Au Pair Café

You can see the original Declaration of Independence at the National Archives near the Mall in Washington, DC. On the 4th, the Archives hosts a special reading of the Declaration of Independence along with a full day of historic activities. Go check it out! It’s pretty cool to see.

Americans celebrate the day with parades, picnics and fireworks, and free concerts. For a full list of local events, see the Baltimore Sun’s Fourth of July Celebration page, complete with map!

We’ve got three major cities nearby, and all are planning big things for the day - see below for details! And be aware - parking is really hard to find on the Fourth of July. So use public transportation when you can - or go early and spend the whole day!

• ANNAPOLIS - You’ll find Revolutionary War period entertainment at the William Paca House on Prince George Street all day - music, games, and performers dressed in the clothes of the time.
  • 6:30 p.m. Everyone loves a parade! Annapolis is no exception. The parade will run through the city’s Downtown area. See the Annapolis link for the parade route.
  • 8:00 p.m. Free concert! The US Naval Academy Electric Brigade Band performs at Susan C. Campbell Park at the City Dock.
  • 9:15 p.m. Fireworks! Best viewing is also at the City Dock. Check the Annapolis link for more info.
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• BALTIMORE - Enjoy free music and a festival at the Inner Harbor (Light & Pratt Streets) starting at 3 p.m. Baltimore’s fireworks display begins at 9:30 and can be best seen from the Inner Harbor, Federal hill, Fells Point, Canton and Rash field.
• WASHINGTON, DC - Go to the Mall for the most amazing fireworks display in the country! Go early, bring a blanket and a picnic and spend the day playing frisbee, listening to free concerts, and watching the light show behind the Washington Monument. Metro runs late July 4, so park & ride from New Carrollton.
  • 11:45 a.m. The big parade along Constitution Avenue
  • 6:00 p.m. More free music! The concert on the Mall features the Air Force Band and the Gatlin Brothers.
  • 9:15 p.m. Fireworks! Thousands of people travel to Washington, DC, each July just for the beauty of the fireworks. Check out the link for the best viewing spots.
  • July 2-6 - check out the annual Folklife Festival on the Mall - you’ll find food, music and experiences from international and U.S. folk cultures. This year features Bhutan, NASA, and South Texas.

How will you celebrate your Fourth?  Spending the day in D.C., a small local celebration, or a backyard barbecue with your host family?  Post and let us know!  Should be interesting to see all of your plans!!!