ANNAPOLIS, MD - Due to the ongoing heat wave, the City of Annapolis is announcing changes to several events scheduled for the 4th of July. The City will also open its cooling centers over the weekend to provide cooling relief to the community.
People’s Park Festival Rescheduled: “One Country, Many Cultures: Storytelling & Oral Histories” at People’s Park on Calvert Street is rescheduled to Saturday, July 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. In the event of prohibitive weather on July 11, the event will be moved indoors at Stanton Community Center.
Independence Day Parade: The parade will still be held at 6:30 p.m. on July 4, but the route has been shortened for the safety of the parade participants and viewers. The parade will now step off from Amos Garrett Blvd., continuing down West Street before turning left on Calvert Street, and proceeding to St. John’s Street. The City will provide an air-conditioned cooling bus near the intersection of Amos Garrett Blvd. and Constitution Ave.
To receive the most up-to-date event-specific information, text “JULY4” to 38276.
Due to the projected Peak Heat Index and Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast, the City of Annapolis will activate cooling centers as designated in the Heat Emergency Action Plan (HEAP). Hours of operation for the weekend have been added. These locations provide a temporary, safe space for individuals to seek relief from the heat. Drinking water will be available at all sites.
Primary Location:
Roger "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center (273 Hilltop Lane):
- Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 3rd, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 4th, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.*
- Sunday, July 5th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*The building will be closed with the exception of the area used for the cooling center. Patrons using this service will not have access to recreational activities.
Additional Community-Based Locations:
American Legion Post 141 (1707 Forest Drive):
- Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, July 5th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Annapolis Michael E. Busch Library (1410 West Street):
- Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Annapolis Senior Activity Center (119 S. Villa Avenue):
- Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Recreation and Parks Department will open the Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool at Truxtun Park at no charge in two-hour increments, based on available capacity, at the following days and times to help the public beat the heat:
- Thursday, July 2 - Friday, July 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. each day
- Saturday, July 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
The most intense heat of the week arrives today through Saturday. Residents are encouraged to stay alert, and take the following steps:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration.
- Limit outdoor activities: Schedule exercise, yard work, and other outdoor tasks during the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
- Find a cool place: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings, libraries, community centers, or other public cooling locations if your home becomes too hot.
- Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats or umbrellas when outside.
- Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles: Temperatures inside vehicles can rise quickly to dangerous levels.
- Check on others: Reach out to elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone who may need extra assistance during extreme heat.
- Protect your Pets: Ensure animals have access to fresh water and shade. Schedule walks for early mornings or late evenings. Avoid walking pets on hot pavement.
- Know the warning signs: Heat exhaustion symptoms may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and may involve confusion, loss of consciousness, or hot, dry skin.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and follow guidance from emergency officials throughout the heat wave. Be sure to have several ways to receive alerts.
- Alert Annapolis: Receive emergency texts, calls, and emails from the City of Annapolis. Sign up at https://alertannapolis.civicready.com/ or text “ANNAPOLIS” to 38276.
- Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App: Download the free PrepareMe Annapolis app for real-time alerts and emergency information, available on both the App Store and Google Play.
For additional information and safety updates, visit www.annapolis.gov/oem.
