The recent opening of the West Promenade outside of The Metropolitan Downtown Columbia added another reason for people to visit Downtown Columbia. I congratulate Howard Hughes Corp. and Kettler on the news, and join them in welcoming the public to the one-acre community park.

We share a common goal and are partnering together to achieve it. Columbia Association (CA) continues to offer an array of activities and amenities downtown for people of all ages — all while we work with the other stakeholders of the Downtown Columbia Partnership to make this area into an even more enjoyable destination.

Nearly every day this summer, there will be a stage or a screen set up at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront, where CA hosts the wonderful Lakefront Summer Festival. The festival continues into September and includes family-friendly movies, concerts, open mic nights for talented teen performers, and Dancin’ Under the People Tree. A complete schedule can be found at ColumbiaAssociation.org/LakefrontFestival or at bit.ly/lakefrontfestival2015.

In addition, there are weekly outdoor concerts at the Lakefront: CA’s Lakefront Wednesdays Concert Series is at lunchtime through Aug. 12. Clyde’s, meanwhile, brings shows early on Thursday evenings. This year, Clyde’s also has partnered with CA to provide a cookout for moviegoers on six evenings, with burgers, chips and drinks offered as refreshments at affordable prices.

There are active ways to enjoy Downtown Columbia, as well. The completed 1.5-mile pathway around Lake Kittamaqundi is great for walkers, joggers and bicyclists. The Haven on the Lake and Whole Foods Market offer Outdoor Sunset Community Yoga, a free class on the second Sunday of each month. The yoga classes do require pre-registration, so please contact the Haven at 410-715-3020 or [email protected].

This year’s Columbia BikeAbout will set off from Downtown Columbia and will explore Town Center, Oakland Mills and Long Reach. The course will be 12 miles, with an optional 1.5-mile loop around Lake Kittamaqundi that also serves as a great alternative for families seeking a shorter ride. Make sure it’s on your calendar for Sept. 26; pre-register at BikeAbout.Eventbrite.com.

The day after that, Sunday, Sept. 27, brings the second annual Discover Downtown Columbia 5K Road Race, an event hosted by the Downtown Columbia Partnership and the Howard County Library System.

All of this is but a sampling of what to look forward to this summer through Columbia Association and the Downtown Partnership. Other activities and attractions are being planned to make Columbia’s Downtown a destination throughout the year.

E-mail [email protected] with questions/comments.