Columbia 4th Of July Fireworks, Parades: 2019 Guide

COLUMBIA, MD — July 4th is here, and Columbia is celebrating Independence Day in a variety of ways. We gathered the info about fireworks and parades happening in the area.

Fireworks start at Lake Kittamaqundi around 9:30 p.m. People can put blankets or sheets out for the fireworks at the lakefront starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. Tarps and chairs may be set out at 3 p.m., and officials say the reason they aren't allowed until then is to protect the grass. Boats are prohibited on Lake Kittamaqundi July 3 to 5.

Little Patuxent Parkway will close at approximately 7 p.m. in preparation for the fireworks. It will reopen after the show concludes. Parking will be available off Wincopin Circle and at The Mall in Columbia.

For those watching the fireworks at the Columbia lakefront, there's an app called HoCo July 4th that will provide a specially curated soundtrack accompanying the display. The app is available through Apple and Google Play.

Here's what's in store this July 4th in and around Columbia:

What: 20th Annual Village of River Hill Independence Day Parade
Where: Great Star Drive, Clarksville, MD
When: 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 4

What: 49th Annual Longfellow Parade
Where: Longfellow Elementary School, 5470 Hesperus Drive, Columbia, MD 21044
When: 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4

What: Howard County's July 4 Fireworks
Where: Columbia Lakefront, 10275 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044
When: 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Fireworks start around 9:30 p.m. Beforehand, the Columbia Big Band will play on the lakefront stage, and food vendors will be available. People may also bring their own picnics.

Want to know if fireworks are still on in the event of inclement weather? Call the Howard County Recreation & Parks Program Status Line at 410-313-4451, and select "2" to hear information about event status. We will also update this article if there are any changes.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely in Columbia after 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, according to the National Weather Service forecast, which calls for a high of 90 degrees and a low of 74.

"Another hot and humid day is on tap with increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening," the National Weather Service for the Baltimore-Washington region reported Thursday morning. "Some stronger storms could produce heavy rainfall and isolated damaging wind gusts."

In fact, the agency issued a hazardous weather outlook for central Maryland, including Howard County, due to the possibility of scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms that may pose isolated threats of damaging winds and flooding.

SEE ALSO: Maryland July 4 Fireworks, Parades, Races, Concerts: 2019 Guide

Nearby — Baltimore County

What: Arbutus Fourth of July Parade
Where: Downtown Arbutus
When: 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4

What: Catonsville Fourth of July Parade
Where: Frederick Road at Montrose Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228
When: 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4

What: Catonsville Fireworks Family Fun Fest
Where: Catonsville High School Athletic Fields on Valley Road
When: 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. The rain date is Saturday, July 6.

Nearby — Baltimore City

What: Visionary Pets on Parade
Where: Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
When: 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
How Much: Free

What: Red, White & Zoo Enrichment Day
Where: The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 4
How Much: See ticket info from the zoo.

What: Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival
Where: Middle Branch Park, 3301 Waterview Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225
When: 1 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m.
How Much: Free

What: Ports America Chesapeake 4th of July Celebration
Where: Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD 21202
When: 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Rain date is July 5.
How Much: Free

What: Picnic at Top of the World
Where: World Trade Center, 401 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
When: 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4
How Much: Tickets are $65-75 for adults and $35-40 for kids.

What: Independence Celebration at Baltimore Museum of Industry
Where: Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
When: 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4
How Much: Tickets are $55 and include one parking space.

There are also several options for those who want to watch the show on the water:

• Fireworks cruise aboard pirate ship Fearless — Tickets are $50, only available to those 21 and up. Bring your own adult beverages. This boards at the Ann Street pier in Fells Point.
• Fireworks cruise through Spirit Cruises — Tickets start at $124.90 for the three-hour cruise with open bar, three-course dinner and DJ.
• Deck party board USS Constellation — Tickets up to $75 for all-you-can-eat dinner on the ship.
• Fireworks cruise through Watermark — Tickets start at $60 for the cruise with light snacks and $89 for one with a BBQ buffet. Both are three hours aboard yachts.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Columbia Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Planning a celebration for the Fourth? Check out epic July Fourth essentials like red, white and blue swag, patriotic games and luminous LED lights to ensure your party is the best in the USA.