July is a great time for fun and cultural experiences in the United States. The weather is warm, and there are many holidays and events that help people come together. If you are an Exchange Visitor or a Host Employer, here are some simple and fun cultural activities for July you can try!
Celebrate Independence Day (July 4th)
The Fourth of July is America’s Independence Day. It celebrates the United States becoming a free country in 1776. This holiday is very important to Americans, and people celebrate it with fireworks, parades, concerts, and barbecues.
Many towns have events that are free and open to the public. You can watch a parade, enjoy music in the park, or see a big fireworks show at night. Host employers can also invite exchange visitors to a small party with food, games, and decorations. It’s a fun way to learn about American history and culture.
Potluck Dinner – Share Food from Your Country
A potluck is a dinner where each person brings a dish to share. This is a wonderful way to try different kinds of food and learn about different cultures.
Exchange visitors can bring a traditional dish from their home country, and American hosts can share one of their favorite meals. You can ask everyone to write down the name of their dish and where it is from. This makes it easy for others to learn about the food and its background.
Potlucks are simple cultural activities for July to organize and are a great way to build friendships.
Themed Party – Dress Up and Have Fun
Themed parties are fun, easy, and great for helping people relax and connect. You can choose a theme like “Pajama Party,” “1990s Night,” or “Tropical Beach.” Ask guests to dress up to match the theme.
You can also play games, decorate the room, or play music that fits the theme. These parties help everyone feel included and allow people from different cultures to laugh and share good times.
For more ideas, you can visit PartySwizzle.com to find fun party themes and decorations.
Scavenger Hunt – A Fun Group Game
A scavenger hunt is a game where people search for items or complete tasks on a list. It is great for teamwork and learning about new places.
You can make the hunt simple, such as finding objects around the house or office, or you can create a larger one that helps people explore your town or city.
Add some cultural questions or local trivia to make it more interesting. For example, ask teams to find a local monument, take a photo with an American flag, or answer a question about a U.S. holiday.
Here are two websites with great scavenger hunt ideas and tips:
Attend a Local Summer Festival or Fair
Many cities and towns in the U.S. host summer festivals or county fairs during July. These events often include live music, carnival rides, games, arts and crafts, and food stands with classic American treats like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and lemonade. Visiting a local fair is a great way for exchange visitors to experience everyday American culture and meet people from the community. Employers can help by sharing information about nearby events or organizing a group outing. It’s a fun, casual way to spend time together and enjoy a truly American summer tradition.
July is a great month for having fun and making cultural connections. Whether you’re enjoying fireworks, cooking your favorite dish, or playing games with new friends, these cultural activities for July can help build strong friendships and lasting memories for participants on their BridgeUSA exchange programs.
Host Employers and Exchange Visitors can work together to create a warm, welcoming space where people from around the world can learn from each other, and enjoy the best of summer in the U.S.
Looking for More Cultural Activity Ideas?
Download our Cultural Activity Handbook for Work and Travel Host Employers available in our Support Center! It’s full of easy-to-execute cultural activities for June, planning tips, and creative ideas to help you engage your Work and Travel participants all summer long.