Celebrate Every Day: Best Things To Do In July

Discover the best things to do in July with our ultimate guide. From outdoor adventures and festive celebrations to BBQ ideas and trips to the farmers markets, find the best activities to make summer memories.

Summer is sizzlin’ in July, especially in my area! No wonder it is known as the dog days of summer. But it’s also sizzlin’ for all the exciting, best things to do this month! July is America’s birthday and when fireflies put on their own firework display. Ice cream tastes better and so does sweet corn. Hydrangeas grow like weeds, summer concerts and farmstand are favorite gathering places and summer evening on the patio are the best!

Here are the best things to do this month.

Give Your Flowers Some Extra TLC

July brings the peak of summer, a time when your garden is in full bloom but also needs extra care. Proper watering becomes important for your flowers to thrive despite the heat. Most garden feel the stress of the heat in July. The temperatures soar, and it is often very oppressively humid.

Not only does the heat make me wilt, but it takes a toll on my garden flowers. Here are a few things I have found helpful to get flowers, herbs and other plants through July and August healthy and thriving.

• Tend your garden or containers during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, to avoid the intense heat of midday.
• In July, it’s beneficial to trim back many of your flowers and herbs. Annuals, container gardens, and herbs often become leggy or start seeding during this time. Take a moment to deadhead flowers you don’t cut back to keep them healthy.
• July’s heat requires regular watering to keep flowers hydrated and thriving amidst summer’s warmth. On very hot days, we may need to even water the self-watering containers we have planted.
• Be aware of signs of overwatering (yellow leaves, fungal growth) and underwatering (wilted plants and dry soil). Adjust your watering schedule if needed.
• Consider using a balanced fertilizer to replenish nutrients lost through frequent watering and promote healthy growth throughout the summer.
• If any plants die, pull them out and get fresh ones from a local nursery or greenhouse. I do this all the time, and my planters look healthy and attractive.

How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer has tons of ideas for keeping cut garden flowers looking their best in your home.

July is the best month to take care of your flowers and garden plants.

Make A Self Watering Stake For Your Planters

July is the best month to make a DIY, especially if it can help water your flowers. A self-watering stake is so easy to make and work! Make sure to check out how to make it HERE.

Days To Celebrate In July

Every day is a day to celebrate in July! Here are just a few…

1st-National U.S. Postage Stamp Day, Early Bird Day, 2nd-Made In The USA Day, World UFO Day 3rd-Air Conditioning Appreciation Day, National Fried Clam Day, 4th-Fourth of July/Independence Day, 5th-National Bikini Day, 6th-International Kissing Day, National Fried Chicken Day, 7th-National Strawberry Sundae Day, Global Forgiveness Day,8th-National Blueberry Day, National Freezer Pop Day, National Ice Cream Day, National Ice Cream Sundae Day 9th- My birthday, National Sugar Cookie Day, 10th-National Kitten Day, Teddy Bear Picnic Day,  11th-National Blueberry Muffin Day, National Swimming Pool Day, 12th-Amazon Prime Day, National French Fry Day, Paper Bag Day, 13th-International Skinny Dip Day, 14th-Bastille Day, National Mac and Cheese Day, 15th- Orange Chicken Day.

See the rest of the July days to celebrate later in this post.

Celebrate America’s Birth

Happy Birthday, America!🇺🇸 Celebrating the 4th of July is an All-American cherished tradition filled with patriotism, family gatherings, and outdoor festivities. It’s the perfect time to enjoy summer activities with friends and family and sing Happy Birthday to the USA!

