HoCo Happenings: July 26 - August 9
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
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Flower Barn: 3782 B Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, 21043
Thursday July 25 - Sunday July 28 | T-F-Sun 1am0-6pm, Sat 1-8pm
There will be free courtyard games and the opportunity to make your own paper snowflakes and do some creative coloring. Discounts offered off full priced bouquets. Paid arts and crafts include Make your own sand and art necklace ($3), flower crowns ($8), face/arm paint $1.
CHESAPEAKE BAY BALLOON FESTIVAL
Triple Creek Winery: 11138 3 Bridge Branch Rd, Cordova MD 21625
Friday August 2 - Sunday August 4 | times very per day | prices vary | all ages
This year the Festival is a 3 day festival from Friday, August 2nd - Sunday, August 4th. All activities will be aimed toward young children and those young at heart.
Activities: Over 20 Hot Air Balloons! There will be tethered balloon rides and flights available, or just come to view these beautiful craft in a picturesque country setting. Each day of the festival will close with a balloon glow ( Not currently scheduled for Sunday) where 12 or more balloons will light up the evening sky, Weather permitting.
Live Entertainment. Bands & a DJ everyday. Expanded Kids Zone that includes 5 inflatable activities for kids of all ages. Over 75 handmade crafts and boutique vendors. 20 Food Trucks and Food Vendors -serving everything from the Eastern Shore Seafood to Gourmet TexMex. Don’t Worry there will be plenty of ice cream and funnel cakes! And Wine! Triple Creek will have their wines available for sale by the glass or by the bottle.
FAMILY FRIDAYS UNDER THE DOME
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Friday August 2 | 6:30-7:30pm | $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. Price is per ticket. No Late seating. This month’s film: Stars
LIL STARS
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday August 3 | 10-10:30am | $3 per ticket with paid admission | ages 3-8
Let your little one discover outer space through views of the stars and planets, stories, crafts or song. Give your child a special nighttime experience during the day! Each month we focus on a different theme - from colors of stars, to the stories behind a constellation, to the seasonal changes in the sky. Pre-register to secure your seats. No late seating.This Month's Topic is: Galaxies
LIL STARS
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday August 3 | 11-11:30am | $3 per ticket with paid admission | ages 3-8
Let your little one discover outer space through views of the stars and planets, stories, crafts or song. Give your child a special nighttime experience during the day! Each month we focus on a different theme - from colors of stars, to the stories behind a constellation, to the seasonal changes in the sky. Pre-register to secure your seats. No late seating.This Month's Topic is: Galaxies
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Font Hill Park, 3520 Centennial Ln; Ellicott City, Maryland 21042
Saturday August 3 | 2-3pm | free | all ages
Does your favorite animal hop on land, yet love to swim? Does it have a large shell but floats in water? Come learn more about these amazing animals as we explore the wonderful world of reptiles and amphibians. Wear comfortable footwear, bring sunblock or bug spray as needed, and we?ll see you at the park! Info: dkjohnson@howardcountymd.gov
GHOSTLY GUIDES
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday August 3 | 8-11pm | $25 per person | ages 16 and up
Gain exclusive after-hours access to the oldest railroad station in America and see what eerie adventures await you! Use ghost hunting equipment to ask unseen residents questions, take photos and observe changes in the electromagnetic field to help detect supernatural activity. The night begins with a historic tour of the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum and after a brief orientation you will have the opportunity to wander the building with some of our professional ghost hunting gear. Bottled water and snacks are included. Info: Emily Mosher, 410-313-0419 or emosher@howardcountymd.gov.
ADULTS
HOWARD COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEKS
Monday July 22 - Monday August 5
Mix up your culinary experience with diverse specialty chef menus in restaurants across Howard County. Participating restaurants will be offering unique, multi-course cuisine for every taste and budget.
ELLICOTT CITY OLD TOWN MARKET
9321 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday July 27 (recurring weekly on Saturday) | 9am-1pm | free | family friendly
Come soak in the atmosphere at our weekly farmers' market and ease into your weekend with live music, great food, plus local artisans in Ellicott City's Historic District
We feature the season's freshest, locally grown goodies including fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, cheeses, humanely-raised meats, locally baked bread, pastries, prepared foods, soaps, health & beauty, art and more! Our market supports local businesses and the communities they serve. Weekly donations from our market are made to the Howard County Food Bank.
MOVIE NIGHT AT THE WINE BIN
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday July 27 | 9pm | free | family friendly
Head over to the Bin for outdoor movie night. This week’s movie is Beauty and the Beast. The parking lot closes 1.5 hours before showtime. Chair set up is allowed after that point. The Wine Bin offers beer and wine tastings before the movie. There is popcorn available for a donation to Howard County’s Voices for Children.
HAPPY HOUR YOGA
Clarksville Commons, 12250 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, 21029
Wednesday July 31 | 5:30pm | free | all skill levels welcome
Come out and do yoga on the grassy circle every Wednesday until July 31 with local yoga teacher Missy Radcliffe. Please bring a mat, water, and a towel. All skill levels welcome. Donations accepted for the Howard County Hospital Foundations, which works to connect the community to wellness.
1ST FRIDAYS
Manor Hill Brewing: 4411 Manor Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Friday August 2 (recurs 1st Friday of the month) | 4-8:30pm | free | ages 21+
On the First Friday of every month at 4 pm. Limited release cans will be available at the Manor Hill Brewing Tap Room. Beers will vary from month to month and will be sold exclusively at the taproom throughout the weekend during regular Tap Room Hours (while supplies last).
YAPPY HOUR
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, August 2 (recurring 1st and 3rd Fridays) | 6pm | free | family friendly
The Bin hosts Yappy hour in the parking lot adjacent to our building. Bring your well-behaved leashed dog or come without a dog and enjoy everyone else’s dog. Donations and a portion of our sales benefit dog charities. Live Music, Popcorn and a Free Beer and Wine tasting. Your dog is welcome inside The Bin as well. This is a free family friendly event. Check the Wine Bin's Facebook page for an update if the weather is questionable.
ELLICOTT CITY OLD TOWN MARKET
9321 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday August 3 (recurring weekly on Saturday) | 9am-1pm | free | family friendly
Come soak in the atmosphere at our weekly farmers' market and ease into your weekend with live music, great food, plus local artisans in Ellicott City's Historic District
We feature the season's freshest, locally grown goodies including fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, cheeses, humanely-raised meats, locally baked bread, pastries, prepared foods, soaps, health & beauty, art and more! Our market supports local businesses and the communities they serve. Weekly donations from our market are made to the Howard County Food Bank.
MOVIE NIGHT AT THE WINE BIN
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday August 3 | 9pm | free | family friendly
Head over to the Bin for outdoor movie night. This week’s movie is Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The parking lot closes 1.5 hours before showtime. Chair set up is allowed after that point. The Wine Bin offers beer and wine tastings before the movie. There is popcorn available for a donation to Howard County’s Voices for Children.
SUNSET SERENADES: GROOVE QUEST
Centennial Park: 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, 21042
Wednesday August 7 | 7-9pm | free | all ages
Grab a blanket or lawn chair, bring the family, have a picnic and enjoy the sounds of the summer!
CANNED WINE: FAD OR FAB?
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday August 9 | 7pm | $25 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21+
Canned wines are the perfect marriage of stylish sophistication and casual coolness. They're portable, potable, and pretty—the ideal go-to for summer entertaining outdoors. Canned wines have been popular for a while though, so there are many different kinds out there. To help you cut through the clutter, we took on the task of finding the best canned wines and spritzers out there. Call the Bin with questions 410-465-7802
