month, we encourage you to be revolutionary and explore everything from historic downtown Annapolis to 533 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Anne Arundel County.
Fourth of July Celebrations 2025
Home to a greater density of original 18th-century buildings than any other U.S. city and located just 32 miles from our Nation’s Capital, Downtown Historic Annapolis provides a magical setting to celebrate the Fourth of July all weekend long with several celebrations around town and throughout Anne Arundel County, including:
July 3
- Glen Burnie Improvement Association Fireworks at Sawmill Park (9 p.m.)
- Sherwood Forest/Severn River Fireworks Cruise
- Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Ken’s Creative Kitchen
July 4
- Annapolis Fourth of July Parade (6:30 p.m.) and Fireworks (9:15 p.m.)
- Severna Park 50th Anniversary Independence Day Parade (10 a.m.)
- Cape St. Claire July 4th Parade (10 a.m.)
- Naturalization Ceremony at William Paca House (9 a.m. & 10 a.m.)
- Celebrate the Fourth of July with Historic Annapolis
- Wave the Flag – Make an American Flag at Hammond-Harwood House (11 a.m.)
- Galesville Fourth of July Parade (1 p.m.)
- Annapolis Fireworks Cruise by Watermark
- Fireworks Cruise on Wilma Lee
- Fireworks Cruise on Schooner Woodwind
- Carrol’s Creek Café Dining/Fireworks Viewing Experience
On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, therefore this Fourth of July we are kicking off the year-long celebrations leading up to next year’s special commemoration. Throughout the year, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County will list events and special experiences that will pay tribute to this historic milestone honoring our nation’s diversity, strength, and the key role Annapolis and Anne Arundel County had in its founding. Listed below are some helpful websites to assist in planning a memorable trip to our region:
- Time Travel to Experience America 250
- Top 13 America 250 things to do in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
- The 18th Century & George Washington in Anne Arundel County
- Launching September 30: Celebrate 250 at Maryland Federation of Art Circle Gallery – Commemorating America’s 250-Year Heritage Through Art.
- July 12 & 13: Revolutionary London Town – Celebrate the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with London Town’s signature summer event by spending the weekend chatting with soldiers and civilians alike to learn all the different things independence meant for the town’s diverse set of residents. Enjoy special performances/events as well as family friendly crafts and games. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, casual explorer, or family of five, there’s something here for everyone.
- July 17 & 24: Colonial Cocktails: Continental Connections – Partake in the revolutionary spirits of the month with gin and champagne punch: two drinks originating from our Continental allies, the Netherlands and France. As you sip, learn more about how truly global the fight for American Independence became.
Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Anniversaries
On the heels of the 250th celebrations, 2025 is a milestone year for many in the region, including Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County as we celebrate our 35th anniversary! Other notable anniversary celebrations around town include:
- Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse – 150th anniversary: Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse 150th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Saturday, August 9 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Tickets are on sale now for this in-person event that promises a day filled with excitement, history, and fun as we commemorate the remarkable milestone of the iconic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, which has stood tall for 150 years. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the rich maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay region.
- BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport – 75th anniversary
- Arundel Mills Mall – 25th anniversary
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center – 60th anniversary
- Annapolis Watercolor Club – 50th Anniversary – The Annapolis Watercolor Club (AWC) is celebrating its 50th year with a “Golden Gala” anniversary exhibit at Quiet Waters Park, from May 21-July 6, 2025. The theme of the exhibit is “gold” and all paintings in the exhibit will contain the color gold (metallic, metallic leaf, or other golden color). The exhibit will be held at the Willow and Garden Galleries inside the Quiet Waters Visitor Center at Quiet Waters Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Events in July
July 10 – Every Thursday: USNA Anchors Aweigh Music Tour
July 10 – July 27: Classic Theatre of Maryland presents MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
July 11 – 20: Talent Machine Presents The Addams Family Musical
July 5: Scandalous Annapolis
July 6: First Sunday Arts Festival
July 6: First Sunday Farmer’s Market
July 8: Blues & Gold at Annapolis City Dock
July 11: Yappy Hour Cruise on Harbor Queen
July 12: Weird, Wacky & Unusual History of Annapolis Tour
July 12: Summer Movie Night Under the Stars
July 13: Wedding Crashers “Sacked” Brunch Sail
July 13: Yoga on a Yacht
July 13: People in Portraits at Hammond-Harwood House
July 14 & 17: Wedding Crashers Tales From Aboard
July 15: Wedding Crashers Team Trivia
July 15: USNA Superintendent’s Combo at Annapolis City Dock
July 15: USNA Superintendent’s Combo at Zimmermann Bandstand
July 17: Bay Lighthouses Cruise
July 18: Monthly EQUAAC Happy Hour
July 19: 1st Annual New Orleans Shrimp Boil
July 19: African American Heritage Tour
July 19: Illuminate Annapolis Mind-Body-Spirit-Arts Festival
July 19: Blue & Gold at Quiet Waters Park
July 20: Black Ankle Vineyards Dinner Cruise
July 24: Meet Me on the Chesapeake with Luke Borchelt
July 26: Tick Tock Tech: Build a Grandfather Clock with a Clockmaker
July 27: Maryland Crab Feast Cruise
National Ice Cream Day (July 20)
July is National Culinary Arts Month which includes National Ice Cream Month, with National Ice Cream Day celebrated on July 20. Ice cream is the perfect way to keep cool this summer so here’s the scoop on where to get ice cream while in town:
- Annapolis Ice Cream Company
- Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory
- The Red Bean Ice Cream & Coffee
- Always Ice Cream Company
- Kilwins
Tours and more in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County throughout the summer
- Monday History Sunset Sails on Schooner Woodwind – Every Monday
- Tuesday Beer Tasting Sunset Sails on Schooner Woodwind – Every Tuesday
- Wednesday Night Races on Schooner Woodwind – Every Wednesday
- Wilma Lee Wednesday Night Races Watch Party – Every Wednesday
- Dinner Under the Stars – Every Wednesday + select Saturdays
- Tides and Tunes at Annapolis Maritime Museum – Every Thursday
- Spirits & Spirits Tour by Watermark – Every Friday
- Annapolis Maritime Museum Kayak Tours – Every Saturday
- Sunday Fun Day Sails on Schooner Woodwind – Every Sunday
- Annapolis Harbor & USNA Cruise – Every Weekday
- Annapolis Harbor Cruises on Darling Charters – Daily
- Spa Creek Cruise by Watermark – Daily
- Wilma Lee Heritage Cruises – Thursdays thru Sundays
- Colonial Annapolis & Maryland State House Walking Tour (+ USNA option) – Thursdays thru Mondays
- Historic Maryland State House Tour – Thursdays thru Sundays
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge Cruise – Fridays thru Sundays
- Historic Ghost Tours by Watermark – Fridays & Saturdays
- Scenic Severn River Cruise – Fridays thru Sundays
- Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Cruise by Watermark – Fridays thru Sundays
About Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is a nonprofit, partnership-focused destination marketing and management organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming destination and promoting tourism for visitors, partners, and the community. The tourism and hospitality industry in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County significantly impacts Maryland’s economy. In 2023, visitor spending injected $4.1 billion into the state economy, attracting more than 6.8 million visitors, and sustaining more than 26,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly), according to the 2023 Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland Report. For more information, please visit www.VAAAC.org.