HoCo Happenings: April 26-May 10
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
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.
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.
HIKE: CAT#3 HUNTING CREEK-HOUCK AREA
Long Gate Park and Ride
Saturday April 27 + Sunday April 28 | 10am-5pm | $7 per person, kids under 1 free | ages 1-6
The 27-mile Catoctin Trail runs from Gambrill State Park through Frederick City Watershed and ends in Catoctin Mountain Park. Nine miles of the trail crisscrosses through Cunningham Falls State Park. Earn a certificate and patch by hiking each of the four sections of the Catoctin Trail series at least once within a 3-year period. Hike leaders keep a moderate pace and interpret point of interest. Under 16 must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian. Participants should be in good shape, have good balance and depth perception to be able to hike two miles over rocky hills without a break and the ability to complete the distance indicated. Fee includes van or school bus transportation from the Park & Ride lot at the intersection of Rte. 100 and Long Gate Pkwy, Ellicott City. CAT section #3: Hunting Creek to Houck Area. Pass through a hardwood forest, enjoy the scenic view from Bob?s Hill Overlook and visit the site of the Catoctin Furnace. Steep terrain: 6 miles.
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.
KIDS NIGHT IN THE MUSEUM
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday May 3 | 5:30-9pm | $15 per person | ages 5-10
Need a kid-free date night? We have a fun solution for you! Drop your children off with us at the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum while you do some shopping and dining on Main Street. Participants will have a blast from the past doing historic crafts and exploring the hidden history of the Station. Pack a nut-free dinner, snack, and reusable water bottle. Info: Emily Mosher, 410.313.0419 or emosher@howardcountymd.gov
FAMILY FRIDAYS UNDER THE DOME
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Friday May 3 | 6:30-7pm | $6 per person | ages 7 and up
Treat your family to unique shows at Robinson Nature Center's NatureSphere planetarium. Each program features a full-dome movie preceded by a family-friendly planetarium presentation.This week’s movie is Bugs! Price is per ticket. No Late seating.
LIL’ ACORNS - BUGS AND BUTTERFLIES (PARENT/CHILD)
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday May 4 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | $18 for 1 child + 1 adult | ages 3-9, must be accompanied by a registered adult
Hold your lil' acorn's hand through an unforgettable morning. In the Penguin Parade program, practice penguin skills and learn what makes these birds so special. In the new Wake up Nature program, explore how plants bloom and animals come out of hibernation in the spring. In the new Bugs & Butterflies program, discover the tiny, wonderful insects that help our world in countless ways. These parent/child, interactive programs include stories, tot-friendly investigations, a puppet show, and a short walk through the woods. Registration/Info: 410-313-0400.
ADULTS ONLY
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.
BRING YOUR OWN MUG NIGHT
Black Flag Brewing Company: 9315 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21046
Wednesday, May 1 | 4-10pm | ages 21 and over
This is a B.Y.O.M that recurs every Wednesday. Bring your favorite mug or any other drinking vessel. Sized within reason (additional charges apply for mugs over 20oz). Play board games, hang out with good company, and have fun. That’s it.
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
ROOSTER ROJO ANEJO
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday, May 4 | 12pm, 2pm | $30 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21 and over
Each tequila has its own "flavor fingerprint," and each person has his or her own flavor preferences. Our proprietary matching algorithm uses nine different characteristics to find the best matches for you. And, it gets smarter the more you use it. Download the app today - it's free - and let the Tequila Matchmaker figure out your own flavor preferences.
Black Flag Brewing Company: 9315 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21046
Sunday, May 5 | 12:30-1:30 | $35 per person
Presenting Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses at Black Flag Brewing Company to benefit Canine Humane Network! You do the yoga while the pups do the cuddles! Adorable ADOPTABLE puppies and dogs will be allowed to ROAM FREELY and interact with you during this one-hour mixed level yoga class featuring instructor Dan Hill of HopAsana, so be prepared to get puppy kisses!
Space is limited and interest is high, so order your Pawssport today! Tickets are $35 if purchased online, and $40 if purchased at the door (if space is still available). A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Canine Humane Network. Please bring your own yoga mat or towel to this class, and let's have some fun! NamaStay!
**Please note that as this is a fundraising event for the rescue, the only dogs allowed on the class floor will be the adoptables of Canine Humane Network.
FOOD AND WINE PAIRING: BRUNCH EDITION
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, May 10 | 7pm | $35 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21 and over
Who says you shouldn’t have wine with brunch? Literally no one! I mean after all who doesn’t want an excuse to indulge in a little day drinking. In this class we will get ready for Mother’s Day by exploring all the ways we can pair wine with brunch items. We will sip and evaluate the wines while discussing the 9 food and wine pairing rules.
