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Columbia Association (CA) is proud to once again present Lakefront Live, providing more than 60 free events at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. This summertime staple returns with long time favorites and new additions that aim to reflect and welcome our diverse Columbia community. 

“We know how important this space is to Columbia and beyond,” CA Interim President/CEO Dennis Mattey said. “I truly believe the Lakefront is where the best of summer happens, and I’m thrilled that CA is once again committing to bringing accessible, inclusive entertainment to everyone who comes out to experience this space.”  

Lakefront Live once again features a series of special celebration nights with regionally, nationally and internationally recognized performers produced by the Merriweather Arts & Culture Center (MACC). Those include:  

• Saturday, June 1 – Columbia’s birthday featuring The Boneshakers with special guest and Howard County native Deanna Bogart 
• Wednesday, June 19 – Juneteenth block party (in partnership with The 3rd, MACC, Downtown Columbia Partnership and Howard Hughes) featuring DuPont Brass and a full day of fun 
• Thursday, July 4 – July 4th celebration and fireworks (co-hosted by Howard County Government) featuring Big Joe & The Dynaflows and Quitapenas 
• Thursday, July 25 – Prepare for Success school supply drive featuring Sons of Mystro 
• Thursday, August 8 – Amped up evening and earbud giveaway featuring Zach Person 
• Saturday, August 24 – Teacher appreciation night featuring Deborah Bond 

All headliner shows start at 7pm. The Collective Offshore (located in the former Clyde’s restaurant space) will offer food and drink at every headline show.

“Art is vital to a vibrant community, and our Columbia community deserves to see themselves represented in the music they’re experiencing,” MACC Director of Programming Dave Simmons said. “Our collaboration with CA to bring a wide variety of renowned performers to the Lakefront – and making that available to everyone – is a true representation of our shared values. It takes intentionality, and that’s what we’re able to bring to the table together.”  

Lakefront Live also brings back the decades-long tradition of movie nights with Tom “Mr. B” Brzezinski. Supported by the Columbia Film Society, more than 30 movies are scheduled to be screened. Along with the entire line-up of top-notch films, CA welcomes the community to come out for some special movie events, including:  

• Monday, July 8 – Go Green movie night featuring Strange World (PG) with the CA sustainability team 
• Friday, July 19 – Barbie (PG-13) night with photo ops and pink-clad surprises 
• Thursday, August 14-Friday, August 23 – Harry Potter week, featuring all seven Harry Potter movies 

All movies start at dusk (around 8:15-8:30pm depending on the time of year).

“Mr. B is an institution in Columbia and beyond,” Mattey said. “We are so grateful for our continued relationship with Tom and are excited to elevate the energy he brings to the Lakefront all summer long.”

Dancin’ Under the People Tree will return, marking a strong tradition of CA fitness instructors leading people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in some feel-good movement. Continuing CA’s work with Paradise Events, another 20 nights of free local and regional music are also included in the Lakefront Live lineup. 

“This is all about ensuring that people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences feel a sense of belonging at the Lakefront,” Mattey said. “CA is proud and excited to once again create a space for everyone to make memories this summer.”

Details about the performers, schedules, parking logistics, weather-related announcements, giveaways and food/drink menus will be made available at LakefrontLive.org.