Boomtown: Baltimore’s tribute to Independence Day

Baltimore's Inner Harbor sizzling fireworks begin on Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

By Richard Hammer

Like Boston, DC and other major cities, Baltimore has a tradition of honoring the Fourth in true patriotic style.  The Inner Harbor has been a major seaport for the country since the 1700’s.  In the 1970s, a renaissance developed in Baltimore and the Inner Harbor became a destination for entertainment, lodging, great food and education from the Maryland Science Center to the National Aquarium — so it’s only fitting that the city fete our nation’s birthday here.

This year’s extravaganza sizzles on Monday, July 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The evening features live music and a fireworks show above the waters of the Inner Harbor.  The afternoon starts with music at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Pratt and Light streets.  The Pennsylvania Air National Guard Band plays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the Electric Brigade, a U.S. Naval Academy Band from 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m and finally, the main event:  the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Baltimore's gleaming Inner Harbor.

Hotels near the Harbor

The Monaco Baltimore, a Kimpton Hotel, is offering 30% off through the holiday weekend.  It is one of the newest hotels in Baltimore, located just block from the Inner Harbor and they are pet friendly as well.  The Hyatt Regency Baltimore located directly across from the Inner Harbor is currently offering a $75 hotel credit per stay.

Insider tip: The Power Plant Live is a dining and entertainment district located a block from the Inner Harbor.  It showcases a variety of restaurants and nightclubs that share a common plaza.

Related resources

• Baltimore hotels
• Boston hotels
• Last-minute deals
• New York hotels
• Washington DC hotels

Richard Hammer is a market manager for Orbitz Worldwide for Pennsylvania and Maryland.  He and his wife have packed up the kids and traveled the world to places like Florida, Jamaica, New England, and the Caribbean.

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