Welcome, travelers and locals alike, to our vibrant community of Howard County, Maryland! As the Fourth of July approaches, we are thrilled to share with you the exciting lineup of festivities happening in Columbia, Maryland's Live Performance Capital. Brace yourself for a dazzling spectacle that will ignite your patriotic spirit and create lasting memories. Get ready to be captivated by the magical bursts of color and light as the fireworks illuminate the night sky. It's time to gather with friends, family, and fellow patriots to celebrate Independence Day in true Howard County style.
4th of July Events In Columbia, Maryland
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4th of July at the Lakefront
FREE 4th of July Concert at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
Enjoy a free family-friendly concert at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods before walking over to the Lakefront for fireworks and other festivities. Find fantastic food from local food trucks and craft beer, wine, and cocktails throughout your splendid afternoon in the park! The Fourth of July Celebration Concert with the United States Navy Concert Band takes place from 3 to 4:30 pm and is presented by the Inner Arbor Trust.
4th of July Fireworks and Celebration at the Columbia Lakefront
Howard County and the Columbia Association are joining forces to co-host the annual July 4th fireworks at the Lakefront at Columbia. This celebration is perfect for your whole family, and is free for all ages! The fireworks show will begin between 9:15 and 9:25 p.m., weather permitting, and promises to light up the night sky with a stunning display of colors and pyrotechnics. Prepare to be amazed as the fireworks burst over the picturesque Lake Kittamaqundi, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
All attendees are asked to wait until after 3 p.m. to lay down any blankets so as to preserve the grass. Bring a picnic or purchase food from on-site food trucks between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy the time before the fireworks by taking in live music from "Big Joe & The Dynaflows" and "Quitapenas" organized by the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center.
Fireworks, hosted by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, begin around 9:20 p.m. The July 4th festivities are presented by the Howard County Government and Columbia Association in concert with Howard Hughes Holdings and other partners. Proceeds benefit Columbia Lakefront activities.
Please note there is NO parking available at the Lakefront. See below for parking & road closure information.
For more information, call 410-313-1668.
Sparkle & Swim at THE pearl
Plan a trip to THE Pearl Wellness Spa & boutique to combine a special therapeutic healing waters experience with a magical lakefront experience. On Tuesday, July 4th at 5:00 PM you can join the ADULT SWIM sparkle edition to experience an enchanting evening of friends, fireworks, and fun. Tickets include a delicious picnic-style meal, teas, and lawn games, as well as private prime seating for the fireworks display at the Columbia Lakefront.
Parking and Road Closures
Free public parking for this event will be located at:
- The Mall in Columbia
- The Merriweather District
- One and Two Merriweather Garage – 10970 Grantchester Way (Free on July 4)
- Symphony Woods garage, 6275 Mango Tree Road (Free on July 4)
- Sterrett Place North * limited *
There is no parking at the Lakefront. The Whole Foods parking lots will be closed at 6 p.m. and will reopen at approximately 11 p.m. Parking on the Wincopin top deck or garage below is reserved for event staff and will require a permit for access.
Please note, that on the evening of July 4th, the Howard County Police Department will be closing both directions of Little Patuxent Parkway between Symphony Woods Road and Governor Warfield Parkway from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Additionally, eastbound Little Patuxent Parkway between Broken Land Parkway and Symphony Woods Road will be closed from about 8 pm to 11 p.m. Traffic delays can also be expected as a result of these closures and increase vehicular and pedestrian traffic for the July 4th fireworks celebration.
Live Music and Entertainment
The musical entertainment for the evening, produced by the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center, also begins at 6 p.m. with Big Joe & the Dynaflows, a blues jump band. It will be followed at 7:30 p.m. by the dance rhythms of Quitapenas, a Tropical Afro Latin combo.
Food Trucks and Vendors
Food trucks will be on-site on July 4th, serving up a wide range of delicious food. In addition, the Columbia Association will host the annual Friends of the Fourth event in the Columbia Lakefront Pavilion. This ticketed event features pavilion seating, a picnic supper, and a cash bar by Offshore. Tickets are $85/person, and proceeds benefit future Lakefront events. Tickets are $85/person.
Bike HoCo Bike Corral
If you prefer an eco-friendly mode of transportation, Bike HoCo has got you covered! They will be running a free bike corral starting at 3 p.m. with space for more than 50 bikes, providing a safe and secure parking space. You can leave your bikes in the lower parking lot of Whole Foods, and a team of volunteers will watch over them while you enjoy the festivities, food, music, and fireworks.
Places to Stay
While you indulge in the exciting Fourth of July festivities in Howard County, Maryland, why not make it a memorable weekend getaway? Discover the array of wonderful places to stay in the county, offering comfort, convenience, and proximity to the festivities. Consider booking a stay at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, located next to the Columbia Lakefront. This charming hotel not only provides easy access to the Independence Day celebrations but also offers stunning views of Lake Kittamaqundi. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the event and then retreat to the comfort of your hotel room for a peaceful night's sleep.
Breakfast in the Lak restaurant is available from 6:30 am to 10:30 am. Starting at 12 pm, the Rookery Bar & Lounge and the outdoor patio will open. Their full Rookery dining menu is available all day. There is also a kids' menu available.
Lak restaurant will only be offering their specialty curated pre-fixe BBQ buffet starting at 4 pm! Tickets can be purchased ahead of time via Merriweather Lakehouse's Eventbrite page, and guests can also purchase patio tables in the evening for a premium view of prime fireworks. Otherwise, guests can dine off of the Rookery menu a la carte!
There will be popup bars out on the patios selling themed beverages and hot dogs/hamburgers. They will have a DJ on our restaurant patio from 1-4 pm and when the fireworks start to go off, giveaways will be announced throughout the day!
Their back patio and lawn are open to the public this year starting at noon. From 5-8 pm, they will have a kids' face painter and balloon animal artist free on a first-come, first serve basis
Merriweather Lakehouse has a room package available! Guests will receive complimentary take-home blankets for watching the fireworks on the lawn! Rooms are selling fast and more details can be found on their website or in the Marriott Bonvoy app.
The pool is open to hotel guests only and has bar service. Fireworks viewing on the rooftop is for overnight guests on a first-come, first-serve basis,
Specialty house-made freeze pops will be available for purchase throughout the day and free popcorn during the fireworks!
More 4th of July Activities:
Looking for even more 4th of July fun in Howard County? Keep the party going all weekend long at Turf Valley Resort!
Experience 4th of July at Turf Valley Resort and enjoy live music and DJs, outdoor lawn activities, fun group games, crafts and face painting, ice cream, and movie screenings of The Super Mario Brothers Movie and Elemental! Catch the Kelly Bell Band performing live on Friday, July 5th in The Grand Ballroom.
Fourth of July in Howard County, Maryland
Mark your calendars for an incredible Fourth of July celebration at the Columbia Lakefront in Howard County, Maryland. Be prepared for a night of awe-inspiring fireworks, live music, delicious food, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you choose to dance to the rhythm of the bands, savor the flavors from the food trucks, or simply relax and enjoy the fireworks, this event promises to create lasting memories. Come together with friends, family, and neighbors as we celebrate the nation's independence in true Howard County style!
With a variety of accommodations available throughout Howard County, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate during your Fourth of July adventure.
Event Contact Information:
Howard County Recreation & Parks: 410-313-1668
Columbia Association: 410-715-3000
