3-18-2026 10:27am

Oregon Ridge Hosting

Baltimore County and BSO to Unveil MD250 Celebration and Independence Day Plan

UPDATED

Baltimore County and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announce Star-Spangled 250 Independence Day Concerts at Oregon Ridge
Star-Spangled 250 Anchors County’s Maryland 250 Programs and Kicks off BSO Summer Programs

COCKEYSVILLE — Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) today announced two Star-Spangled 250 Independence Day concerts at Oregon Ridge Park on July 3 and July 4, as part of Baltimore County’s MD250 celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The BSO’s Star-Spangled 250 concerts at Oregon Ridge are a centerpiece of Baltimore County’s MD250 celebration, bringing together music, history, and community to commemorate this milestone anniversary.

Led for the first time by BSO Music Director Jonathon Heyward, the concerts will feature patriotic favorites, American composers, and a fireworks finale following each performance.

A highlight of this year’s event is the return of the BSO’s “O, Say Can You Sing?” competition, now open to vocalists of all ages. Last held in 2016, the competition will include two rounds of auditions, with two winners selected to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” live with the Orchestra—one opening each Oregon Ridge performance. Contestants must register and submit video entries by Thursday, April 30. Finalists will be invited to participate in live auditions before a panel of vocal professionals and Jonathon Heyward.

“Every summer, families from across Baltimore County gather at Oregon Ridge to celebrate Independence Day together,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “This year’s concerts carry special meaning as we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation and highlight the role Maryland communities have played in that history. We’re proud to partner with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to bring residents two evenings of music, fireworks, and celebration in one of the County’s most beloved parks.”

Baltimore County’s MD250 initiative will include events, educational programs, and historic experiences highlighting the County’s role in Maryland’s and America’s story.

“As a proud lifelong resident, I invite everyone to explore our parks, historic sites, and communities as we reflect on our shared history and look toward the future,” Klausmeier added.

Highlights of Baltimore County’s MD250 celebration include:

Baltimore County 250 Passport: A self-guided exploration of historic sites across the County. Available at Baltimore County Public Library branches beginning Friday, March 20, or online.
Sail250 Aviation Events: Martin State Airport will serve as a hub for aviation activities from June 24–30, including performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and a public open house.
Envision Maryland Essay Competition: In partnership with Maryland Humanities, a fall 2026 contest inviting high school students to share their vision for Maryland’s future.
BCPL Public Speaker Series Maryland250 Author Event: A major author event this fall exploring themes related to the nation’s founding and its continuing legacy.

“The BSO’s Star-Spangled 250 concerts bring together music, community, and history in a setting that has become a beloved summer tradition,” said Mark Hanson, President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. “We’re excited to join Baltimore County in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States over two festive nights at Oregon Ridge, and to kick off a SummerFest season filled with great music, special guests, and opportunities for people to experience the Orchestra together all summer long.”

Launching with Star-Spangled 250 concerts, the BSO’s SummerFest lineup blends classical masterworks with popular favorites and special guest artists. Highlights running through August 14 include:

Family friendly programs designed to delight audiences of all ages, including "Disney Legend" Lea Salonga performing Broadway and film favorites; Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, pairing classic Looney Tunes shorts with their original scores; iconic film scores in John Williams & Steven Spielberg: Movie Magic; and Windborne’s Music of Journey, featuring singer Juan Del Castillo and arrangements of the band’s biggest hits for rock band with orchestra.
A one-night-only collaboration with singer-songwriter Cody Fry.
Classical favorites, including an all-Rachmaninoff program with pianist Joyce Yang and a celebration of the youthful brilliance of Mozart and Beethoven with BSO Assistant Conductor Jiannan Cheng and pianist Juho Pohjonen.
Live at the Meyerhoff events welcoming legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, and hip-hop artist Juvenile and the 400 Degreez Band (Please note: the Orchestra does not appear in the Live at the Meyerhoff performances).

Tickets for Star-Spangled 250 at Oregon Ridge are now on sale at $20 for children and $30 for adults, inclusive of parking. For tickets and more information about BSO SummerFest programming at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and The Music Center at Strathmore, including a public pre-sale via the BSO app, visit BSOmusic.org/summer.

A joint announcement launching Baltimore County’s MD250 celebration—the County’s official commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary—including an expanded Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Independence Day celebration at Oregon Ridge Park, a countywide historical passport experience, and a series of history-focused events.

The event will feature remarks from County and BSO leadership, and additional details on a broader countywide initiative tied to the national America 250 effort.

WHO:

Kathy Klausmeier, Baltimore County Executive
Mark Hanson, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra President & CEO
Michele W. Johnson, Director, Maryland Two Fifty Commission
Charlie Jay, Chair Baltimore County Commission on Veterans
Baltimore County elected representatives

Our annual Oregon Ridge celebration is back and bigger than ever!

We’re excited to partner with Baltimore County to present two Star-Spangled 250 Independence Day concerts this summer on the Oregon Ridge stage.

The July 3 and 4 concerts serve as a core part of Baltimore County’s Maryland 250 celebration, a series inviting residents and visitors to explore the County’s role in Maryland’s and America’s history.

For the first time, Music Director Jonathon Heyward will take the podium for two evenings of patriotic favorites, beloved works by American composers, and of course, fireworks.

We are also proud to bring back the “O, Say Can You Sing?” competition, inviting vocalists from across the region to compete for the opportunity to open each concert with “The Star-Spangled Banner” live with the BSO on the Oregon Ridge stage.