HoCo Happenings: April 19-May 3
Looking for something to do around Howard County, but don’t have the time to scour the Internet trying to find what peaks your interest? Here’s your weekly round up of events happening around Howard County in the next two weeks. Enjoy!
KIDS AND FAMILY
EARTH DAY PUPPET THEATER
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday April 20 | 10am, 11am | $5 per person | ages 2 and up
In honor of Earth Day, join us at the Robinson Nature Center for an interactive puppet show about the Lorax, a Dr. Seuss character who speaks for the trees! After the program, you and your child work together to create "seed bombs" that can be scattered into open fields and ditches to help reestablish native plant populations.
Pre-registration suggested as programs fill up quickly. All participants, adults and children, must be registered.
2019 KID’S FEST
Meadowbrook Park, 5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Saturday April 20 | 11am – 2pm | prices vary | ages 2-12
Come experience what Howard County Recreation & Parks has to offer your children at the 6th annual Kid’s Fest at Meadowbrook Park! This exciting event features sports instruction, games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and much more. Bring the whole family and enjoy fun for all ages. In the event of inclement weather, Kid’s Fest will move inside the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex.
NITE BITE FISHING
Centennial Lake, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday April 26 | 6pm – 11pm | $5 per person | ages 5 and up, under 16 accompanied by an adult
Ever wanted to fish Centennial Lake at night? Now's your chance! Join Howard County Recreation & Parks for a unique opportunity to fish the lake after hours on select dates. Bring your own fishing pole, tackle, bait, bug repellent, flashlight or lantern, chair or boat*. Advance registration is encouraged but on-site registration available. Under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Know before you go - Call the program status line at 410-313-4451 (option 1 then option 4) to see if the event is still running as scheduled.
* All boats must meet Maryland DNR requirements and must have the proper lights - see Rules tab for more information.
EGG HUNT WEEKEND
Clark’s Elioak Farm, 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City 21042
Saturday April 20 + Sunday April 21 | 10am-5pm | $7 per person, kids under 1 free | ages 1-6
Children will have a chance to hunt for eggs all day! With egg hunts running every 30 minutes (1-3 year olds on the hour, and 4-6 at the half) The petting farm, rides and play areas are open for you to enjoy. When you are ready to participate in the egg hunt, come to the Egg Hunt area and your child will line up with other children and pick up eggs. The eggs will then be turned in for a goodie bag. We make sure each child gets at least a few eggs and since they turn them in for goodie bags. It's our goal that they have fun, so we do everything we can to make sure the children have the chance to find eggs. Gem Mining and Geode Cracking will be open too!
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS
B&O Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, 21223
April 26-28, May 3-5 | Times Vary | $20 per person ages 2 and up | all ages
Don’t miss your chance to spend a day with Thomas the Tank Engine at the B&O railroad Museum in Baltimore! Little Engineers and families take a 25-minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy a full day of like entertainment, activities, and family fun! Advance purchase is recommended.
NITE BITE FISHING CLINIC
Centennial Lake, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday April 26 | 6:30pm – 11pm | $10 per person | ages 5 and up, under 16 accompanied by an adult
Want to fish but not sure how to get started? Wondering which bait and rod to use? Join Rec & Parks staff and learn to fish during Nite Bite Fishing events. Fee includes entry to Nite Bite Fishing (not the Tournament Series). First hour is instruction and instructor will remain on site for assistance until 11pm. All fishing equipment and bait provided for use during the clinic; bring your own flashlight or lantern. Advance registration encouraged but on site registration is available. Meet Nite Bite Fishing staff at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp the day of the event. Information: Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754 or dthomas@howardcountymd.gov
RAILS AND TALES
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday April 27 | 10:30-11am | $3 per person ages 2 and up | ages 1.5-5
Hop aboard the story train! Bring your little one out to a discovery storytime at some of our historic sites in Ellicott City. We'll read stories about how life was long (or not so long!) ago, play old time games, and make a history craft you can take home. Themes will change each month, so be sure to visit us several times. Info: Emily Mosher, 410-313-0419 or emosher@howardcountymd.gov.
