People across Baltimore and the surrounding counties took advantage of America’s birthday to relax, barbecue and soak in the sun. From Savage Mill to Annapolis, people had their pick of red-white-and-blue-themed parades, musical performances, street fairs and, of course, fireworks displays.

In Dundalk, revelers started early to take in the Dundalk Independence Day Parade, which was celebrating its 91st year.

Participants in the 2025 Dundalk Independence Day Parade ride down Belclare Rd. in Dundalk, Friday, July 4, 2025.
Residents lined the sidewalk in lawn chairs as the parade made its way through Dundalk. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Women with Angels Supporting Your Troops walks down Belclare Rd. during the 2025 Dundalk Independence Day Parade, in Dundalk, Friday, July 4, 2025.
Women with the group Angels Supporting Your Troops walk down Belclare Road during the 2025 Dundalk Independence Day Parade. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Sikhs of DMV & Sikhs of USA walk down Dundalk Ave. during the 2025 Dundalk Independence Day Parade, in Dundalk, Friday, July 4, 2025.
Sikhs of DMV & Sikhs of USA march in the 2025 Dundalk Independence Day Parade. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)

In Towson, people marked the holiday with the annual Bike Rush ahead of the parade around downtown. Hundreds gathered to participate in the festivities, which included clowns, marching bands, and even some bubbles.

Cyclists, young and old, participate in the Bike Rush along the parade route before the start of the Towson 4th of July parade Friday morning.
Cyclists of all ages participate in the Bike Rush along the parade route in Towson. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)

Catonsville held its 78th annual Grand Parade on Friday afternoon. People lined Frederick Road in a sea of red, white and blue, seated in lawn chairs — a long-standing tradition in the community as people staked out the best spots days in advance to watch the parade go by. Children flocked to ice cream trucks as politicians, superheroes and local organizations made their way down the road.

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Amy Blane and her sister, Tina Cooney, grew up along the parade route in Catonsville; Cooney says she’s only missed the festivities once in 46 years. This year, they both brought their kids to continue the tradition.

Children riding the Westchester Elementary School float jump off to say hi at the Fourth of July Catonsville Parade on July 4, 2025.
Children riding the Westchester Elementary School float jump off to greet parade attendees. (Florence Shen/The Baltimore Banner)
Rosemary Taylor, center, marches with the Charlestown Cheers in her fourth Catonsville 4th of July parade Friday afternoon.
Rosemary Taylor, center, marches with the Charlestown Cheers during her fourth Catonsville 4th of July parade. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)
Viewers encourage the parade goers on the roof of Sunset Kitchen & Bath Inc. at the Fourth of July Catonsville Parade on July 4, 2025.
Viewers cheer from the roof of Sunset Kitchen & Bath Inc. in Catonsville. (Florence Shen/The Baltimore Banner)

This year, Baltimore marked the national holiday with dual celebrations: a display of 1,000 brightly colored fireworks in the Inner Harbor, and a drone show at the annual Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival.

The sun sets over the Cherry Hill festival in Baltimore on July 4, 2025.
The sun sets over the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival as people find spots to watch evening events. (Florence Shen/The Baltimore Banner)
Fireworks in the Inner Harbor during the July 4th, 2025, celebration.
Fireworks over the Inner Harbor. (Ariel Zambelich/The Baltimore Banner)
Baltimore’s annual Fourth of July drone show lights up Cherry Hill, Baltimore on July 4, 2025.
Drones light up the sky over Cherry Hill on Friday night. (Florence Shen/The Baltimore Banner)
Baltimore’s annual Fourth of July drone show lights up Cherry Hill, Baltimore on July 4, 2025.
Revelers take in the drone show from Cherry Hill. (Florence Shen/The Baltimore Banner)
Fireworks light up Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on July 4th, 2025.
People watch as fireworks light up Baltimore’s Inner Harbor at Tide Point. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Banner)