Will the heat ruin all our hot-dog-eating-firework-watchin shenanigans this year?Hey there, I’m Meag. Marketer by day and local business and happenings enthusiast by night. Join me on my journey to find cool things to do and places to go on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Can we talk about how great the Fourth is? I plan to eat one too many hot dogs, take a few turns on the water slide, and introduce my three-year-old to the fireworks that you get from the tents on the side of the road. It’s never too early to teach fire safety!
Having small kids also means I get to opt out of a lot of the big crowd events that I really could take or leave. I love a good fireworks show but what’s the point of a parade anyway? Seriously, if you like parades, please reply and tell me why. I am always here for a hot take, and this year, no matter what your take is, it’s gonna be hawt 🔥 .
If your calendar is still open this weekend, here are some fun events that may draw a little smaller of a crowd and still provide that festive Fourth feel… if you’re brave enough to venture out!
Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July! Stay cool and talk to you next week.
Friday, July 3
🍦 Berlin + Ice Cream + Fireworks
Berlin is one of my favorite little towns on the Eastern Shore and could be a fun alternative to the big OC shebang.
Spend the afternoon wandering the shops.
Early dinner before crowds.
Head to Heron Park with blankets around 7:30. Pack your snacks and plenty of water
Fireworks at dusk, usually between 9-9:30pm.
⚾ Delmarva Shorebirds Game
Friday and Saturday’s game this weekend will have fireworks and first pitch is at 6:35pm, so it should be a little cooler! Get tickets here.
Saturday, July 4
🚤 Lewes' Boat Parade + Doo-Dah Parade
This is probably the most unique event on Delmarva and honestly, these parades sound like fun ones to check out. Instead of just fireworks, Lewes has:
Independence Day Boat Parade
Famous Doo-Dah Parade (quirky, costumes, decorated bikes and golf carts)
Art Festival downtown
Fireworks at dusk
This is going to be more small-town celebration vibes Check out the day’s events here.
🎠 Hebron Fireman's Carnival
Classic small-town carnival with rides, food, and fireworks on July 4. Check out the afternoon’s timeline here.
🎡 Ocean Pines Carnival
Carnival games plus fireworks. Less hectic than Ocean City's downtown celebration.
Sunday, July 5
🎺 St. Michaels Big Band & Fireworks
If you don't mind a longer drive, this is probably the prettiest celebration. It doesn’t look like everything is all in one space so do your research on the specific events!
waterfront picnic
families spread out on the lawn
fireworks over the harbor
🌊 Rehoboth Beach Fireworks
Most people don't realize Rehoboth celebrates on July 5 instead of July 4.
smaller crowds than Ocean City
live music at the bandstand
beach fireworks
A great option if you intentionally want to skip the July 4 rush.
Even if you’re not in the mood to travel too far this weekend, WBOC has a super thorough list (that looks like they’re updating regularly) so be sure to check it out. Bethany Beach has already cancelled their Friday festivities due to the heat advisory, so keep an eye out for yours.
Stay cool, Meag