Baltimore knows how to do the Fourth of July! In fact, one of the things we love about the Baltimore area is the myriad of patriotic options we have available to us on the Fourth. There are so many different venues and activities that it is difficult to pick just one, and the best thing about it is that we don’t have to pick only one! Some of the events begin during the weekend and extend until Monday, July 4th. Here are just a few of the highlights of fireworks events in and around town.

July 1-4: Dundalk Heritage Fair, Parade and Fireworks

Want to celebrate the Fourth of July in “the most patriotic community in the world?” Dundalk has you covered! Beginning on Friday, July 1 through Sunday, July 3 from 12-10 p.m. each day, the Dundalk Heritage Fair has a series of concerts and events lined up that will appeal to a variety of musical tastes, ages and interests. Whether it is Jimmy Buffet, the Beatles, Classic Rock, Country Music, the Blues or Bluegrass, there is something for everyone at the the Dundalk Heritage Fair. There are even events for children! Special events include pig races, magicians, the Charm City Choppers, the Baltimore Grand Prix car and the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile. Admission to the fair costs $5.00, and all concerts are included in the admission price. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit the Dundalk Heritage Fair’s website by clicking here.

Next, Dundalk kicks off the Fourth with a parade on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 8:15 a.m. Arrive early to pick your spot on the parade route! For more details, click here.

Lastly, there are two places to view fireworks in Dundalk. The first location is Grange Elementary School, 2000 Church Road, Dundalk, MD 21222. The gates open at 3:00 p.m., and the fireworks are at dusk. The rain date is July 5. This is a FREE event.

The other location to view fireworks in Dundalk is at the North Point Government Center at 9:15 p.m. (rain date is July 5). Come early for these fireworks in order to get the best view. This event is also FREE.

July 2-3 Oregon Ridge Park (13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030)

What could be more enjoyable than fireworks? A picnic AND a concert too! Bring your picnic basket and a blanket and be prepared to enjoy a patriotic concert put on by Baltimore’s best musicians! Each year, Oregon Ridge State Park hosts the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in a “Star Spangled Spectacular.” As the sun sets, crowds picnic on the hillside of Oregon Ridge while patriotic tunes fill the night sky. Then, when the sky is dark, the fireworks begin! General admission tickets range from $9-18, and kids under 12 are half price. The gates open at 5 p.m., and the concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Come early to stake out your picnic site and take advantage of the free shuttle service from the Verizon Parking lot (across from Hunt Valley Mall). To get to the parking lot, take Interstate 83 to exit 20 A--Shawan Road East. Follow Shawan road through 2 lights. The parking lot is on the right hand side.

Can’t get enough of picnics, music AND fireworks, the BSO also performs additional concerts throughout the summer, and the concerts are always followed by fireworks. For more information, check out the BSO’s website here.

Other Fourth of July Fireworks Displays

Have other plans on your Fourth of July weekend? Try some of these other locations as well:

Catonsville High School (421 Bloomsbury Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228)

Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. The rain date is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2011.

Fullerton Park (4304 Fullerton Avenue, Nottingham, MD 21236)

Enjoy these fireworks with a concert from 6-10 p.m., a puppet show at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The main streets to the park are closed at 6:00 p.m., so be prepared to arrive early and park in either the Fullerton Manor Bingo lot or at Melvin’s Tire and Auto. There is a $5 parking fee per car, and field attendants will be accepting donations for this community supported event at the field. The rain date for this event is Tuesday, July 5.

Last, and certainly not least (and where you’ll find us on the Fourth) is the Baltimore Inner Harbor. The Inner Harbor offers a range of family-friendly activities for you to enjoy. Families can get a waterfront view by taking a dinner cruise on Spirit Cruises or enjoy all of the free activities taking place at West Shore Park (401 Light Street--near the Visitor’s Center). Activities include musical performers, children’s entertainment, crafts and games and catered food for sale. At the Inner Harbor Amphitheatre, military bands will be playing pop, patriotic and Top 40 hits throughout the early afternoon and evening. Fireworks by Pyrotecnico begin at 9:30 p.m. and are choreographed to music. It’s a show you don’t want to miss, and it can be seen from Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill or Harbor East. For more details, click here.

No matter where in Baltimore you decide to celebrate the Fourth, we hope you have an excellent Fourth of July!

Committed to helping you Buy. Sell. Live. SMART,

Seth & Alyce