A Shore‑Side Fourth of July
There’s something truly special about celebrating America’s birthday on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Whether you're in a charming historic town, waterfront village, or laid-back beach community, each celebration offers a slice of small-town Americana.
Below is your complete guide to Eastern Shore Fourth of July events—plus where to eat and how to get around.
🎇 2025 Eastern Shore Fourth of July Events & Fireworks
1. Kent Narrows (Queen Anne’s County)
📍 Location: Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 2 (rain date July 3)
🎆 Fireworks: 9:15 PM
Family-friendly evening starting at 6 PM with kid's activities, live music, food trucks, fireworks and more!
🍽 Nearby Eats:
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The Jetty – Waterfront seafood with live music
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Fisherman’s Inn & Crab Deck – Classic crab house with bay views
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Bridges Restaurant – Upscale dining with a coastal vibe
🚗 Travel Tip: Kent Narrows is just off US-50. Use the Kent Narrows Bridge for easy access to Grasonville or travel westward toward Annapolis after festivities. Allow time for post-fireworks traffic.
2. Berlin
📅 Date: Thursday, July 3
🎆 Fireworks at Heron Park
🍽 Nearby Eats:
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Blacksmith Bar & Restaurant – Local ingredients, seasonal menus
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Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill – Old-school charm, burgers & milkshakes
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Island Creamery – Unique, high quality ice cream and fresh waffle cones
🚗 Travel Tip: Berlin is about 25 minutes west of Ocean City via Route 50. Free parking is available in town lots, but it’s walkable—park once and explore.
3. Rock Hall
📍 Location: Main Street & Rock Hall Harbor
📅 Date: Friday, July 4
🎆 Parade + Harbor Fireworks
Parade starts at 10 AM on Friday with floats and volunteer fire trucks, followed by fireworks over the harbor, games and more!
🍽 Nearby Eats:
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Waterman’s Crab House – Iconic spot on the bay with steamed crabs and tiki bar vibes
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Java Rock – Cozy breakfast and lunch café right in town
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Harbor Shack – Lively bar and grill offering seafood and classic American dishes, with a patio overlooking the marina
🚗 Travel Tip: Rock Hall is a scenic 25-minute drive from Chestertown via Route 20. Parking fills quickly on Main Street—arrive early.
4. Easton
📅 Date: Friday, July 4
🎡 Carnival nightly (June 20–July 4), fireworks after dusk
📍 Location: Waterside Village (behind Target)
🍽 Nearby Eats:
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Hunter’s Tavern (at The Tidewater Inn) – Refined atmosphere, great for dinner
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Storm and Daughters – A whimsical, charming ice cream parlor
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Doc’s Downtown Grille – Casual American, great family option
🚗 Travel Tip: Downtown Easton is just 5 minutes from Waterside Village. For multiple events, base yourself in town and head to fireworks via Easton Parkway. Plenty of free public parking downtown.
5. Cambridge
📅 Date: Friday, July 4
🎆 Fireworks at dusk
📍 Location: Gerry Boyle Park
6. Oxford
📅 Date: Thursday, July 3
🎆 Fireworks at dusk
📍 Location: The Strand
7. St. Michaels
📅 Date: Saturday, July 5 (rain date July 6)
🎺 Big Band Night + Fireworks over the Miles River
📍 Venue: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Start the night off with live music at 6 PM (bring chairs), then fireworks over the Miles River at dusk.
🍽 Nearby Eats:
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The Crab Claw – Classic crab-picking with waterfront views
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Ava’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar – Great for families or casual dining
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Limoncello – Italian with lovely courtyard dining
🚗 Travel Tip: Parking is limited; use designated lots around CBMM or arrive early. St. Michaels is about 20 minutes from Easton, consider combining events!
Travel Planning Between Towns
| From | To | Distance | Route | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easton | St. Michaels | 11 mi | MD-33 W (St. Michaels Rd) | Scenic drive along the water—leave time for stops! |
| Easton | Kent Narrows | 25 mi | US-50 W | Quick highway trip; leave early for fireworks nights |
| Kent Narrows | Rock Hall | 40 mi | MD-18 E → MD-213 N → MD-20 W | Allow 50+ mins; remote but worth the harbor fireworks |
| Rock Hall | Chestertown | 12 mi | MD-20 E | Great for lodging overflow or early dinners |
| Easton | Berlin | 65 mi | US-50 E → US-113 S | About 1.5 hrs—pair with Ocean City or Assateague stopover |
🌟 Final Tips
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If you're coming from out of town book lodging early in St. Michaels, Rock Hall, or Berlin—popular towns fill fast.
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Pack bug spray, lawn chairs, and coolers for all-day events.
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Fireworks traffic is real—especially around bridges and bayside venues. Leave with patience or wait out crowds at a local bar or dessert spot.
✨ Happy Fourth from Maryland’s Eastern Shore!
Whether you're soaking in the sights from a dock in St. Michaels or dancing to live music in Easton, the Shore brings that extra touch of magic to Independence Day. Here's to local charm, family traditions, and fireworks over the water.
