A Guide to Frederick's Fourth of July

​Everything you need to know about Frederick's Independence Day celebration 

Frederick's Fourth is quickly approaching and you may have some burning questions: Where is the best place to view fireworks in Frederick? Can I bring my own beer? Is there anything else to do other than watch the fireworks? We have answers! If you live in or around Frederick, MD and are planning on celebrating the Fourth of July locally, let us be your guide to Frederick's Fourth in Baker Park.

Activities and Events ​

There are plenty of things to do at Frederick’s Fourth of July celebration whether you’re young or young at heart. The fun starts around noon, so bring your sunscreen and plan to spend the day downtown! 

• In Baker Park near the carillon tower, meet some new furry friends at the Summers Farm Petting Zoo from 12:30 - 6 p.m. From 12:30 - 7 p.m. in the same area, there will be plenty of inflatable amusements for the kids. 
• ​Kids getting hungry? Visit the DIY Peanut Butter & Jelly Tent from 2 - 4 p.m., courtesy of Wegmans and Celebrate Frederick.
• Cool off at Edward P. Thomas Jr. Municipal Pool any time between 12:30 - 8 p.m. The cost for children 12 and under is $3, adults only pay $6 for non-city residents and $5 for those who live within Frederick City. 
• From 12:30 - 5 p.m. in the area of Culler Lake, meet WFMD’s radio personalities and make some memories at the Double E Entertainment photo booth.
• Quench your thirst at the Dunkin’ Donuts Mobile Unit, which will offer refreshing drinks and coupons. If you’re really feeling the summer heat, cool off at the BGE Home Misting Arch. 
• And of course, be sure to check out the newly renovated Culler Lake itself. 

Food

Plenty of food vendors will make sure you don’t get hangry while celebrating Independence Day.

• In the area of Second Street, vendors will be serving everything from crab cakes to Thai dishes, as well as summer staples like hot dogs, burgers, funnel cakes and shaved ice. 
• In the area of Fleming Avenue, choose from various Asian options, ice cream treats, soul food, fresh pretzels, wings and more.
• Near the carillon, vendor Leisure Time will be serving up summer favorites including corn dogs, fried Oreos and refreshing beverages.

For specific vendors and menu items, check out this link. 

Beer, Wine and Spirits 

BYOB (or wine, or hard lemonade, or whatever you fancy) is prohibited, but not to worry: a $5 one-time cover fee will get event-goers into any of the three beer, wine & spirits gardens set up for the Fourth. 
Each of the three gardens are located within Baker Park and will serve $5 12-ounce pours of local and national brews and 5-ounce servings of sangria, wine and signature cocktails from local distilleries. One of the three gardens allows guests under 21 as long as they are accompanied by a guardian. 

• Talley Recreation Center Garden: This garden is located on Second Street next to the recreation center and is also a great firework-watching spot. (Open from noon - 7:30 p.m.) 
• Country Stage Garden: Free Country 99.9 WFRE and O’Connor Plumbing presents “Party in the Park:” a full day of musical entertainment in this shaded garden located adjacent to the Fleming Avenue Tennis Courts. (Open from noon - 8:30 p.m.) 
• Family-Friendly Garden: While the rec center and country stage gardens are limited to those above the drinking age, the Family Friendly Garden is perfect for those who want to enjoy a cold beverage while enjoying time with their little (or not-so-little) ones. This shady, tented garden will sit near Baker Park’s carillon area near the Second Street tennis courts. Any guests under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian. (Open from noon - 8 p.m.) 

Fireworks 

So, where are the best places to see Frederick’s Fourth of July fireworks? Since this year's bigger-and-better fireworks will be shot from Parkway Elementary School beginning at dusk, the best viewing locations are the Fleming Avenue Swimming Pool area, the Frederick High School lawn and the carillon area in Baker Park. You can still catch a glimpse of the show from the Drees Homes Bandshell seating area and other areas outside of Baker Park, however the views here are obstructed. 

​View this handy map from Celebrate Frederick to help you figure out where you'd like to watch. If you know of any other great place to watch the show and are willing to share it, leave us a comment! 
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Final notes: 
We know you love your furry family members, but remember that fireworks can send dogs into a panic, so please don’t bring them to this event. 

Carroll Parkway between College Avenue and N. Jefferson street will be CLOSED to pedestrian traffic between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. since it's in the fireworks fire line. This area, along with the Parkway Elementary School grounds, is also closed to seating.