By Zakkary Parker
This 4th of July, Montgomery County isn’t just celebrating Independence Day. It’s marking a historic milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s founding! From Rockville to Germantown, communities across the county are celebrating with fireworks displays, live entertainment and family-friendly festivities. Here’s your guide to celebrating the 4th of July and 250 years of America.
SummerFest
Located at the expansive Borher Park, Gaithersburg’s SummerFest will kick off at 6 p.m. and run until 11 p.m. The celebration will feature family-friendly activities in addition to live music performances. There will also be a variety of food trucks and local breweries highlighted, providing options for both children and adults. The spectacular fireworks display will start at around 9:20 p.m and will feature a multitude of vibrant, colorful fireworks reaching up to 500 feet. For those looking to wait out the traffic after the display, the SummerGlo after party offers glow-in-the-dark fun for all ages, paired with live entertainment like jugglers, LED hoopers and stilt-walkers.
- Date: June 27
- Address: 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD
- Who it works for: This event is great for families and adults alike. Family-friendly activities will be available, and the playground is expected to remain lit throughout the night. Although alcohol is prohibited outside, it can be purchased on-site.
- Cost expectation: The event is free.
- Visiting tips: Outside food and coolers are allowed, but glass containers, personal grills and fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, are prohibited.
MV Independence Day Parade and Celebration
Montgomery Village’s Annual Independence Day Celebration returns with a host of activities that the whole family will enjoy. Start the morning off by attending a parade featuring a variety of floats, vehicles, live music and community groups. The celebration will also feature a carnival with lawn games and thrill rides, a petting zoo and pony rides, as well as food vendors and local businesses. The event is set to wrap up by 1:30 p.m., allowing attendees to make it home in time for afternoon barbecues and evening fireworks displays.
- Date: July 3
- Address: 10101 Apple Ridge Road, Montgomery Village
- Who it works for: This event is designed to be engaging and inclusive for families.
- Cost expectation: Attendance and admission are free.
- Visiting tips: Apple Ridge Road will close in both directions at 9:30 a.m. sharp, so attendees should plan to park before then.
Rockville’s Independence Day
Held every year at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, Rockville’s Independence Day will run from 7 to 10 p.m. The event offers ample space with great spectator views for the enhanced 20-minute fireworks show, as well as abundant, convenient parking. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States independence, the park will be decked out in patriotic decor and even feature live music performances and special giveaways commemorating the historic occasion.
- Date: July 4
- Address: 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville
- Who it works for: This event is great for families. The park is a designated vape- and smoke-free zone, and outside alcohol is prohibited.
- Cost expectation: Admission and parking are both free.
- Visiting tips: Blankets and lawn/beach chairs are permitted, and guests are encouraged to bring their own.
Don’t mind taking a short drive to see a great show?
Frederick’s 4th – An Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate in style with the largest Independence Day celebration in Frederick County! The event will feature a plethora of different activities, including live music, carnival rides and a fireworks display, and will feature over 30 different local food vendors as well as a beer, wine and spirit garden. The fireworks are set to kick off at dusk, with a handful of recommended viewing areas.
- Date: July 4
- Address: 121 N Bentz St., Frederick
- Who it works for: This event is great for attendees of all ages, offering a wide variety of entertainment and rides, as well as vendors selling food, drink and alcohol.
- Cost expectation: Admission to the event is free, but food and drink vendors will be selling items.
- Visiting tips: Carroll Parkway, between College Avenue and N. Jefferson Street, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., will be closed to pedestrian traffic due to the fireworks fire line.
Howard County’s July 4th Fireworks
Howard County’s annual 4th of July celebration returns for a night of community, freedom and fun. The event is set to feature live entertainment, local food vendors and hands-on activities. A vibrant fireworks display is set to start once the sun goes down.
- Date: July 4
- Address: 10275 Wincopin Circle, Columbia
- Who it works for: This event is designed to be family-friendly but is great for all ages.
- Cost expectation: Admission is free, but food will be available for purchase on-site.
- Visiting tips: Free car, bicycle and ADA accessible parking will be available. Outside food is permitted.
Laurel Independence Day Celebration
Kicking off with a parade at 3 p.m., Laurel’s Independence Day Celebration celebrates 250 years of freedom. From family fun games and live music to a multitude of local food vendors and businesses, the event offers something for everyone. The spectacular fireworks show is scheduled to start at 9 p.m.
- Date: July 4
- Address: 8300 Mulberry St., Laurel
- Who it works for: This event is great for families.
- Cost expectation: Admission is free.
- Visiting tips: Alcohol, coolers, backpacks and pets (excluding service animals) are prohibited.
