Baltimore's Inner Harbor features historic ships and landmarks.
The Inner Harbor area of Baltimore, Md., hosts a fireworks extravaganza every year on July 4th. Several sites in this region of the city -- including the U.S.S. Constellation and World Trade Center -- host events which offer views of the Inner Harbor's fireworks. Historically, the Inner Harbor was where Francis Scott Key composed his poem, "Defense of Fort McHenry;" the words in this poem would eventually become the lyrics to the "Star Spangled Banner." Does this Spark an idea?
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry National Monument is on the southeastern tip of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. On July 4th, this national monument hosts "The Glorious Fourth!...an Old Fashioned Fourth of July!" This annual event occurs during the late morning and early afternoon of July 4th. Activities include firings from the Fort's cannons, a musket salute -- which involves 18 firings from musket guns -- 18th-century style dancing and drum music. In the middle of the afternoon, the Fort offers a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Independence Day Deck Party
Baltimore residents and visitors have access to the historic ships in Baltimore's Inner Harbor on Independence Day. One of the ships, the U.S.S. Constellation, hosts an annual picnic on board the vessel. This picnic happens during the evening, which allows guests to watch the Inner Harbor fireworks while they dine. The U.S.S. Constellation Museum provides catering for the event; the catering menu consists of barbecue food, wines and locally brewed beers. Guests may also tour the ship.
Top of the World Observation Level Fourth of July Celebration
Located on the top level of Baltimore's World Trade Center, the Top of World Observation Level Fourth of July Celebration allows guests to observe the Inner Harbor from approximately 300 feet above ground. The World Trade Center's observation deck is an open-air space with a 360-degree view of the city. Top of the World's festivities begin with a picnic in the afternoon and, at night, guests may watch the Inner Harbor fireworks. Barbecue food and beer are available to guests.
Baltimore Independence Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Spirit Cruises (spiritcruisesbaltimore.com), a locally owned Baltimore Inner Harbor cruise line, hosts the annual Baltimore Independence Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise. This Fourth of July cruise provides guests with a nighttime cruise on the Inner Harbor. Spirit Cruises' Dinner Cruise happens during the Inner Harbor's fireworks display. For dinner, the cruise provides buffet-style catering and a full-service bar for adults; a soda bar is available for children. The Dinner Cruise also has offers DJ music for dancing.
Fourth of July Visionary Pets on Parade
The Fourth of July Visionary Pets on Parade celebration occurs at Baltimore's American Visionary Art Museum (avam.org). This annual event is free of charge and happens in the late morning. This event allows Baltimore pet owners to adorn their pets with various types of clothing, particularly patriotic garbs. Pets on Parade offer prizes to pets with the most patriotic outfit. Other events at the event include a pet talent show and pet musical chairs. All owners must have their pets on a leash.
Tags: Inner Harbor, Fourth July, Baltimore Inner, Baltimore Inner Harbor, Harbor fireworks, Inner Harbor fireworks, Dinner Cruise