HOWARD HUGHES COMMUNITIES™ Annouces Free Summer 2026 Programming At Color Burst Park
Special to the Baltimore TimesFlagship series brings live music, children's education, and outdoor fitness to Merriweather District
COLUMBIA, MD (June 5, 2026) — Howard Hughes Communities today announced the return of its popular summer programming lineup at Color Burst Park in Merriweather District. Running from June through August, the free seasonal series includes live outdoor concerts through Amped in the Park, hands-on educational programming for children with Good Kid-izen, and weekly wellness classes through the Summer Fit Series. Designed to bring the community together through arts, culture, education and wellness, the programming further cements Color Burst Park as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors.
“Color Burst Park was designed as a place for the community to come together and connect,” said Casey Jones, vice president of marketing for Howard Hughes Communities. “With live music, family-friendly programming, fitness classes, and one of the area’s great dining destinations, Color Burst offers something for everyone all year long.”
Amped in the Park
Amped in the Park, brought to the community by the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center and Howard Hughes Communities, returns for another season of free, family-friendly concerts every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each event combines live music performances with themed crafts, giveaways, and an outdoor bar experience.
2026 Amped in the Park Lineup
• June 18 — Marielle Kraf
Indie pop singer-songwriter delivers an evening of heartfelt, relatable music often compared to the storytelling style of Taylor Swift.
• July 9 — Raul Midon
Showcases his signature fusion of jazz, soul, Latin and folk influences during a lively summer performance.
• July 23 — Tabitha Meeks
Retro pop artist brings upbeat, empowering music and vintage-inspired energy.
• Aug. 6 — Brent Birckhead
Saxophonist and woodwind artist whose project Birckhead blends traditional jazz influences with modern sounds for an energetic outdoor performance.
• Aug. 20 — LADAMA
Closes the series with a vibrant performance celebrating Pan-American roots music infused with contemporary pop influences.
Event registration is available here.
Good Kid-izen
Hosted by Howard Hughes Communities, and sponsored by Gold Fish Swim School, Good Kid-izen is a Saturday morning children's series designed to teach young visitors ages 2 to 10 about citizenship, kindness, wellness, and community engagement through interactive learning experiences. Programs are held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2026 Good Kid-izen Series Schedule
• June 6 — Kindness in Action
Features story time activities led by the Howard County Library System, celebrating empathy, inclusion, and how small actions make a big impact. Kids will explore what it means to be kind and how even the littlest gestures can change someone’s day through games and conversation.
• June 20 — Water Safety Day
Goldfish Swim School presents hands-on water safety lessons through interactive activities including a float-versus-sink experiment and themed giveaways.
• July 11 — Little Aggies: Love Our Land
Introduces children to agriculture, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Children will discover the journey of their favorite foods and meet the local farm heroes who grow the colorful fruits and veggies they love to eat.
• July 25 — Healthy Habits
YogaSix leads kid-friendly yoga instruction combined with obstacle course activities focused on movement, nutrition, and summer wellness.
• Aug. 8 — Community Heroes
Local fire and police departments showcase emergency vehicles while teaching children about the people who serve and protect the community.
• Aug. 22 — Storybook Adventures
The Howard County Library System returns with its mobile library experience, interactive storytelling, and a coloring village craft activity. Storybook Maze will also be on hand to bring the joy of reading to life.
Registration is available here.
Summer Fit Series
The Summer Fit Series brings free instructor-led outdoor workouts to Color Burst Park every week throughout the summer. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, each session features a rotating lineup of yoga, boxing, and Zumba led by certified local instructors and community partners.
Hosted by Howard Hughes Communities and open to all fitness levels, classes are free, but space is limited and attendees are encouraged to RSVP to secure a spot. Participants are encouraged to bring water, towels, and workout mats where applicable.
2026 Summer Fit Series Schedule
• YogaSix
June 23, July 14, Aug. 25
• TITLE Boxing Club (New)
June 9, June 30, July 21, Aug. 11
• Zumba with Cris Oviedo (New)
June 16, July 7, July 28, Aug. 18
Registration is available here.
About Merriweather District
Merriweather District is a Howard Hughes community located at the center of Columbia, MD, one of the first master planned communities in the U.S. Envisioned as the “city in a garden,” Merriweather District is a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood and community anchor including residential, office, experiential retail, parks, trails, arts and culture, and more. Designed for long-term growth, Merriweather District, upon full buildout, will encompass more than 14 million square feet of commercial, residential, and open green space. Learn more at MerriweatherDistrict.com.
About Howard Hughes Communities™
Howard Hughes Communities, the real estate platform of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH), develops, owns, and operates the nation’s premier large-scale master planned communities and mixed-use developments. The company’s award-winning assets include The Woodlands®, Bridgeland®, and The Woodlands Hills® in Greater Houston; Summerlin® in Las Vegas; Teravalis™ in Greater Phoenix; Ward Village® in Honolulu; and Merriweather District in Columbia, Maryland. The Howard Hughes Communities portfolio is strategically positioned to meet and accelerate development based on market demand, resulting in one of the strongest real estate platforms in the country. Dedicated to innovative placemaking, the company is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. For additional information, visit communities.howardhughes.com.
