15 Incredible Events in Columbia, MD This Month (July, 2023)

Travel Lens

Jul 14, 2023 • 7 min read

As July unfolds, the city is buzzing with an exciting array of events, highlighting everything from music and movies to fitness and food. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, fitness buff, foodie, or someone in search of a unique experience, we have curated a list of 15 must-attend events that will turn your month into an adventure. Get ready to mark your calendar and make your summer memories in Columbia more vibrant and unforgettable.

Amped in the Park

Say hello to summer with the return of 'Amped in the Park,' an outdoor music celebration hosted in partnership with Merriweather Arts and Culture Center & Columbia Festival of the Arts.

Mark the end of your week with a lively, musical atmosphere in the Merriweather District.

Pack your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, and prepare for an evening of energetic tunes, freebies, and activations that make for a perfect summer evening.

Merriweather Movie Nights - Black Panther

Get ready for a cinematic adventure under the stars with Merriweather Arts and Culture Center's free screening of 'Black Panther.'

Take advantage of the splendid ambiance of the Merriweather Post Pavilion, either under the pavilion or on the lawn.

Dive into the captivating story of T'Challa, who after his father's demise, returns to Wakanda to assume his rightful place as king.

Merriweather District Fit Series: F45

Kick your fitness game up a notch with the 'Merriweather District Fit Series: F45.' Join in every other Tuesday from 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM at Color Burst Park for a free F45 Bootcamp fitness series.

Participants aged 16 and 17 need parental consent. Remember to bring your workout mat and a water bottle.

The Black Excellence Gala

Celebrate the luminaries of Howard County’s arts and culture at 'The Black Excellence Gala.'

Organized by The Klass of the East, this event showcases the influential Black Professionals that contribute to making Howard County and the broader DMV area special. The Gala takes place on Saturday, July 29 from 7 - 11pm EDT.

3rd Thursdays Open Mic Night | Columbia | Hosted by E-Baby

Nurture your love for music and poetry at the '3rd Thursdays Open Mic Night,' hosted by E-Baby on Thursday, July 20.

This two-hour event invites spoken word performers, musicians, and open mic newcomers to showcase their talents. Whether you come to perform or simply to listen, prepare for a night of diverse voices and creative expression.

THE NEW BLACK WOMAN | A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation

Embrace self-growth and wellness with the presentation of 'The New Black Woman,' a book by Marita Golden, a renowned author and interviewee of Oprah Winfrey.

This guide aims to help women understand their identity, establish healthy boundaries, and incorporate fitness practices into their daily lives. Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 16 from 5 - 7pm EDT for this enlightening event.

Janeliasoul at Columbia Lakefront Festival

Prepare for an evening of rhythmic Afrobeats with Janeliasoul at the Columbia Lakefront Festival. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the lake, this concert promises a delightful experience of outdoor music and fresh air.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 29 from 7:30 - 9:30pm EDT at the Columbia Lakefront Stage.

Jazz Dinner En Blanc

Embrace elegance at the SJBC Jazz "Diner En Blanc" (Dinner in White). This outdoor event, set for Saturday, July 22 from 6 - 8pm EDT, invites individuals, families, and groups to bring their meals and indulge in an evening filled with live jazz, line dancing, and fun, courtesy of Districk Kollective.

St John Baptist Church will provide tables, chairs, table decorations, dessert, and entertainment.

2nd Thursdays Open Mic Night | Columbia | Hosted by Da Truth

Nurture your creativity at the '2nd Thursdays Open Mic Night,' hosted by Da Truth on Thursday, July 13 from 8 - 10pm EDT. Experience a medley of voices from professional spoken word performers, musicians, and open mic newcomers.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an appreciative audience member, this event promises an evening filled with unexpected surprises.

Journey Within - Wisdom & Meditation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Embark on a journey of inner exploration with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual leader whose teachings have reached over 500 million people in 180 countries.

In this event, slated for Saturday, July 22 from 7 - 8:30pm EDT, discover the benefits of meditation and learn how it can help you navigate life’s challenges with resilience, serenity, and joy.

Namit Filipino Barbecue Pop-up

EventImmerse yourself in a gastronomic journey to the Philippines at the 'Namit Filipino Barbecue Pop-up Event' on Saturday, July 15, with seatings starting at 11:30 AM EDT.

Delight in a variety of authentic Filipino barbecue dishes and desserts that offer a tantalizing taste of the archipelago in the heart of Columbia.

MACC Midsummer Bash: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Save Merriweather

Join the MACC Board of Directors for the 'Midsummer Bash' celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 'Save Merriweather' movement.

Hosted by Chairperson Candace Dodson Reed, the event features local fare, a full bar - including a commemorative beer from Union Craft Brewing, live music from JAMM Session, and a collaborative art project.

All proceeds support MACC's community and educational programming.

Yoga in the Park

Begin your week on a revitalizing note with 'Yoga in the Park' at the Chrysalis. Organized in partnership with the Columbia Association, this free series offers an hour-long yoga session led by expert instructors and is open to all abilities and skill levels.

Invite a friend and embrace the outdoors while invigorating your mind and body on Monday, July 17 from 6 - 7pm EDT.

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