The fireworks will once again burst over the Inner Harbor when Baltimore City hosts its annual Fourth of July Celebration Friday, July 4, 9:30 p.m. The day will also feature a variety of performances 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. Musical acts will include the a cappella vocal group Smooth Teaze at 3 p.m., Top 40 music by Uptown East at 5:30 p.m., and the U.S. Naval Academy Band at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks can be seen from several locations, such as Federal Hill, Fells Point, Canton, and Rash Field. Admission is free. Call 1-877-BALTIMORE.

Here comes the cutter

After the Fourth of July events, the City of Baltimore and Sail Baltimore will host a visiting ship, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Sanibel, Saturday, July 5, 6 p.m., in the Inner Harbor's Pier 1 (the Constellation dock). The 110-foot ship will be open for visitors the next day, July 6, 8-10 a.m. It will depart Sunday evening. Admission is free. For more information on visiting ships, go to www.sailbaltimore.org.

Scientific celebration

The Maryland Science Center will hold a 4th of July in the Sky celebration, Friday, July 4, 7-11 p.m. The event will give visitors the chance to enjoy a waterfront view of the fireworks over the Inner Harbor (from the rooftop), an open bar, an "all-American picnic" buffet, disc jockeys and dancing. Tickets start at $50. Call 800-422-7295 or go to www.lindypromo.com.

Party on the pier

The National Aquarium will once again host a Fourth of July Pier Party come Friday, July 4, 7-10 p.m. At this event, patrons can sit outdoors on the Aquarium's dock and view the Inner Harbor fireworks. Visitors can either bring a picnic basket or buy food at the party -- soda will be provided. Admission is $40 general, $25 for kids ages 3-11. Reservations are required. Call 410-727-3474.

Constellation celebration

The USS Constellation will host its seventh annual Independence Day Deck Party Picnic Friday, July 4, 7-10 p.m., at Pier 1 (301 E. Pratt Street in the Inner Harbor). This event lets visitors hang out on the historic vessel while listening to music by Automatic Slim and enjoying food provided by the Classic Catering People. There will also be cannon firings, tours, and an up-close view of fireworks. Admission is $65 general, $25 for kids ages 14 and younger. Call 410-539-1797.

Musical fireworks

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will give a performance featuring patriotic songs and fireworks at its Star Spangled Spectacular concerts, Thursday-Saturday, July 3-5, 8 p.m., at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville. Constantine Kitsopoulos will conduct patriotic favorites including Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." Advance admission is $18. For details about parking, call 410-783-8000 or go to www.baltimoresymphony.org.

Celebrate in Annapolis

In Annapolis, an Independence Day Celebration will be held Friday, July 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the William Paca House (186 Prince George St.). Visitors can hear live musical performances, speak with Revolutionary re-enactors, create patriotic crafts, and hear readings from the Declaration of Independence. Admission is free. Call 410-990-4539.

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