The big Inner Harbor fireworks show caps off the July 4th celebration, but don't miss out on all the other festivities leading up to (and after) the fireworks.

See the Orioles play the Rangers at Camden Yards. On July 4, students with valid ID get a discount to the game, which starts at 4:35 p.m. If you don't feel like dealing with parking in the Inner Harbor on the Fourth, the O's are in town through Sunday.

Street performers and a musical lineup that includes the U.S. Naval Academy Band are on tap for Independence Day at Harborplace. But Harborplace's musical offerings go on all weekend with its regular summer concerts on Saturday and Sunday.

The 8th Annual Waterfront Jazz and Arts Festival in Middle Branch Park (near the Hanover Street Bridge) runs both July 4th and 5th. However, if you go on the Fourth you get the added benefit of a great fireworks view and only $5 parking.

U.S. Coast Guard cutter The Sanibel arrives in the Inner Harbor on Saturday evening. The 110-foot cutter docks at Pier 1 (Constellation Dock) until departing Sunday, July 6 at noon. However, it will have a visiting hours from 8-10 a.m.

More:

• Fort McHenry
• Baltimore County Fireworks
• Going to Washington, DC
• Holiday Hours
• BSO Concerts
• More July Events

Doug Pensinger/Getty

OK, I know it's not until the very end of this month. (Summer Restaurant Week is July 26-August 3, to be exact.) But reservations fill up fast, especially on the weekends, during thing popular summer event. More than 90 restaurants across the Baltimore area offer special three-course dinners for just $30.08 and some offer lunches for $20.08. This year to help diners who've been shut out of getting a reservation at their favorite spot, organizers have extended it to cover two weekends. However, not all participating restaurants offer the deal on the weekends.

The air-conditioned comfort of a movie theater like the snazzy new Landmark Theatre in Harbor East can spell relief from Baltimore's heat. But sometimes in the summer, you just gotta get outside despite the weather, and after dark can be the coolest time.

So no need to stay indoors for a movie this summer. Grab a blanket, a cooler and catch Baltimore's free films under the stars. Communities from Bel Air to Fells Point are hosting the the shows. While some of the film series don't start until July, several, like the AVAM movies on Federal Hill, are already under way. This weekend you can see flicks ranging from Shrek the Third to Rebel Without a Cause.

More Outdoor Events: Summer Concerts

Sure, the Inner Harbor fireworks are spectacular. And Fort McHenry puts on a "Glorious Fourth" celebration, but across the Baltimore area you'll find July 4 parties, both large and small. Check out all these event and then make your plans.

• Inner Harbor fireworks
• Baltimore County celebrations
• July 4 in Washington, DC
• Annapolis July 4th events
• Independence Day in College Park

Or if you plan to stick close to home and maybe have a few friends over, check out these July 4 party planning resources.