HoCo Happenings: October 4 - 18
Here’s your weekly round up of events happening around Howard County in the next two weeks. Enjoy!
KIDS AND FAMILY
FAMILY FRIDAYS UNDER THE DOME
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044
Friday October 4 | 6:30-7:30pm | $6 | ages 7+
Friday nights with your family should be stellar! Come enjoy unique shows at the Robinson Nature Center’s NatureSphere planetarium. Each program features a full-dome movie preceded by a family-friendly planetarium presentation where you discover what’s in the night sky that month. Show on this date will be We Are Stars.
OAKLAND MILLS FALL FEST
Oakland Mills Village: 5851 Robert Oliver Pl, Columbia, Maryland 21045
Saturday October 5 | 11am-4pm | $30 family (up to 5 members), $8 individual| ages 7+
Come on out to the Courtyard to enjoy live entertainment, festival food, a children’s area, community and craft vendors, and so much more!
LIL STARS
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044
Saturday October 5 | 10am and 11am | $3 plus admission| ages 3+
Give your child a special nighttime experience during the day at the Robinson Nature Center! Let your little one discover outer space through views of the stars and planets, stories, crafts and hands-on activities. Each month we focus on a different theme – from the colors of stars, to the stories behind a constellation, to the seasonal changes in the sky. Pre-register to secure your seats for both parents and children. No late seating.
BALTIMORE ROYAL PRINCESS BALL
Sheraton Baltimore Washington Airport: 1100 Old Elkridge Landing Rd, Linticum 21090
Saturday October 5 | 6:30-9pm | $30 family (up to 5 members), $8 individual| ages 7+
Come One, Come All - to our Royal Princess Ball! A BRAND NEW Enterainment program with a few surprise guests!Get ready for a day of magical fun for the whole family, brought to you by Dream Parties! You'll get an amazing opportunity to meet and greet your favorite princesses!Dream Parties is bringing to you a one of a kind event with all new stage performances, dancing, stories, picture opportunities and more for some magical entertainment ! Your little one will get to participate in princess games, story time sing along, learn some ballroom dance moves and more. Our event is geared towards your 3 - 7 year old princess fan, though all are welcome! Fun filled and interactive Princess Balls are our specialty. We bring them to many cities and enjoy meeting thousands of our little friends! Cinderella, Tower Princess, Beauty, Snow Sisters, Mermaid Princess, Sleeping Princess, Snow White, Arabian Princess, Frog Princess and more can't wait to meet you! Come meet us for a day you won't soon forget!
A WICKED NIGHT IN SPACE
Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044
Saturday October 5 | 6:30-9pm | $30 family (up to 5 members), $8 individual| ages 7+
Come explore space’s “wickedest” wonders! The Maryland Science Center and Robinson Nature Center jointly present this family-friendly program bringing mysterious space phenomenon to life before your eyes. Watch a comet being made. Use VR technology to walk on the surfaces of other planets. Discover the wildest weather in the universe in our planetarium. Play with the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth, and discover how our planet’s slight tilt creates the magic of the seasons.
PUBLIC STAR PARTY
Alpha Ridge Community Park: 11685 Old Frederick Road, Marriottsville 21104
Saturday October 5 | 7:15-8:45pm | free | all ages
Come enjoy the night sky through telescopes set up by the Howard Astronomical League (HAL). At this relaxed, 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.
FALL FESTIVAL
Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock, MD 21163
Sunday October 6 | 11am-3pm | $10 per car | Under 2 free | all ages
It’s harvest time: ideal for the annual, old fashioned Fall Festival at the Conservancy! Watch blacksmiths hammering iron in their shop, listen to bluegrass music and explore the historic three-century-old farm. Visit our pygmy goats, chickens, Onyx the snake, and Ranger the barred owl, and many visiting farm animals. There are children’s crafts, pumpkin decorating and hayrides . Browse the craftsmen’s stations to admire woolspinning, woodturning, gourd decorating, and more. Leap the hay bales. Stock up on grass-fed beef and pork and the finest fall vegetables and fruit at the farm stand. Food and beverages will be available to purchase.