Here are some fun and festive ways to make this Independence Day memorable:

• Visit a war memorial or National cemetery. Go here to find one near you. My dad is buried in Indian Town Gap National Cemetery. Visiting is awe-inspiring!
• Host a backyard barbecue with classic American fare like burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob. You might like to try this delicious and easy Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad. You might also like to see all the summer recipes on this popular Favorite Summer Recipe Roundup Ideas post.
• Decorate your home and yard with red, white, and blue bunting, flags, and string lights. Simple Patriotic Decorating is a way to add a touch of Americana to your home without overdoing it.
• Organize a potluck picnic at a local park, complete with games like frisbee, cornhole, and sack races.
• Watch a fireworks display in your town or set off your own (where permitted).
• Go to a community concert that features patriotic music.
• Create a patriotic dessert bar with treats like flag-themed cupcakes, fruit parfaits, and star-shaped cookies. Mini Cherry Pies In Jars With Stars is an old post, but so delicious and adorable!
• Attend a 4th of July parade to enjoy floats, marching bands, and festive community spirit.
• Watch patriotic films or classic American favorites.
• Plan a beach day or a lakeside retreat with family and friends.

July is the best month to celebrate our country’s birth.

Create A Bucket List For The Rest Of The Summer

Summer is speeding by, so now is the time to create a summer bucket list before it’s here and gone. Items on a bucket list can be as simple as cleaning out your closet (ugh!) or as fun as taking a trip to Mackinac Island—both are on my list, that I’m doing!

Brain dump all the things you would love to do this summer. Don’t limit yourself to things that seem too easy or too outrageous! For five minutes write down as many things to do as you can think of. Don’t limit yourself. When the five minutes are up, read your list. Pick out a few things, some simple, some fun, and put them in your calendar.

Some things on my list, like cleaning out my closet, will take quite a bit of time. So, I broke down the steps for cleaning out my closet and added them to my calendar three times a week. I feel so accomplished when I can cross off a step on my list—of course, I make lists!

Summer is too short and sweet to be squandered.

July is the best month to make a summer bucket list.

Go To A Farmer’s Market

July is a fantastic time to visit a farmer’s market, as it is the peak season for a wide variety of fresh, local produce. Lancaster Co, Pa is a hotbed of the most amazing markets! In July, the stalls in markets brim with vibrant, seasonal fruits and vegetables that are at their flavorful and nutritious peak. I look forward to finding corn, peaches, berries, tomatoes and other fruits and vetetqables that are just picked and delicious.

Many farmer’s markets offer a scrumptious array of homemade baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, and dairy products. We love artisan baked breads from Central Market, the oldest continuously running farmer’s market in the United States, right here in Lancaster. At Meck’s Farm Market we get raw milk and Amish butter as well as hydroponic, living lettuce.

You’ll also find artisanal jams, honey, and pickles that make perfect additions to your pantry. Our country roads are dotted with Armish stands selling from their farm fields and kitchens.

Visiting a farmer’s market in July is not just about shopping. It connects you with your community, the beauty of the summer season, and the experience of wholesome, farm-to-table goodness. You support your local neighbors and get the freshest food available! A huge win/win!

July is a great month to visit local farm markets in your area!

Cut Hydrangeas And Bring Them Inside

Most of my hydrangeas are blooming and it’s the perfect time to cut them and bring them inside to put in vases around our home.

How To Keep Cut Hydrangeas Fresh Longer and looking their best, this post helps you keep them beautiful! And there is a secret emergency tip that will actually revive wilted hydrangeas. Works every time.

Host A BBQ

Hosting a BBQ in July is the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and create lasting memories with family and friends. These summer BBQ’s and picnics often turn into unforgettable summer experiences and make lasting memories.

We are often prone to late afternoon thunderstorms. If you are victims to summer storms as well, it’s a good idea to…

1. Make a plan B for taking the BBQ inside, and
2. BBQ ahead of time.

Whether your BBQ is outdoors or inside, make sure to see Magic Dust BBQ Rub Recipe is the best thing to put on anything you grill- including corn!

We just hosted a big family BBQ to celebrate my mom’s 93rd birthday and thank goodness Bobby grilled the chicken earlier in the day because there was a thunderstorm with a deluge of rain when he would have fired up the grill!

