Baltimore is preparing for a citywide Independence Day celebration filled with fireworks, live music, food, waterfront views and family-friendly activities as local agencies and partners join forces for “Four on the Fourth.”

The celebration, scheduled for Friday, July 4, will connect several major activations along the Inner Harbor and Pratt Street, while the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival brings a full day of programming to Middle Branch Park. The events will also help mark America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

Create Baltimore, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, Pier Six Pavilion and Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore are collaborating to create a connected holiday experience downtown. On the opposite side of the water, the Youth Resiliency Institute will host the 10th annual Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival.

“Downtown Baltimore hosts one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the city,” said Shelonda Stokes, President and CEO of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. “This year’s celebration has something for everyone and highlights the power of collaboration while demonstrating how the city comes together to amplify Baltimore as a holiday destination.”

The day’s festivities will include free live entertainment at Pier Six Pavilion, family activities at Top of the World Observation Level, an evening Pratt Street Market at McKeldin Square, traditional fireworks over the Inner Harbor and a drone show at Middle Branch Park.

At Pier Six Pavilion, located at 731 Eastern Avenue, the public is invited to enjoy free entertainment from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The lineup includes DJ Supream, DJ Mr. Incredible, Baltimore favorite Jonathan Gilmore and legendary singer Stephanie Mills.

LaRian Finney, Managing Partner of The Pier Six Group, said the event reflects the venue’s commitment to serving as a community gathering place.

“Our team is dedicated to making Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore’s House,” Finney said. “The 4th Celebration is our continued mission to be great partners and amplify our city.”

Create Baltimore’s Top of the World Observation Level, located on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center at 401 East Pratt Street, will offer extended hours and family-friendly activities beginning at 11 a.m. Guests will be able to enjoy adult and kid-friendly “kocktails” throughout the day and take in a premier view of the fireworks at 9 p.m.

“Experiencing the spectacular views of Baltimore from Top of the World in the World Trade Center is always an extraordinary experience, but especially on the 4th of July,” said Robyn Murphy, CEO of Create Baltimore. “We’re planning creative family friendly activities all day, leading up to the evening’s fireworks.”

Downtown Partnership’s Pratt Street Market at Night will return to McKeldin Square from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., bringing food trucks, artisans and local vendors to the heart of downtown. Vendors are expected to include Auntie Anne’s, Smoke-N-Wheels, Taharka Brothers, Taco Loco, Milloh!, Frolic Lemonade, Porto Pizza, DMV Empanadas and others.

The traditional Inner Harbor fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. The fireworks barge will be positioned between Point Park and Domino Sugar, allowing for views from the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill and surrounding waterfront areas.

Across the water, Middle Branch Park will host the 10th annual Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The free festival, located at 3301 Waterview Avenue, will feature arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and historical reenactments. A drone show sponsored by Mayor Brandon M. Scott and developed in partnership with cultural arts youth organizers from the Youth Resiliency Institute will launch at 9 p.m.

Linzy Jackson, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, said the city’s goal is to provide safe and enjoyable holiday programming for residents and visitors.

“MOACE's goal is simple: create events that are safe, well-organized, and enjoyable for everyone,” Jackson said. “We encourage everyone to plan ahead, expect temporary traffic impacts, consider using public transportation or rideshare when possible, try to stay cool and hydrated, and most importantly, come out and enjoy the fireworks around the waterfront and the drone show in Cherry Hill.”

Another holiday event, the Red, White & Groove Silent Disco, presented by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Point Park, 1201 Point Street. The all-ages event costs $15 per person and will include wireless headphones, multiple DJ channels, food trucks and drinks by JC Mixology.

City officials are also urging attendees to prepare for possible extreme weather. Visitors are encouraged to drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol or sugary and caffeinated drinks, wear loose and lightweight clothing, apply sunscreen, wear hats and take breaks in shaded areas or on designated cooling buses.

Dan Taylor, President of Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, said the celebration builds on the recent energy seen along the waterfront during Sail250.

“We were just reminded during Sail250 how electric the City feels when the waterfront is full of food, music and people,” Taylor said. “We are thrilled to collaborate on this 4th of July weekend to give everyone even more opportunities to experience our incredible waterfront.”

With fireworks over the harbor, a drone show in Cherry Hill, music at Pier Six and food and activities throughout downtown, Baltimore’s “Four on the Fourth” celebration is designed to bring residents, families and visitors together for a memorable Independence Day on the waterfront.