This Thursday, fireworks will fly throughout the city, but the Independence Day celebration will start days before and continue through the weekend. Head out to celebrate our nation’s freedom in style at these July 4th events.

Bars and Stripes
5 PM–midnight, Wednesday, July 3; $11–$15 per person
Federal Hill (1113 S. Charles St.)
Start your festivities a day early with “Baltimore’s Official Independence Day Kick-Off Party.” 14 establishments will feature $2 Miller Lites, $3 Blue Moons, and $3 Leinenkugel Summer Shandys. Advance tickets are currently $11 and can be purchased here. On the day of tickets will be $15 at Mother’s Patio.

Red, White, and Brew Bash
7 PM–close, Wednesday, July 3
Howl at the Moon (22 Market Pl.)
Drink specials include $2 Miller Lite bottles, $4 U-Call-Its, and $20 86 oz Cherry Cool Aid buckets at this sure-to-be-a-sing-along party.

Star-Spangled Spectatular
8 PM, Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4; $18-$20 per person
Oregon Ridge Park (13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville)
Bring a picnic basket and enjoy the holiday, listening to works as Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Sousa's Stars and Stripes by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display.  Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $18 adult and $9 children, then all must be purchased at the park for $20 adult and $10 children.

Visionary Pets on Parade
10 AM, Thursday, July 4; Free
American Visionary Arts Museum (800 Key Hwy.)
Join in the biggest pet parade of them all at AVAM this 4th of July.  Dress your pet for a chance to win Best Costume, Most Patriotic, Owner and Pet Look-a-like contests and more. Spectators are encouraged to come watch both the pet parade and talent show for free.

Towson’s Fourth of July Parade
10 AM, Thursday, July 4; Free
Towson Center (Towsontown Blvd & Bosley Ave)
Celebrate America's birthday with bands, clowns, marching units and military in the heart of Towson.

Baltimore’s Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration
4:30–10 PM, Thursday, July 4; Free
Inner Harbor Amphitheater (Pratt & Light Sts.)
In the heart of downtown, Mayor Cynthia Rawlings Blake will welcome guests and kick off the 9:30 PM fireworks show after performances at 4 PM by Jah Works and 7 PM by the U.S. Naval Academy Band Electric Brigade playing Top 40 hits. Fireworks can be seen from Fed Hill, Fells Point, and Harbor East so you do not need to crowd the harbor.

July 4th Food & Fireworks at Wine Market Bistro
5-10 PM, Thursday, July 4; $35 per person
Wine Market Bistro (921 E. Fort Ave,)
Enjoy 3 courses for $35 per person this Thursday with meals including sliced grilled steak salad and wagyu brisket along with a fabulous wine list. Call for reservations 410-244-6166.

4th of July at Wit and Wisdom
5:30–9:30 PM, Thursday, July 4; $70 per person
Wit and Wisdom (Four Seasons Hotel; 200 International Dr.)
This waterfront celebration features musical entertainment, a great view, and delicious food and drink options. A sneak peak of Heavy Seas Beer’s summer releases will also be on site for your to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased here, $70 for adults, $35 for children.

Annual 4th of July Crab Feast
5:30-9:30 PM, Thursday July 4; $90 per person
Rusty Scupper (402 Key Hwy.)
The Topside Lounge and upper deck areas at the Rusty Scupper will be hosting a huge shindig for the holiday with their annual Independence Day Crab Feast. The ticket includes all-you-can-eat crab feast, drink specials, music and picnic-inspired menu.

PABU’s Foodie Fourth of July
5:30-11:30 PM, Thursday July 4; $65 per person
PABU (725 Aliceanna St.)
Enjoy a gourmet four-course, family-style meal including a shellfish platter, salads and a BBQ platter of ribs, chicken and fish. After dinner there will be after hours from 9:30 to 11:30 pm with a live DJ and late night food and beverage specials.

Independence Day Deck Party
7–10 PM, Thursday, July 4; $65 per person
USS Constellation (Pier 1, 301 E. Pratt St.)
With music, special tours, BBQ and cannon firings this 4th of July party is sure to be a ball. Located on the deck of Baltimore’s famous historic ship you can get tickets are $65 for adults, $25 for children here.

Picnic at the Top!
7:30–10 PM, Thursday, July 4; $50 per person
Top of the World Observation Level (401 E. Pratt St.)
Watch the fireworks from 7 floors up while enjoying music, food and of course, drinks. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for children, to purchase call 410-837-VIEW.

Independence Day Fireworks Cruise
7:30-11 PM, Thursday, July 4; $110 per person
Spirit of Baltimore (Inner Harbor)
This all inclusive package includes a premium bar, buffets, a DJ, and of course front-row seats to Baltimore's spectacular fireworks show. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Photo via Flickr user Ulises Jorge