PUBLIC STAR PARTY
Alpha Ridge Park, 11685 Old Frederick Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Saturday October 10 | 7:15-8:45pm | 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.
NITE BITE FISHING
Centennial Park, 100000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City 21042
Saturday October 12 | 6pm | $5| 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.
ADULTS
FARMERS MARKET AT THE COMMONS
Clarksville Commons: 12230 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029
Saturday, September 28 | 10am-2pm | free | family friendly
Plan a visit to the Saturday farmers market and find local produce, meats, eggs, and so much more! This market is ‘producer only,’ which means that all items are grown or produced by the vendors. This week’s vendors: TLV Tree Farm, Earth First Farm, Hensing’s Hilltop Acres, Pong’s Orchard, Blue Dyer Distilling Co., Not Your Grandma’s Goodies, and Althea’s Almost Famous Jamaican Cuisine. Local Duo Walls & Vino will be performing during this market.
NAMASTE FOR KUPCAKES
Clarksville Commons: 12230 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029
Friday, October 4 | 5-6:30pm | $7 | all ages
Sprinkle your weekend with pure joy by joining us for a sweet + sweaty outdoor (weather permitting) 60-minute vinyasa flow for all levels (ages 16 and up) led by Kristina // Peace of Burlap – bring your own mat! Yoga will be followed by a chance to mingle with fellow yogis in the comminity + enjoy gourmet mini cupakes provided by the award-winning Kupcakes & Co. – featuring another new event-inspired flavor! Each ticket also includes a "swag bag" of goodies with an additional FREE cupcake card to use now or later.
YAPPY HOUR
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, October 4 (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.
1ST FRIDAYS
Manor Hill Brewing: 4411 Manor Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Friday October 4 (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).
GHOSTLY GUIDES AT THE PATAPSCO FEMALE INSTITUTE
Patapsco Female Institute: 3685 Court House Dr, Ellicott City 21043
Friday October 4 | 8-11pm | $25 per person | 16+
Gain exclusive after-hours access to PFI's ruins and see what adventures await you! Tour the ruins, learn about various ghost hunting equipment, and then explore the former girl's school to ask unseen residents questions, take photos, and detect supernatural activity.
ELLICOTT CITY OLD TOWN MARKET
9321 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday October 5 (recurring weekly on Saturday UNTIL 10/26) | 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.
NAMASTE FOR KUPCAKES
Clarksville Commons: 12230 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029
Saturday, October 5 | 10-11:30am | $7 | all ages
Sprinkle your weekend with pure joy by joining us for a sweet + sweaty outdoor (weather permitting) 60-minute vinyasa flow for all levels (ages 16 and up) led by Kristina // Peace of Burlap – bring your own mat! Yoga will be followed by a chance to mingle with fellow yogis in the comminity + enjoy gourmet mini cupakes provided by the award-winning Kupcakes & Co. – featuring another new event-inspired flavor! Each ticket also includes a "swag bag" of goodies with an additional FREE cupcake card to use now or later.
THE HOPS AND HARVEST FESTIVAL
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods: 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia 21044
Saturday October 5 | Noon-9pm | $40 in advance, $50 at door, kids under 8 free | all ages
Fall is the perfect time for a festival, and a festival is the perfect place to showcase the finest craft beer, music and food.
BALTIMORE TACO FESTIVAL
Power Plant LIVE, 34 Market Place, Baltimore 21202
Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6 | 2-8pm | prices vary| all ages
At the Baltimore Taco Festival, you’ll find over 25 of the area's best restaurants, food trucks, and food purveyors dishing out a variety of $3 tacos (sold separately). There will be bars and beverage stations serving margaritas, tequila flights, ice cold beer, water, soda & more. All food items will work on a voucher system - there will be various voucher stations throughout the festival & all vouchers will be exchanged at food trucks and restaurant booth. Al beverages (alcoholic & non) will work off a traditional cash & credit system.
