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Best Ways To Celebrate 4th of July In Baltimore

By Joel Furches

The Fourth of July is possibly the perfect summer holiday. Coming at a time of year when you'd probably be outside grilling anyway, the nights are filled with fireflies and fireworks.

Ultimately, patriotism is one of the driving forces that keeps Baltimore united as a community, and it shows in the pride the city takes in the multitude of events offered for this night remembering the birth of the nation. So if you are looking for some patriotic release, or just want to have some fun on the one and only summer holiday, consider these exciting opportunities for your Fourth of July celebration.

Oregon Ridge Park
13401 Beaver Dam Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
(410) 783-8021
www.oregonridgenaturecenter.org

Charm City is a community that takes pride in the arts, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a longstanding bastion of the arts within the region. Every July 4, the BSO pulls out all the stops in a dramatic outdoor performance, wherein it plays patriotic pieces from across the centuries that the USA has been a nation - all to the rhythm of bursting fireworks.

This year's performance will be held at Oregon Ridge Park. Bring some blankets and lawn chairs, and show up around 5 p.m. to grab a spot for the best viewing. Bring your own picnic dinner, or enjoy some of the food being provided by any of four different food trucks.

Middle Branch Park
3301 Waterview Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 396-3840
www.baltimore.org/events/star-spangle-canoe-tour

During the entire patriotic season, the Outdoor Recreational Staff at Middle Branch Park will be hosting a canoe ride on the Patapsco River which will take participants out past Fort McHenry and give riders a view of the new changes to Port Covington. Once paddlers reach their destination, the recreation staff will provide shuttles back.

The park provides the canoe, paddles, life vests and everything else participants need to have a river ride which will give them the same view that the writer of the National Anthem had and some of the patriotic sights unique to Baltimore.

American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 244-1900
www.avam.org

If you're looking for something a bit different this July 4, consider the Visionary Pets on Parade event being offered by the American Visionary Art Museum right here in Baltimore. Come to observe or participate as costumed pets march past for fun and for prizes. Dress your own pet to participate, and compete for a variety of categories including Most Visionary Pet, Most Patriotic, Best Costume, Visionary Pet Tricks, Least Likely to Succeed as a Pet, Owner Pet Lookalikes and even more. The parade is followed by a pet talent show, which is then followed by games for pets.

Related:  Best Places To Learn About Baltimore History

SS John W. Brown
2020 S. Clinton St.
Baltimore, MD 21224

(410) 558-0646

www.ssjohnwbrown.org

In WWII, over 2,000 "Liberty Ships" were constructed in one of the fastest and most successful ship-building projects in American History. Only two of these ships survive, and one of them is docked at Pier One in the Baltimore Harbor.

Considered a historical monument, the SS John W. Brown is a treasure that Baltimore proudly embraces. This July 4, consider viewing the Inner Harbor fireworks show from the deck of one of the most famous ships in Baltimore's history, an original and authentic World War II battleship.

Baltimore World Trade Center
401 E. Pratt St., Suite #232
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 837-8439
www.wtcbalto.com

The World Trade Center in Baltimore is a towering skyscraper situated in the Inner Harbor which is home to the Top of the World observation deck. The highest level of this building is almost entirely window and gives a breathtaking view of the entire city of Baltimore. On July 4, the World Trade Center opens this floor to guests who would like to observe the Inner Harbor's fireworks show from the highest point in the city. In an event they call 'Picnic at the Top of the World,' the WTC offers music and refreshments as guests look down on the rockets bursting out over the water.

Related: Best Last-Minute Summer Activities For Families In Baltimore

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