Celebrate July in Howard County and fill your itinerary with a lineup of exciting activities and events. Whether you’re embracing the anniversary of our nation with HoCo250, watching a blockbuster movie under the stars, or jamming to a free outdoor concert, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.

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 the Columbia Lakefront. Read more on our blog about Fourth of July Festivities.

 

CA Lakefront Fireworks
Fireworks at the Columbia Lakefront (Photo courtesy of Howard County Recreation & Parks)

 

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 Steel Pan Jam on July 3rd, DJ Marcus on July 4th, and Jack Selway Music on July 5th.
 

Paint It! Ellicott City: Gallery on Display

Admire the artistic talents displayed at the Paint It! Ellicott City event, showcasing beautiful plein air paintings in Gallery I at the Capitoline Center. This year features selected works by juried artists chosen by guest juror Valerie Craig. 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.
 

Indian Pow Wow
Whispering Winds Pow Wow


Pride in July with The Columbia Association and Howard County PFLAG

  • Date: July 25th, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
  • Location: Lake Kittamaqundi and Columbia Lakefront Stage

Celebrate love, community and togetherness at the inaugural Pride in July Celebration! On July 25th, 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 pop to reggae, soul to classic rock, there’s a genre for everyone!

Performing at Centennial Park at 7:00 PM:

  • Wednesday, July 8th: Feel the rhythm with live reggae from I&I Riddim.
  • Wednesday, July 15th: Dance along to the iconic pop sounds of Enslow.
  • Wednesday, July 22nd: Experience Indie-Soul from Grayson Moon.
  • Wednesday, July 29th: Let loose with Weird Science, a high-energy 80s rock band.
     

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 Raul Midón on July 9th, 2026 at 6:30 PM, and Tabitha Meeks on July 23rd, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

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

AMPed in the 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 1st, 2026 at 8:00 PM: Hamilton (2020) PG-13
  • July 10th, 2026 at 8:00 PM: Wicked (2024) PG
  • July 11th, 2026 at 8:00 PM: Wicked: For Good (2025) PG
  • July 17th, 2026 at 8:00 PM: Goat (2026) PG
  • July 24th, 2026 at 8:00 PM: The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) PG
  • July 31st, 2026 at 8:00 PM: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) PG

The Wine Bin in Historic Ellicott City

  • July 11th, 2026 at 9:00 PM: Superman (2025) PG-13
  • July 18th, 2026 at 9:00 PM: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) G
  • July 25th, 2026 at 9:00 PM: The Breakfast Club (1985) R
     

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. 
 

Yoga Six on the Lake
Yoga with Yoga Six 

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 11th, 2026 at 10 AM to 12 PM – Little Aggies
  • July 25th, 2026 at 10 AM to 12 PM – Healthy Habits
  • ​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.
 

Color Burst Park Splash Pad
Color Burst Park
 

Fairy Festival at Clark's Elioak Farm

On July 18th & 19th 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

Watching the FIFA World Cup? Or 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.