We’re speeding toward the middle of July. Independence Day is over. And there’s nothing to do in July, right? There’s never anything to do in Suffolk, right?

Wrong. If you think there’s nothing to do in Suffolk, you’re just not looking hard enough.

Even in the heat of summer, there is plenty to do and discover in Suffolk, and one of those things is coming up this Saturday, when the monthly Second Saturdays in downtown takes off with more events and activities than ever.

The events began as a monthly effort for Ed Beardsley, owner of OnePast7, a coalition of artists’ studios in the ground floor of the Professional Building at 100 N. Main St., to bring people into the studios and get them supporting the artists and buying their artwork. Beardsley also was hoping, no doubt, that the additional foot traffic would drum up support for the larger SPARC initiative. SPARC stands for “Suffolk’s Prime Arts, Retail and Culinary” and includes projects such as making downtown an arts district and having space for public murals on downtown walls.

The Second Saturdays effort has grown, and for this month it has mushroomed into an event with multiple events for all ages and tastes taking place at multiple locations throughout the day and into the evening.

The Suffolk Farmers’ Market will kick off the events at the Suffolk Visitor Center, offering local produce, meats, baked goods, artisan gifts and more. Bounce houses and a kid-friendly DJ will take place at the Seaboard Station Railroad Museum.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will have a steel drummer, sidewalk chalk and lawn games. The Suffolk Art League will have a public exhibition. Morgan Memorial Library will host a vehicle show. Get Stuffed Food Truck will visit Brick and Mortar Brewing Company.

And, of course, there will be an open house at the OnePast7 art studio as well as a Suffolk Rocks painting workshop across the street at Beardsley’s other venture, the Plaid Turnip.

Indeed, it might be the heat of summer, but things are really heating up in downtown Suffolk. Just make sure to drink plenty of water before you go.