For generations, Greenbelt’s annual Fourth of July fireworks have served as one of the city’s signature traditions, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to Greenbelt Lake for an evening of patriotic celebration, community gathering and one of Maryland’s few remaining municipal fireworks displays.
While many surrounding communities have discontinued their Independence Day fireworks shows, Greenbelt continues the tradition, making the celebration a destination for families across Prince George’s County and beyond.
“I know there aren’t that many big fireworks displays in the immediate vicinity anymore,” said Public Information Officer James Wisniewski. “A lot of surrounding municipalities have discontinued their fireworks, so I think a lot of people — not just Greenbelters, but people from surrounding areas — come to our fireworks because there aren’t many around.”
Wisniewski said Greenbelt Lake offers a strong viewing experience. “The location of the Lake is a pretty good spectacle,” he said. “Everyone gets a good view of the fireworks.”
This year’s celebration includes a patriotic addition commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. Before the fireworks begin, attendees will hear a public reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by the National Anthem. Local favorite Greenbelt Honk! Situation will perform, along with other family-friendly activities.
City crews begin preparations early on July 4. “Our Public Works team as well as the vendor get out there around 10 a.m. to start setting everything up,” Wisniewski said.
For safety, portions of Buddy Attick Park surrounding Greenbelt Lake will be closed throughout the day. Park rangers, police officers and Public Works staff will manage traffic, pedestrian access and restricted areas, while ensuring emergency vehicle access.
Public Works Director Brian Kim said cleanup occurs before the event concludes. “Department of Public Works staff are actively cleaning throughout the event,” Kim said. “Employees monitor trash, collect debris as it falls and continue cleanup immediately after the celebration until the park is restored.”
The celebration requires months of coordination among Public Works, Greenbelt Police Department, park rangers, recreation staff and volunteers. Wisniewski also recognized Recreation Coordinator Patrick Mullen for overseeing logistics.
“He’s out there from early morning until late at night making sure all the moving pieces come together,” Wisniewski said. “Safety is always one of the biggest priorities.”
Greenbelt is also hosting a July 3 community celebration at Roosevelt Center and Greenbelt Cinema featuring music, drum circle activities, film screenings and family-friendly entertainment — but no fireworks.
“We wanted to provide an alternative way for people to enjoy the celebration,” Wisniewski said. “It gives people who don’t want to be around such large crowds or loud noises another opportunity to participate.”
The event may also help local businesses by attracting visitors to Roosevelt Center ahead of the Lake celebration.
For first-time visitors to the Lake, Captain Jermaine Gulledge of the Greenbelt Police Department recommends arriving early and walking or biking if possible. “If you can bike or walk, it’s a great way to get to the park and not get caught up in traffic afterward,” Gulledge said. “There are many excellent viewing locations around the lake. Get a little creative in where you settle if you don’t want to be in the biggest crowds.”
Former Greenbelt councilmember Konrad Herling reflected on the tradition of gathering for fireworks. “I love seeing the friends en route to finding a place to sit at the lake and chatting as we walk around the lake or on Crescent Road,” Herling wrote. “They make my life more meaningful.”
The News Review queried readers on social media about their favorite traditions around the Fourth. While many residents enjoy the traditional fireworks, others raise concerns about noise, wildlife and environmental impacts. “I know many people love the loud noise of the fireworks but I would love for the city to look into the possibility of silent fireworks instead,” said resident Christine Doran. “The noise is traumatic for the lake’s wildlife (which Greenbelters profess to love the other 364 days of the year) as well as pets, many small children and those with PTSD. Every year our display seems to be bigger, longer and louder, and perhaps that’s not a good thing.”
Other residents said they, too, are not huge fans of loud noises and understood the concern for wildlife. One wondered if the Greenbelt Symphony would play along with the fireworks instead. Another resident suggested a drone light show would be a way to avoid loud noise and any fire danger.
Resident Michael Hartman said those concerns reflect a broader conversation about fireworks.
“There are real impacts that often get overlooked,” Hartman said. “Falling sparks can increase wildlife risk, especially during dry summer conditions, and chemical compounds released into air and water are not insignificant.” Hartman also cited noise levels. “Large fireworks can exceed 150 decibels,” he said. “That can be extremely distressing for veterans with PTSD, individuals with sensory sensitivities and local wildlife.”
Some communities are exploring drone and laser alternatives, noted Hartman. “They’re far more eco-friendly because they produce no emissions and no physical waste,” he said. “And because they’re silent or near-silent, they’re more inclusive.”
City officials say they continue to evaluate public feedback and alternative technologies but note that traditional fireworks remain strongly supported in Greenbelt.
The Greenbelt Animal Shelter encourages pet owners to keep animals indoors during the celebration and ensure collars, ID tags and microchip information are current, noting shelters see an increase in lost pets after Independence Day.
As Greenbelt prepares for another Independence Day celebration, city leaders say success will be measured not simply by the fireworks overhead, but by the sense of community below. “Our goal is turnout, safety and bringing people together,” Wisniewski said. “That’s what has made Greenbelt special for so long.”
July 4th Schedule
4 p.m. — Reading of the Declaration of Independence
4:30 p.m. — Singing of the national anthem
4:45-5:30 p.m. — Live music: Pocket Change
5:45-7:15 p.m. — Live music: Greenbelt HONK! Situation
7:15-8:15 p.m. — Live DJ
9 p.m. — Fireworks over Buddy Attick Park
Cam Crossett is a University of Maryland graduate student at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism interning with the Greenbelt News Review.