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
Whispering Winds Pow Wow
- Date: July 13
- Time: 10 am - 6:30 pm
- Location: Howard County Fairgrounds
Experience the rich culture and traditions at the Whispering Winds Pow Wow with music, dance, and crafts.
Paint It! Ellicott City
- Date: June 10 - Aug 3
- Hosted By: Howard County Arts Council
Admire the artistic talents displayed at the Paint It! Ellicott City event, showcasing beautiful plein air paintings.
Fourth of July Celebration in Columbia
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and festivities all around Columbia, including the Columbia Lakefront and Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. Read more about Fourth of July Festivities.
- Navy Concert Band: 3 to 4:30 pm at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
- Quitapenas and Big Joe and the Dynaflows: 6 pm to 9:00 pm at The Columbia Lakefront Stage
- Fireworks: Begin around 9:20 pm over Lake Kittamaqundi
Turf Valley Resort July 4th Weekend
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.
Columbia Lakefront
Live Performances
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Hosting a variety of concerts this month. 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.
Fiddlers and Fireflies
- Date: July 11
- Location: Howard County Conservancy
- Enjoy an evening of traditional folk music and lightning bugs. Entrance is $10 per car.
Open Mic at Busboys and Poets
- Date: Select Thursdays, 8 pm to 10 pm
- Location: Busboys and Poets
For two hours, audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Expect to be moved, expect a packed house, expect the unexpected, but above all come with an open mind and ear.
Free Outdoor Concerts
- July 18, 2024, 7 pm to 8:30 pm: Doc Robinson at Color Burst Park
- July 25, 2024, 7 pm to 8:30 pm: Sons of Mystro at The Columbia Lakefront Stage
Visit Columbia for free live concerts in Color Burst Park and the Columbia Lakefront Stage all summer long.
Color Burst Park
Outdoor Movies
Enjoy a classic movie under the stars! Check out our blog for a list of free outdoor movie events happening this July.
Columbia Lakefront
- Tuesday July 1st 9:45PM: The Nightmare before Christmas
- Friday July 5th 8:30PM: King Arthur
- Monday July 8th 8:30PM: Strange World
- Friday, July 12th 8:30PM: Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny
- Friday, July 19th 8:30PM: Barbie
- Monday, July 22nd 8:30PM: DC League of Super Pets
- Friday July 26th 8:30PM: Beetlejuice
- Monday July 29th 8:30PM: Soul
Clarksville Commons // The Common Kitchen
- Wednesday, July 10th: Barbie
- Wednesday, July 17th: Migration
- Wednesday, July 24th: Jungle Book (2016)
- Wednesday, July 31st: Lilo & Stitch
The Wine Bin in Historic Ellicott City
- July 6th, 9 pm: The Wizard of Oz
- July 13th, 9 pm: Casablanca
- July 20th, 8:30 pm: Indiana Jones
- July 27th, 8:30 pm: Finding Nemo
Belmont Blockbusters Series at Belmont Manor & Historic Park
- Thursday, July 18th: The Goonies
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Free Outdoor Exercise Classes
Stay active and healthy with free outdoor exercise classes. Whether you're into yoga, Zumba, or boot camp, there's a class for you.
- July 5, 2024, 7 pm: Lakefront Live: Dancin' Under the People Tree at Columbia Lakefront, 10275 Wincopin Circle
- July 11, 2024, 4 pm to 5 pm: Merriweather Row Fit Series // THE Pearl at Merriweather Row Plaza, 10480 Little Patuxent Pkwy
- July 12, 2024, 7 pm: Lakefront Live: Dancin' Under the People Tree at Columbia Lakefront, 10275 Wincopin Circle
- July 18, 2024, 4 pm to 5 pm: Merriweather Row Fit Series // Title Boxing at Merriweather Row Plaza, 10480 Little Patuxent Pkwy
- July 19, 2024, 7 pm: Lakefront Live: Dancin' Under the People Tree at Columbia Lakefront, 10275 Wincopin Circle
- July 26, 2024, 7 pm: Lakefront Live: Dancin' Under the People Tree at Columbia Lakefront, 10275 Wincopin Circle
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
- Date: July 6, 10 am to 2 pm; July 20, 10 am to 2 pm
- Location: Merriweather District
Bring the whole family to Color BurstPark for a morning of interactive fun! From games to crafts, there’s something for every little adventurer.
Color Burst Park
Fairy Festival at Clark Elioak’s Farm
- Date: July 13th & 14th
- Location: Clark Elioak's Farm
On July 13th and 14th 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:
- The Ale House Columbia
- Alexandra's Restaurant / Fairway Lounge at Turf Valley Resort
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. Check details with event hosts before attending.
