Columbia Fourth of July Fireworks And Parade Guide

COLUMBIA, MD — Fourth of July celebrations are right around the corner. Here's what is coming up around Columbia this year for Independence Day. The festivities will be held on Wednesday, July 4.

A fireworks show will light up the lakefront on the Fourth of July in Columbia thanks to Howard County Government with support from the Columbia Association.

The festivities are slated for 5 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, around the Columbia lakefront, 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044.

There will be a two-hour live performance by Airmen of Note, the U.S. Air Force jazz band.

The fireworks will be set off after dark, around 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.

People are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion.

Little Patuxent Parkway will close at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, and will not reopen until the fireworks show has ended.

Boats will not be allowed on the lake from July 3 to July 5.

If you happen to see one of our team members at the #ColumbiaLakefront for the @HoCoRec #fireworks, say “hello” | We have dozens of EMTs and paramedics on site to keep you safe pic.twitter.com/Qe1Xh8rWFx
— Howard Co Fire & EMS (@HCDFRS) July 4, 2018

Reserving A Seat

Blankets or sheets may be set out starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4.

Tarps may be put on the grass starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday July 4; this is to protect the grass. Anyone with questions about tarps may contact the Columbia Association at 410-312-6330.

Inclement Weather

The rain date for the fireworks is Thursday, July 5. For questions about the status due to weather, call the Howard County inclement weather line at 410-313-4451.

Check the forecast for Columbia from the National Weather Service.

River Hill Independence Day Parade

River Hill’s 19th annual Independence Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4.

The festive affair is known for its floats, lawnchair marching dads and others rolling down the parade route along Great Star Drive. Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford will also be there.

The parade starts at 9 a.m. at Pointers Run Elementary School, 6600 Trotter Road, and ends at the 5th District Volunteer Fire Station, 5000 Signal Bell Lane.

Oakland Mills Fourth Of July BIG Parade

In Oakland Mills, there will be a parade from the Oakland Mills Village Center at 10 a.m. to celebrate the holiday with festive flair. It is being billed as the Oakland Mills Fourth of July BIG Parade.

The parade will line up at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4. The big parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 5851 Robert Oliver Place in Columbia. Festivities are expected to last from 10 a.m. to noon.

Longfellow Parade

The Longfellow Friends of the Traditional 4th Parade will take place on Wednesday, July 4, rain or shine.

Lineup starts at 9:15 a.m., and the parade will begin at 10 a.m. starting from Longfellow Elementary School. The parade will run from one end of Hesperus Drive to another, then return to the elementary school on Eliots Oak Road.

Maryland Senator Ed Kasemeyer, who is retiring, will be honored for his service. People are encouraged to bring canned goods for donations to the Food for Tomorrow.

A softball game will follow at noon between

The parade will be followed by a softball game at noon between the Eliot’s Oak Nuts and the Hesperus Wrecks on Field #3 at Cedar Lane Park.

Did we miss your favorite Fourth of July event? Add it in the comments!

Also, find the Maryland fireworks shows approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

This article has been updated.

Want more local news? Get the Columbia Patch newsletter.

Image via Shutterstock.