August is the last pure month of summer. Even if school does start at the end of it. There’s no doubt about it. . . August is still a summer month. The first day of school (August 24 this year) is a poignant reminder to stuff as much fun as possible into those first three weeks. Lucky for you, there’s lots of fun to stuff. Here's what we circled this month.
🎡 The 80th Howard County Fair – August 8–15
Photo: Karmen Osei
Eight days at the West Friendship fairgrounds: livestock shows, carnival rides, demolition derbies, funnel cake, and 4-H kids who work harder than most adults.
🎤 Merriweather's August lineup – all month
Take your pick. I’m feeling pretty uncool because I know exactly who Weird Al is and I’ve never even heard of Kehlani or Asake.
"Weird Al" Yankovic – Sunday, August 2
Thomas Rhett – Thursday, August 13
The Fray with Dashboard Confessional – Friday, August 14
Zac Brown Band – Saturday, August 15
Kehlani – Thursday, August 27
Asake – Friday, August 28
🎒 Back to School Bash with Brass Queens – Saturday, August 15
Photo: Brass Queens
The CA Lakefront throws a summer sendoff with carnival games, treats, and a high-energy set from Brass Queens, Brooklyn's all-female, New Orleans-style brass band. Bring school supplies to donate to Prepare for Success and help Howard County students start the year strong.
🌴 Caribbean American Heritage Celebration – Saturday, August 8
Rescheduled from June and worth the wait: music, dance, and food celebrating Howard County's Caribbean community, starting at 3 PM on Little Patuxent Parkway.
🎬 Fridays at the Lakefront – every Friday
Photo: CA Lakefront
Dancin' Under the People Tree kicks things off at 7, then a free movie at 8: Zootopia (August 7), Hoppers (August 14), Freakier Friday (August 21), and Elio (August 28). Saturday Lakefront concerts bookend the month, too – Columbia Concert Band on August 1 and Patrick Albán's Buena Vista Social Band on August 29.
⛳ Midnight Mini-Golf – Friday, August 14
Photo: Columbia Association
This month's theme is Hat & Tie. Sharp looks, fun hats, late-night putting. Starts at 9 PM.
🪩 Y2K Night – Saturday, August 22
Photo: Columbia Association
Ready to party like it's 2000? CA brings the ultimate throwback night to the Lakefront, whether you lived it or just wish you had. Frosted tips optional but encouraged.
🎭 Toby's changes the marquee – all month
Photo:Toby's Dinner Theatre
Mean Girls runs through August 23, then Summer – The Donna Summer Musical opens August 28 with the buffet doing its usual heavy lifting.
👮 National Night Out – Tuesday, August 4
Photo: Howard County Maryland
Howard County Police throw a free community bash at Color Burst Park from 5 to 8 PM: police and fire displays, a DJ, games, giveaways, and plenty for the kids. Neighborhood parties pop up across the county, too.
🎷 Amped in the Park – Thursdays, August 6 & 20
Photo: Merriweather Arts and Culture Center
Free live music at Color Burst Park, 6:30 PM. Saxophonist Brent Birckhead brings the jazz on August 6, then LADAMA closes out the summer series on August 20 with grooves from across the Americas.
🥕 Merriweather District Farmers Market – every Thursday
Photo: Merriweather Arts and Culture Center
Fresh produce, baked goods, and local honey every Thursday from 3 to 7 PM at Merriweather Row Plaza, running through August 27.
SEE YOU OUT THERE