Here’s a picture of my mom (no plastic surgery, ever!). She loved her birthday BBQ. I hope I have her genes!

July is the best month to host a BBQ.

Make A Cute Patriotic Napkin Fold

Isn’t this pocket napkin adorable! Learn how to make it HERE and use it on a summer table! Easy!

Dip Your Toes In The Water

When the temperature soars, my favorite place to be is in a pool! How about you? No wonder people flock oceans, lakes and other cooling bodies of water. This is a reminder to enjoy the water on those dog days of summer!

Other fun ways to enjoy the water in July…

• Kayaking: Paddle through calm waters and explore scenic waterways.
• Paddleboarding: Stand up and paddle for a great workout and fun on the water.
• Jet Skiing: Experience the thrill of speeding across the water.
• Fishing: Relax and try your luck at catching fish in lakes, rivers, or the ocean.
• Snorkeling: Discover underwater life and beautiful coral reefs.
• Water Skiing: Enjoy the excitement of being pulled behind a boat on skis.
• Tubing: Float lazily down a river or be towed behind a boat for a thrilling ride.
• Sailing: Navigate the waters and enjoy the peacefulness of sailing.

July is the best month to enjoy the water.

Days To Celebrate In July, Continued

16th- National Cherry Day, National Wedding Invitation Day,  17th-National Hot Dog Day, World Day for International Justice, 18th-World Listening Day, 19th-National Football Day, Stick Out Your Tongue Day, 20th-World Jump Day, Space Exploration Day, 21st- National Ice Cream Day, Lake Superior Day, 22nd- National Hammock Day, 23rd- National Gorgeous Grandma Day, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day, 24th-Tell An Old Joke Day, National Cousins Day, 25th- National Hire a Veteran Day, National Chili Dog Day, 26th- Auntie’s Day, National Dog Photography Day, National Coffee Milkshake Day, 27th-Bagpipe Appreciation Day, National Creme Brûlée Day, 28th-National Parents’ Day, National Waterpark Day, 29th-National Lipstick Day, Rain Day, 30th-International Day of Friendship, Share a Hug Day, National Chicken And Waffle Day, 31th- National Mutt Day, Lifeguard Appreciation Day.

July is the best month to Celebrate every day in July.

Refresh Your Porch And Patio

Refreshing your porch and patio is important for maintaining a welcoming and enjoyable outdoor space. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also guarentees the longevity and functionality of your outdoor furniture and decor.

Start by thoroughly cleaning your porch and patio, removing dirt, debris, and cobwebs. Power washing surfaces, scrubbing furniture, and washing cushions can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your porch and patio. I don’t mind doing this in the heat because I make sure to get wet too.

Take a close look at all the items on your porch and patio to check for any signs of wear and tear. If some items appear tired or beyond repair, it’s best to replace them with new pieces. Investing in quality, weather-resistant furniture and decor will keep your outdoor space looking their best all season long. By paying attention to these details, you can create a beautiful and comfortable summer retreat right outside your door.

July is the best month to freshen up your porch and patio.

Enjoy An Outdoor Summer Concert

The summer air is filled with music! Find all the local or nearby open air concerts now until the end of the summer. This is one of the best parts of summer!

Whether it’s a local band or a famous artist, the experience of sharing music under the stars with friends and fellow music lovers adds a special, communal feel to the event. And, outdoor concerts often come with additional fun, like food trucks, craft vendors, and opportunities for dancing, making it a perfect outing to celebrate the joys of summer.

If you live in Lancaster County there is a plethora of outdoor concerts all summer long.

July is the best time to enjoy an outdoor summer concert.

Visit A Museum

One of the best places to beat the heat, is to visit a museum. Museums have more than a day’s worth of learning, walking, enjoyment and gorgeous air conditioning! This is one of my favorite things to do when the heat chases me indoors.

July is the best month to visit a museum.

This month has 31 days to celebrate and do amazing thing! Enjoy every single day!

Happ July!