HoCo Happenings: May 10-24
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
LIL’ STARS
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday May 11 | 10am and 11am | $18 for 1 child + 1 adult | ages 3-8 w/an adult
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. This month’s theme: Junior Astronauts. Please note, just like at the movie theater, everyone needs a ticket for this program (adults and children). No late seating. To register, call 410-313-0400.
PUBLIC STAR PARTY
Alpha Ridge Community Park, 11685 Old Frederick Rd, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104
Saturday May 11 | 7:15pm | free | all ages
Come enjoy the night sky through telescopes set up by The Howard Astronomical League (HAL). At this relaxed, casual, family event, view live images on a big screen as seen through the Illig Telescope in HAL's observatory. Info/weather updates: www.howardastro.org . Info: Danielle Bassett, 410-313-4634 or dbassett@howardcountymd.gov.
Hike: MD AT#1 High Rock to Rte. 16
Long Gate Park and Ride
Saturday May 18 | 8am-4pm | $17 | ages 10 and up
The Appalachian Trail crossing Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania features historic Civil War sights and panoramic views of mountains and valleys; trip leaders will interpret points of interest. Hike leaders keep a moderate pace. Earn a certificate and patch by hiking each of the seven sections in the Maryland Appalachian Trail series at least once within a 3-year period. Earn a 100-mile certificate and patch by hiking additional miles on the Pennsylvania and Virginia sections of the Appalachian Trail. 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. MD AT Section #1: High Rock to Rte 16: Begin at High Rock's panoramic view. Cross the Mason-Dixon line, hike through a hemlock forest, and eat your lunch at the historic Pen Mar Park. Moderately difficult terrain: 6 miles.
babes in backpacks
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday May 18 | 11am-noon | $8 per person | ages 1 month to 1 year
This program provides our tiniest visitors the chance to become familiar with the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the great outdoors. Infants are exposed to new experiences that will build their comfort level when encountering unfamiliar objects and when spending time outside. Families learn how to help their children develop a familiarity with nature and encourage their child?s sensory exploration from a young age. Enjoy a short walk on unpaved trails (requires infants to be in a baby backpack or carrier - trails are not stroller accessible). No online registration, call 410-313-0400.
dapper duck tea party
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday May 18 | 11am-noon | $27 per person | ages 3 and up
Are you feeling "ducky"? Join us to learn all about the spring transformations of animals and plants, and follow the story of an ugly duckling that becomes a very dapper duck! Then, meet, sing and play with a very "quacktastic" duck and his friend from Drama Learning Center! Afterwards, sit and savor a full tea service by Sweet Simplici-Tea tea room. Tea service includes tea, lemonade and delightful treats just right for little fingers. Fee includes program, materials, tea service, and gratuity. All attendees (children and adults) must register separately to attend. As this is a catered event, you must register by May 15. Registration/Info: 410-313-0400.
earth - we’re all on this together
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Saturday May 18 | 2:30-3:30 | ages 3-9
Join staff from the Port Discovery Children's Museum to examine our world through magic and circus arts. Enjoy a comical magic performance that focuses on animals in our world (both helpful and hysterical). Reduce, reuse and recycle in an engaging circus performance with an expert in juggling, globe-walking, lasso- and plate-spinning. This program series is supported by the Howard County Council on the Arts. The theme for this program is Reduce, Reuse, Re-circus. Tickets for these programs are available at the Robinson Nature Center’s front desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
b&o behind the scenes
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Sunday May 19 | 10:30am-noon | $10 per person | ages 16 and up
Go behind the museum ropes on a special after-hours tour of the oldest railroad station in America! Explore the museum?s rich history and discover the preservation efforts undertaken in the 1970s to preserve the station for enjoyment of future generations. Throughout the tour, the group will also have the chance to look at rarely-seen photographs and artifacts of the museum's collection to help tell the station's story. Info: Emily Mosher, 410.313.0419 or emosher@howardcountymd.gov.
canoe and paddling basics
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday May 24 | 6-8:30pm | $35 per person | ages 10 and up
Whether you're a brand-new paddler or are just looking to refine your skills, this paddling basics class gives you the confidence to hit the water on your own! Learn paddling techniques, self-rescue, safety and gear selection for both canoes and kayaks. Participants under 16 are placed in a canoe or tandem kayak with an accompanying registered adult. This is an American Canoe Association certified instructional program. Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769.
nite bite fishing
Centennial Park, 10000 Clarksville Pike (Main/South), Ellicott City, Maryland 21042
Friday May 24 | 6-11pm | $5 per person | all ages
Have you 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. Bring your own fishing pole, bait, tackle, bug repellant, flashlight or lantern, chair, or boat. Advanced registration is encouraged but on-site registration is available. Under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Complete information at www.howardcountymd.gov/nightfishing. Anglers 14 yrs & up can register for the Nite Bite Fishing Tournament Series ($100 fee, see website for details). Info: Dawn Thomas, 410-313-1754.
ADULTS ONLY
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.
HopAsana Yoga
Hysteria Brewing Company, 9570 Berger Rd, Columbia, Maryland 21046
Saturday May 11 | noon | $15 donation
An all-levels accessible lengthening, strengthening, and restorative asana practice to benefit veterans struggling to cope and looking for ways to heal. Attend for a suggested donation of $15 per person, Venmo @dtm-fitness; or https://www.paypal.me/hopasana/15 (please specify the date of the event you are paying for). Larger donations are gratefully accepted. Veterans may attend this event for FREE! All money raised will be donated to The_Om_Collective and used to help sponsor veterans to attend yoga retreats.
Hand Lettered Welcome Mats at Hysteria Brewing Company
Hysteria Brewing Company, 9570 Berger Rd, Columbia, Maryland 21046
Tuesday May 14 | 7-9pm | $40 per person
Join Erin from ECLetters for a fun night creating your own hand lettered welcome mat! All supplies will be provided and you'll leave the class with your very own personalized door mat. You can choose the word or phrase of your choice to put on your mat. Your ticket also includes a glass of Hysteria's delicious beer!
BRING YOUR OWN MUG NIGHT
Black Flag Brewing Company: 9315 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21046
Wednesday, May 15 | 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 16 (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!
yappy hour
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, May 17 (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.
wine in the woods
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, 21044
May 18 + 19 | 11am-6pm | prices vary | ages 21 and over
Join us for the 27th year and celebrate the charm and character of an event that has aged to perfection! Wine in the Woods is now the largest wine festival in Maryland and was voted Best Festival in Howard County. Sample a variety of Maryland's finest wineries from a souvenir glass; purchase food from an abundance of high quality, distinctive restaurants and caterers; sharpen your palate by attending wine education seminars; purchase exceptional works of art and specialty crafts; and revel in continuous live entertainment.
movie night at the wine bin
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, May 24 | 9pm | free | family friendly (depending on movie)
We’re still celebrating summer at The Bin! Join us tonight for our summer movie showing! Bring a chair, bring a friend, grab a bottle of wine and enjoy! The parking lot closes to cars 1.5 hours before showtime. Chair setup 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. This week’s movie: Mission Impossible.
