July is a vibrant month filled with exciting activities and events to enjoy. From live concerts to outdoor movies, there's something for everyone. Here's a roundup of some of the best things to do this July.

Signature Events Live Performances Free Outdoor Movies Free Outdoor Exercise Classes Places To Take Your Kids Game Day Eats

Signature Events

Fourth of July Celebrations in Columbia

Celebrate Independence Day this 4th of July with fireworks and festivities all around Columbia, including the Columbia Lakefront and Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. Read more on our blog about Fourth of July Festivities.

 

Fireworks Columbia

FIreworks at the Columbia Lakefront

 

Turf Valley Resort July 4th Weekend

Experience 4th of July at Turf Valley Resort and enjoy live music and DJs, an inflatable water slide, fun group games, crafts and face painting, ice cream, and family fun all weekend long! Join in the jams with DJ Korey with a K on July 4th, Steel Pan Jam on July 5th, and Jack Selway Music on July 6th.

Paint It! Ellicott City: Gallery on Display

Admire the artistic talents displayed at the Paint It! Ellicott City event, showcasing beautiful plein air paintings. This year features selected works by 28 juried artists chosen by guest juror Crystal Moll. Closed July 4th.

Whispering Winds Pow Wow

Experience the rich culture and traditions at the Whispering Winds Pow Wow with music, dance, and crafts. Shop traditional phenomenal fine art like turquoise jewelry, moccasins, beadwork, rugs, books, and paintings.Try delicious Native American food items like Buffalo stew, Indian fry bread, Indian tacos, Indian corn soup, and buffalo burgers.


Pride in July with The Columbia Association and Howard County PFLAG

  • Date: July 29th, 2025
  • Time: 6 - 9 PM
  • Location: Lake Kittamaqundi and Columbia Lakefront Stage

Celebrate love, community and togetherness at the inaugural Pride in July Celebration! On July 29th, from 6-9PM you are invited to a pride walk around Lake Kittamaqundi and a non-stop dance floor hosted by SADBrunch and CAKE POP!
 

Live Performances

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Merriweather Post Pavilion is the place for high energy concerts and live events in July. Be sure to check out their events page for the latest schedule and ticket information.

Nothing beats live music in the open air, and it's even better when it's free! You can find so many free performances and events in Downtown Columbia, Maryland's Live Performance Capital.

Howard County Summer Concert Series

Outdoor Concert Series in Howard County

Free Outdoor Concert Series with Howard County Recreation & Parks

Whether you live around the corner or are just passing through, these FREE outdoor concerts are a perfect midweek pause in Howard County. From soul to reggae, country to classic rock, there’s a genre for everyone!

  • Wednesday, July 9: Catch the smooth Soul & Motown sounds of Grayson Moon at Centennial Park.
  • Wednesday, July 16: Sing along to island vibes with the Sons of Pirates, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, at Centennial Park.
  • Wednesday, July 23: Feel the rhythm with live reggae from I & I Riddim, performing at Centennial Park.
  • Thursday, July 31: Head to West Friendship Park for a night of country music with Southland.

Free Events at Color Burst Park and Columbia Lakefront

In Downtown Columbia, the air is always filled with the sounds of music and laughter, and especially in the summer! The high energy and variety of fun is what makes Columbia Maryland’s Live Performance Capital.

Head to Color Burst Park to enjoy the Amped in the Park series with Las Karamba on July 24, 2025 at 6:30PM.

Take your place at Lakefront Live to enjoy free events all through July, including Dancin' under the People Tree, Outdoor Lakefront Movies, and live music performances.
 

Destination Downtown Columbia - Color Burst Park

Amped in the Park in Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District

 

Outdoor Movies

Enjoy a classic movie under the stars! See below for outdoor shows in July, or check out our blog for a complete list of free outdoor movie events happening this summer.

Columbia Lakefront

  • July 11th, 2025 at 8:30PM: Captain America: Brave New World (2025) PG-13
  • July 18th, 2025 at 8:30PM: Wicked (2024) PG
  • July 25th, 2025 at 8:15PM: Inside Out 2 (2024) PG

The Wine Bin in Historic Ellicott City

  • July 5th, 2025 at 9:00PM: National Treasure (2004) PG
  • July 12th, 2025 at 9:00PM: Groundhog Day (1993) PG
  • July 19th, 2025 at 9:00PM: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) PG
  • July 26th, 2025 at 9:00PM: Grease (1978) PG

Belmont Blockbusters Series at Belmont Manor & Historic Park

  • July 17th, 2025 at 8:00PM: Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) PG

LakeFront Movies

Columbia Lakefront Outdoor Movies

Free Outdoor Exercise Classes

Stay active and healthy with free outdoor exercise classes. Whether you're into yoga, dancing, or a boxing boot camp, there's a class for you. 

  • July 1st, 2025 at 6:30PM: All-levels Yoga in Color Burst Park with YogaSix
  • July 8th, 2025 at 6:30PM: Family Fit Boxing in Color Burst Park with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness 
  • July 11th, 2025 at 7:00PM: Dancin’ Under the People Tree at Columbia Lakefront
  • July 15th, 2025 at 6:30PM: Slow Flow Vinyasa Yoga in Color Burst Park with YogaSix
  • July 18th, 2025 at 7:00PM: Dancin’ Under the People Tree at Columbia Lakefront
  • July 22nd, 2025 at 6:30PM: Boxing Bootcamp in Color Burst Parkk with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness 
  • July 25th, 2025 at 7:00PM: Dancin’ Under the People Tree at Columbia Lakefront
  • July 29th, 2025 at 6:30PM: All-levels Yoga in Color Burst Park with YogaSix

Places to Take Your Kids

Looking for fun activities to keep the kids entertained? We have you covered with a list of family-friendly activities and places to visit.

Good Kidizens

  • July 12, 2025 at 10 AM to 12 PM – TEAM PLAYERS
  • July 26, 2025 at 10 AM to 12 PM – Science Rocks
  • ​Location: Merriweather District

Bring the whole family to Color Burst Park for a morning of interactive fun! From games to crafts, there’s something for every little adventurer.

Good Kidizens Color Burst Park Merriweather District

Color Burst Park

Fairy Festival at Clark's Elioak Farm

On July 19th & 20th Clark’s Elioak Farm will be hosting Fairy Days at the Farm. Bring along all your littlest pixies for a family friendly adventure filled with rides, games, food, and laughter.

Game Day Eats

Cheering on the Orioles? Get your game day fix at these popular spots:

Enjoy the myriad of activities and events happening this July. Whether you're a music lover, a movie buff, or just looking for fun things to do with your family, there's something for everyone to enjoy this month!

Times are subject to change.​ Please check event details with event hosts prior to attending.