ENCHANTED FOREST WEEKEND
Clark’s Elioak Farm, 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City 21042
Saturday April 27 + Sunday April 28 | 10am-5pm | $7 per person, kids under 1 free | ages 1-6
Come see our new Enchanted Forest display on loan from the Howard County Historical Society. Our book about the Enchanted Forest, “The Enchanted Forest: Memories of maryland’s Storybook Park” will be available for sale.
NATURE TOTS PRESCHOOL SERIES
Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock 21163
Starts May 1 | 10am-11am | $50 for 6 week session | ages 2-5
This 6-week class invites young children to discover the wonders of nature as we journey through the changing seasons. We’ll read stories, make fun crafts, and sing songs. Make sure to dress for the weather! Open to ages 2-5 with a caregiver present. Please note we will meet from 10-11am on May 1, 8, 22, 29, June 5 and 12. $50 for the 6 week session.Space limited, advance registration required.
ADULTS ONLY
FOOD AND WINE PAIRING: EASTER EDITION
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City 21043
Friday, April 19 | 7pm | $35 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21 and over
Easter is an excellent holiday where we gather with friends and family to break out the good china and nice bottle of wine. With so many options from glazed ham to the flavorful lamb, the brunch dishes, and the ever-popular chocolate bunny, it’s no wonder people have a hard time selecting a wine to please all. In this class we will break down the traditional Easter meal course by course and taste wines with each food.
EARTH DAY - THE VINE IN THE VINEYARD
The Iron Bridge Wine Co. 10435 State Route 108, Columbia, 21044
Monday, April 22 | 6pm-8pm | $30 per person | ages 21 and over
Amazing wine starts with amazing grapes. We’ll discuss where they grow and how they’re grown with some talk about organic and bio-dynamic farming. Class includes a tasting of 6 wines and 16 food ingredients, discussion and a snack from the Chefs. For tickets visit our online store or call 410.997.3456
ADULT FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Friday April 26 | 8pm | $29 per person | ages 21 and up
Back by popular demand, embark on a nighttime egg hunt using flashlights and your wits at the Robinson Nature Center. Hundreds of eggs full of raffle tickets lie hidden, awaiting your discovery!
Collect as many as you can for chances to win passes to the National Aquarium, gift cards to Wegmans, meal coupons to local restaurants, tastings at local wineries and breweries and other fantastic, nature-themed prizes. Rain date for April 26th hunt is May 10th. Register through the ticket link, or call 410-313-0400
SPRINGFEST
Old Ellicott City
Saturday, April 27 | 12pm-8pm | free | all ages
Come
out to Old Ellicott City to celebrate the season! This free and family -friendly event offers 3 outdoor stages of entertainment. Enjoy classic rock and acoustic/folk mixed with a little bluesy funk from 20+ bands. Stage areas offer free family crafts, artisans, local food, wines and locally brewed craft beer. Sidewalk sales, outdoor dining, and free museums throughout town offer something for everyone. Free parking and shuttle service from county parking lots available for easy accessibility.
COLUMBIA 1ST + 3RD THURSDAY PUB RUNS
Hosted by Charm City Run: 7090 Deepage Dr, Columbia 21045
Thursday, May 2 (Recurring 1st and 3rd Thursdays Monthly) | 6:30-8pm | free | ages 21 and over
Join us for a pub run every third Thursday of the month from the Columbia store! We'll start from the shop at 6:30 pm and then head out for a guided 3 mile run. We'll finish back at the shop and then head to Pub Dog where your first drink is on the house. Please bring a valid ID if you wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two after the run. All paces and levels are welcome for the fun run!
THE 5 STYLES OF GIN
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, May 3 | 7pm start | $35 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21 and over
You know that it's the main ingredient in a classic martini and it's vital to the iconic gin and tonic, but do you really know gin? It's a diverse distilled spirit that is noted for its pine flavor thanks to juniper berries, which are the main ingredient. Yet, there are a variety of styles of gin, from the famous London dry gins to old-school styles like genever and Old Tom to modern gins like Hendrick's that stretch gin's definition.
Call the Bin with questions: 10-465-7802
