Howard County and the Columbia Association will co-host the annual July 4th fireworks at the Lakefront at Columbia, beginning around 9:20pm on July 4. (Please note that Howard County is only hosting the fireworks in 2022. Thank you to the Columbia Association for handling the entertainment, food and more.)
Free public parking for this event will be located at the Mall in Columbia.
Please note that the Little Patuxent Parkway may close around 7 PM due to expected high traffic volume from this event.
There will be two live music bands on the Lakefront stage.
The 20-minute fireworks show will start around 9:20 p.m. at Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia. Residents who wish to place blankets may do so after 3:00 p.m.
Food trucks will be onsite.
Vendors, food trucks and bands have been chosen for 2022. Applications are not being accepted for vendors.
Entertainment at the Lakefront Stage
Presented by Columbia Association
Produced by Columbia Festival of the Arts
Event Parking
Bobby Thompson
6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
It’s been said that creativity takes courage, and self-expression is a way to show the world your inner soul. With a new group of songs and a new full-length album in the works, Bobby has let down his guard, and become more than the instrumentalist he gained a reputation for. He loves performing in both acoustic solo and electric band settings, and brings an authenticity and professionalism to both. As a songwriter, Thompson has expanded beyond the guitar techniques and jams he’s been known for, and built a following off of a holistic view of how a live music experience can take the listener on a journey.
“I want to carry on the tradition of blues and folk music, without mimicking, but with solid interpretation and writing. People like Taj Mahal, John Hammond Jr., and Mississippi John Hurt are top-shelf in my vinyl catalog. Lightnin’ Hopkins and Townes Van Zandt were friends. Bob Dylan sang blues songs. Blues music and folk music are close relatives. That’s the tradition I want to continue in with my songwriting and performances.”, Thompson states.
Vanessa Collier
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
8-TIME BLUES MUSIC AWARD NOMINEE 2022 BMA WINNER “CONTEMPORARY BLUES FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR” 2020 BMA WINNER “HORN PLAYER OF THE YEAR!” 2019 BMA WINNER “HORN PLAYER OF THE YEAR!”
“There’s a young lady [Vanessa Collier] came onstage with me, I forget where I was, but she’s playing an alto saxophone, and man, she was amazing.”
Those are the words of Buddy Guy in a recent issue of American Blues Scene, describing an impromptu performance with Vanessa Collier on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. If you haven’t been fortunate enough to meet Vanessa and witness one of her head-turning, fiery, and passionate performances, you should definitely make sure you do. As a master musician and multi-instrumentalist, Vanessa Collier, weaves funk, soul, rock, and blues into every powerful performance and she is downright impressive. With soulful vocals, searing saxophone, and witty songwriting, Vanessa is blazing a trail, racking up an impressive arsenal of honors, and has already singled herself out as an artist of distinction.
Food Trucks and Vendors:
DMV Taqueria
"Our identity is be energetic, imaginative mobile food truck company aimed at offering high-quality, foods using only local and natural ingredients. We view ourselves as partners with our customers, our employees, our community and our environment.
We aim to become a regionally recognized brand, capitalizing on the rapid growth and popularity of the mobile food industry in the DMV area.
Our vision is to make our guest feel at HOME and maintaining our sense of humor."
Dizzy Cow Pizza
"We hand-stretch and cook artisan, wood-fired pizza in an authentic Italian pizza oven. Using excellent quality ingredients, slow fermented dough, and local meats and local produce, we create a truly unique pizza unlike anything else."
Blowfish Poke
Fresh Hawaiian Poke bowls consisting of a choice of base, veggies, protein, and sauce.
Pacha Mama’s Juice
"Pacha Mama Juice Co. sells delicious fresh made-to-order fruit and vegetable juices with a tropical twist. In addition to our juices we offer wellness shots, naturally flavored lemonade, and tasty bubble waffles filled with healthy toppings."
Kona Ice
Tropical Shaved Ice
For the Soul Food Truck
"FTSFT will enhance our community by providing meaningful, loving community events with children, our beloved senior citizens, at risk teens & all people who want to celebrate life with love! We will embark on a partnership with our local farmers to ensure our community receives fresh, healthy produce while promoting our local farmers. Our mission is to uplift the community with beautiful energy & delicious food!"