The nation turns 250 years old this weekend, and Baltimore is showing up for the occasion in all its wonderful diversity. Catch live classical music and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Or, if you want something livelier, head to a trans burlesque show or a rodeo at the waterfront. However you celebrate, make this weekend uniquely yours. That’s what America is all about.
For more details on where to see Fourth of July fireworks across the state, visit here.
Thursday
Slice of History
What does it mean to make your mark on history? This printmaking workshop takes that question literally, inviting 18- to 30-year-olds to tell their stories through block printing. Hosted by the Maryland Center for History and Culture and the Gen Z initiative Youth250, the program includes free pizza and voter registration assistance.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Maryland Center for History and Culture (610 Park Ave., Baltimore)
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Family friendly? For ages 18-30
Friday
EnTRANSed: The All-Trans Burlesque Revue
Enjoy a good tease? Drop by the Creative Alliance for a night of burlesque with an all-trans lineup. Hosted by Bratz LaVey and Lula Lioness, the night’s performers include Baltimore’s Fox E. Martin and Washington’s 2025 trans performer of the year, LaBella Mafia.
Time: 8 p.m.
Price: $25-$35
Location: Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? 18 and over
Movies under the Liberty Tree: ‘Hamilton’
Pack a picnic basket and grab a spot on the St. John’s College lawn for a history doubleheader. After a performance of classical pieces by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet, settle in under the stars for a screening of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit “Hamilton.”
Time: 7:30 p.m. concert; 8:30-11:30 p.m. movie
Price: Free
Location: St. John’s College (60 College Ave., Annapolis)
Family friendly? All ages
Saturday
Bike ride to Fort McHenry
Start the holiday with a ride to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the site of the battle that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The organizers, Catonsville Rails to Trails, encourage festive attire and bikes — and promise “a wheelie good time.”
Time: 8 a.m.-noon
Price: Free; $12.51 donation suggested
Location: Starts at Catonsville Bike Shop (825 Frederick Road, Catonsville)
Family friendly? Yes
Goapele’s ‘Closer’ 25th anniversary tour
Twenty-five years after releasing her hit single “Closer,” Bay Area legend Goapele brings her soulful anniversary tour to Baltimore. A song about getting closer to one’s dream — fitting for America’s birthday weekend.
Time: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday
Price: $22.40-$81.26
Location: Keystone Korner (1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Bar seating 21 and over.
Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival
The 10th anniversary of this festival not only coincides with America’s 250th birthday but two other milestones: 80 years of Baltimore’s Cherry Hill Homes and a century since Carter G. Woodson launched what we now call Black History Month. The lineup celebrates it all, with hours of jazz, R&B, spoken word, salsa and hip-hop, plus a drone show to close the night.
Time: 1–10 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Middle Branch Park (3301 Waterview Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages
Red, White & Groove
Dance to your own beat at this “silent disco,” where you control the music and volume. Put on your wireless headphones, tune in to a DJ channel and dance with abandon in the night air.
Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Price: $16.27
Location: Harbor Point (1201 Point St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Bach in Baltimore
Bach in Baltimore pays homage to 250 years of American music with a brass band and chamber choir. Bring your own food or grab a loaded potato bowl from Once Upon a Potato before the concert begins.
Time: 1:30-4 p.m.; the concert begins at 3 p.m.
Price: Free; $10 suggested donation
Location: Pikesville Armory (640 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville)
Family friendly? Yes
250th All-American Bash
American Freedom Train No. 1 — one of three locomotives that hauled American artifacts across the country in the 1970s — is open for one day only. Climb aboard this piece of history for a photo, then grab a barbecue lunch and craft beers from Mystique Barrel Brewing and Lager House. At noon, take free dance lessons and two-step to music by the Talbot Mayo Band.
Time: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: Free with admission
Location: B&O Railroad Museum (901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Independence Day at the Robert Long House
It’s not a birthday party without cake! Head to the Robert Long House, Baltimore’s oldest surviving urban residence, to eat a slice with your neighbors. Stick around for fiddle music and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Baltimore Town Crier Steven Lampredi.
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Robert Long House (812 S. Ann St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Dundalk Independence Day Parade
The longest continuously running parade in the Baltimore area winds for over 2 miles through the heart of Dundalk. With more than 125 participants, expect to see everyone from local barbers and restaurateurs to the county’s first responders. Here’s the route.
Time: 8:15 a.m.
Price: Free
Location: Starts at Logan Village Shopping Center (3401 Dundalk Ave., Dundalk)
Family friendly? Yes
Sunday
Biddy on the Water
Baltimore party promoter Ivan “TVs Biddy” Baker is throwing a rodeo-themed party on the waterfront, with Supa DJ Big L, DJ Manny and Mr. Incredible on the turntables. Wear your best western gear and, if your back can handle it, join the bull-riding contest.
Time: Noon-8 p.m.
Price: $12.51
Location: Canton Waterfront Park (3001 Boston St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? No
A Red, White & Blue Tea
End the weekend at the edge of the Patapsco River with a patriotic plate. The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House is serving a sweet and savory spread in the colors of the American flag. Think white chocolate and blueberry scones with red jam.
Time: 12 p.m.
Price: $65.91
Location: The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House (5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge)
Family friendly? Geared toward adults
Nicole J. Caruth is a Baltimore-based freelance journalist covering the intersections of food, health and environmental justice.
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