ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the details for Howard County’s annual July 4th Fireworks celebration with a bigger and grander fireworks at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. The event, a partnership between Howard County Government, the Columbia Association, and other local organizations, will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with food trucks, musical performances and more. The night closes with a fantastic fireworks display starting at dusk.
As we celebrate our nation and the opportunities we have, we are reminded of the importance of spending time with family and friends. Howard County’s time-honored tradition of spectacular fireworks in the heart of beautiful downtown Columbia creates the perfect backdrop for gathering together in a beautiful and safe area. This year, as tens of thousands of residents and visitors make their way to the Columbia Lakefront, they can look forward to a bigger and better fireworks display, great musical entertainment, and plenty of food to keep you energized throughout the evening.
On July 4th, residents and visitors can start placing blankets down at the Lakefront at 3:00 p.m. The fireworks will begin at dusk, between 9:10 and 9:20 p.m., over Lake Kittamaqundi. In the event of rain, the fireworks display only will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 5th.
“We look forward to this July 4th celebration held each year as it demonstrates how the county can bring impressive, free events to its community through strong partnerships like the one we share with the Columbia Association,” said Howard County Recreation & Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan. “We are delighted to continue working more closely each year with partners as it is rewarding to see attendance grow at this ‘can’t miss event of the summer’.”
Provided by the Columbia Association and presented by the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center, live musical entertainment will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a performance by The Sidleys, followed by a performance at 7:30 p.m. by Dustbowl Revival.
"The July 4th celebration is such an important tradition for the community, and the Columbia Association (CA) is proud to once again host the festivities at our Lakefront. This is a space where people connect and make memories throughout the summer and the entire year. Our team spends countless hours bringing this event to life and ensuring those who attend feel connected to the space and each other,” said Columbia Association President/CEO Shawn MacInnes. “We operate under the principle that every person who visits the CA Lakefront should feel a sense of belonging, and that includes the tens of thousands of community members and visitors here on July 4th. We are grateful for the partnerships with Merriweather Arts & Culture Center (MACC), Howard County and the many other entities that make this a reality."
Food
Food trucks will be located in the Lakefront parking lot starting at 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. This year’s participating food truck vendors include Blowfish Poke & Grill, Burgers & Bunz, Cousins Maine Lobster, Funnel Cake King, Greek on the Go, Kona Ice, Malik’s Ice Cream, Namit Filipino BBQ, Pacha Mama Juice, Taco Joint, Tasty Treats and More, Tom’s Coffee, and Tima Soft Serve.
Parking and Traffic
There will be free public parking available at several locations in Downtown Columbia, including The Mall in Columbia, Merriweather District, Symphony Woods Garage, One and Two Merriweather Garage and Sterrett Place North.
ADA parking has been expanded. The lot at 10324 Little Patuxent Parkway will be open for ADA parking only starting at 2:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. An appropriate placard or license plate is needed for entry. Due to road closures, the lot will only be accessible by car before 6:00 p.m. Access after 6:00 p.m. will be limited to Mall Ring Road.
There is no parking at the Lakefront and the Whole Foods parking lots will close at 6:00 p.m. and will not reopen until approximately 11:00 p.m.
The Howard County Police Department will close both directions of Little Patuxent Parkway between Symphony Woods Road and Governor Warfield Parkway from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. and Little Patuxent Parkway between Broken Land Parkway and Symphony Woods Road from about 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Traffic delays in the area can be expected.
For attendees looking to beat the traffic this July 4th, biking is the perfect way to get to and from this year’s event. Free bicycle parking will be available at the Bike Corral located at 10175 Wincopin Circle (next to GrillMarx) between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
For more information about Howard County’s July 4th Fireworks celebration, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/july-4th-fireworks.