HoCo Happenings: May 17-31
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
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
Centennial Park: 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
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.
RAILS AND TALES
Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday May 25 | 10:30am-11am | $10 per person | at least 1.5 but less than 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.
PARK RANGER MUTT STRUTT
Savage Park, 8400 Fair St, Savage, MD 20763
Sunday May 26 | 2-3:30 pm | free | ages 16 and up
Grab your walking shoes and your leashes! Come enjoy a hike along the Patuxent Branch Trail with your furry friends, neighbors, and a few Park Rangers. Walk along a paved trail from the Patuxent Branch Trail parking lot on Guilford Road to Vollmerhausen Road and back. The total distance is 2.6 miles, so wear supportive footwear, and bring water, sunblock, bug spray and snacks. Participating furry friends get a goodie bag! Info: Derek Johnson, dkjohnson@howardcountymd.gov. 410-313-1679. This is a free activity, but registration is strongly encouraged.
ADULTS ONLY
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.
BRING YOUR OWN MUG NIGHT
Black Flag Brewing Company: 9315 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21046
Wednesday, May 22 | 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.
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.