GET OUTSIDE GEAR SALE
Centennial Park: 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, 21042
Sunday October 6 | 12-3pm | free | all ages
It’s time to gear up! Shop and score great deals on used, outdoor equipment and clothing. Vendor spaces available on a first-come, first served basis. Spaces must be reserved at least one week prior to event. Exclusions apply. Rain date is October 13.
BALTIMORE HARD CIDER & DOUGHNUT FEST
The Point in Fells, 1738 Thames St, Baltimore 21231
Friday October 11 | 6pm-12am | Prices Vary | 21+
Part Bar Hop, Part Sweet Celebration! Featuring (5) bars & restaurants, premium hard cider & 3,000 custom doughnut creations! The official kick off to fall season has arrived! This event is limited to 1,000 participants & is expected to sell out quickly!
GHOSTLY GUIDES AT THE PATAPSCO FEMALE INSTITUTE
Patapsco Female Institute: 3685 Court House Dr, Ellicott City 21043
Friday October 11 | 8-11pm | $25 per person | 16+
Gain exclusive after-hours access to PFI's ruins and see what adventures await you! Tour the ruins, learn about various ghost hunting equipment, and then explore the former girl's school to ask unseen residents questions, take photos, and detect supernatural activity.
ELLICOTT CITY OLD TOWN MARKET
9321 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday October 12 (recurring weekly on Saturday UNTIL 10/26) | 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.
AUTUMN REGGAE WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Linganore Wine Cellars: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mount Airy, 21771
Saturday October 12 + Sunday October 13 | 10am-6pm | free | all skill levels welcome
Say goodbye to Summer with the sweet music sounds of the islands and let them drift you away into Autumn. Come celebrate the largest and longest running wine festival on the Mid-Atlantic Coast. Join us at Linganore Winecellars for the Autumn Reggae Wine and Music Festival. Enjoy your favorite Linganore Wines while relaxing and listening to live bands, sampling authentic island cuisine, and hand-crafted artisan goods from around the world. Get your Reggae on at Linganore Winecellars’ Autumn Reggae Wine and Music Festival!
LADIES NIGHT HIKE OUT
Robinson Nature Center: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044
Saturday October 12 | 6:30-8:30pm | $10 | ages 18+
Immerse yourself in the nocturnal wonders of the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). Knowledgeable Robinson Nature Center naturalists are guides for this hour and a half-long wonders of the night hike. Meet at the Robinson Nature Center to caravan to the MPEA. The hike covers approximately two miles on unpaved terrain. Bring a flashlight!
DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA MINI MAKER FAIRE
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods: 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, 21044
Sunday October 13 | 10am-4pm | Free | All Ages
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments, and projects. We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth - a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness.Glimpse the future and get inspired!
HOCUS POCUS TRIVIA
Hysteria Brewing: 9570 Berger Road, Columbia 21046
Tuesday October 15 | 7-9pm | free | ages 21+
Oh look, another glorious trivia. Makes me SICK! Sisters! All Hallow’s Eve is drawing close and we’re going to be running amok for Hocus Pocus Trivia!
LADIES DAY OUT ON THE TRAILS
Robinson Nature Center: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044
Wednesday October 16 | 2-4pm | $10 | ages 18+
Immerse yourself in the scenic wonders of the Middle Patuxent. Environmental Area (MPEA). Knowledgeable Robinson Nature Center naturalists are guides for this hour and a half-long “wonders of the fall” hike. Meet at the Robinson Nature Center to caravan to the MPEA. The hike covers approximately two miles on unpaved terrain.
GHOSTLY GUIDES AT THE PATAPSCO FEMALE INSTITUTE
Patapsco Female Institute: 3685 Court House Dr, Ellicott City 21043
Friday October 18 | 8-11pm | $25 per person | 16+
Gain exclusive after-hours access to PFI's ruins and see what adventures await you! Tour the ruins, learn about various ghost hunting equipment, and then explore the former girl's school to ask unseen residents questions, take photos, and detect supernatural activity.
