As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Dorchester County offers a great place to mark the occasion and to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2026! Here's a roundup of what's going on around Dorchester in celebration of Independence Day and America's 250th!

Cambridge Farmers Market 
July 2, 3-6pm
Stock up for your Fourth of July weekend. Keep an eye for patriotic goodies there, too. Long Wharf Park, Cambridge.

Voices on the Shore: America 250 Celebration - DCHS
July 3, 11am-7pm
The Dorchester Historical Society presents a 250th Birthday event to celebrate America's story – and a great way to kick off the July 4th holiday weekend! From 11am to 3pm, it's family-friendly fun – learn to play bladder ball, make your own butter, taste liberty teas. From 4 to 7pm, it's a ticketed event featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence, then live music by three acts: Before Your Time, Mr. Gil and the Evolution, and Jayla Elise. Buy tickets on the DCHS website – click "Book a Tour" button at bottom right. 

Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester Sip N Sail
July 3, 6:30pm
Enjoy an evening sail on the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester on the Choptank River.  Relax with charcuterie and up to two glasses of wine. Over 21 years of age only.

Gerry Boyle Firecracker Kids Triathlon
July 4, 8am
Let the kids get to experience the excitement and energy – and support –  of a triathlon just for them.

Grand Opening: Hurlock History Museum
July 4, 10am-2pm
The historic Hurlock Train Station has been transformed into the brand-new Hurlock History Museum! For months, a small team of volunteers and members of The Hurlock History Project have been working hard behind the scenes to preserve the community’s incredible stories, memories, and heritage. Stop by between 10am and 2pm. Admission is free! 

Patriotic Golf Cart Parade & Poker Run 
July 4, 11am
Hosted by the Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Company. Registration and food from 11am to 2pm at the fire company; Parade and Poker Run start at 2pm. Parade awards and cash prizes presented at celebration at Old Salty’s Tiki Bar. You can rent a golf cart ahead of time. 

East New Market 4th of July Celebration 
July 4, 10am-2pm
Head to Friendship Park in East New Market for an afternoon of patriotic fun, community spirit, and great food. Featuring Maryland State Police helicopter, Civil War re-enactment, Color Guard, water slide, East New Market Volunteer Fire Dept., Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, vendors, and music. Plus Kids Patriotic Parade – decorate your bike, wagon, scooter, stroller; or dress in your favorite patriotic attire. Parade begins at 12pm; line up at East New Market Train Station. Registration is free! Sign up. 

Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester Day Sail
July 4, 11am
Join the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester for a sail on the Choptank River. During the two-hour sail, they share stories of skipjacks and maritime heritage and dredge for oysters.

Hurlock American Legion 250th Anniversary Party
July 4, 12pm
The Hurlock American Legion hosts a July 4 Event starting at 12pm with free hotdogs and hamburgers (one per person while supplies last). Open to the public.

Fourth on the Farm at Emily's Produce
July 4, 9am-5pm
Fields of Fun; U-pick blackberries, blueberries, and wildflowers; Patriotic Parade (FREE - All Ages); Watermelon Eating Contest (FREE - All Ages); plus plenty of picnic essentials, sweet farm treats, specialty patriotic farm merch, and more in the market. 

All You Can Eat July 4th Holiday Crab Cruise
July 4, 6pm
Join Choptank Riverboats for a cruise along the Choptank River while feasting on crabs and then watching the fireworks.

Fourth of July Cocktail Crawl & Live Music
July 4
Enjoy festival coctails at participating Downtown Cambridge locations. Plus live music by Amy Bennett featuring Nevin Martin from 4 to 6pm on Poplar Street.

Chorus of Dorchester: “Our Country ’Tis of Thee”
July 11–12 
the Chorus of Dorchester presents two free summer concerts celebrating both America’s 250th anniversary and more than five decades of choral music in Dorchester County. The concerts will feature a stirring selection of spirituals and patriotic favorites. 

Battle of Vienna Living History Event
Aug. 29, 10am-4pm
See history come alive during an event to commemorate the Revolutionary War's "Battle of Vienna." Experience feature a Revolutionary-era military encampment, a replica 18th-Century ship, traditional music, exhibits, food, and fun for the entire family. Happening at two locations: Handsell Historic Site and the nearby Vienna Waterfront. 

Fireworks over the Choptank River in 2025. Photo by Jill Jasuta

FIREWORKS AND MORE!

Watch a beautiful display of fireworks over the Choptank River in Cambridge at dusk (a little after 9pm) on July 4! Bring your own blankets and chairs. Here are places to watch from; plus other activities going on. 

• Cambridge Harbor hosts food trucks before the fireworks. Let the kids burn off energy at the Sailwinds playground. Located next to the Dorchester Visitor Center, 2 Rose Hill Pl., Cambridge.
• Long Wharf Park (High and Water Streets) – Jayla Elise & Friends perform music from 6-8pm before the fireworks.
• Simmons Center Market's "SCOOPS" Ice Cream Truck and Taqueria Floritas Food Truck will be serving up the flavors at the corner of Mill and Water Streets from 6 to 10pm.
• Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh (at the end of Somerset Avenue at the Choptank River, also with a playground) has plenty of space to spread out your blankets and have a picnic. 
• If you have a boat, watch from the Choptank River. 
• July 4th Holiday Dinner Cruise: Join Choptank Riverboats for dinner and a view of the fireworks from the water.