HoCo Happenings: September 13-27
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
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FAIR
Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Highway, Davidsonville 21032
September 11-15 | Fees vary based on age and participation
The Anne Arundel County Fair returns! Featuring rides, concerts, and lots of games and food!
NITE BITE FISHING
Centennial Park, 100000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City 21042
Friday September 13 | 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.
CHRYSALIS KIDS: MONARCHS AND MORE!
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods | 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia 21044
Saturday September 14 | 10am-12pm | free | ages 5+
Please note this is not a performance but is an interactive activity. This activity is best suited to elementary school aged children. Howard County Conservancy, Community Ecology Institute, and the Inner Arbor Trust are proud to present Chrysalis Kids: Monarchs and More! The Howard County Conservancy will present its popular, interactive program on Monarch butterflies on the Chrysalis Stage at 10 a.m. and then at 11 a.m. This interactive program that discusses the Monarch butterfly's physical traits, life cycle, survival strategy, behavioral traits and more. On the lawn, Community Ecology Institute will host stations making seed bombs to support pollinators and other nature focused craft activities
LIL’ ACORNS PARENT/CHILD NATURE PROGRAM
Robinson Nature Center | 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044
Saturday September 14 | 10:30 am | free | 2-3
Hold your lil’ acorn’s hand through an unforgettable morning! In our Migration program, we’ll discover different insects and wildlife that begin heading south in the Fall; and we’ll follow our own migration journey. These parent/child interactive programs include stories, tot-friendly investigations, a puppet show and a short walk through the woods.
ROBINSON NATURE CENTER ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE
6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044
Sunday September 22 | 12-5pm | free | all ages
Celebrate our center’s 8th birthday! See what’s new, including our 2019 ARTsites installation, Nature Place additions and a new indoor exhibit. Enjoy innovative presentations, live animals, guided nature walks, face-painting, crafts and shows in our planetarium. Delight in hands-on activities with our partners, food vendors, the Nature Place, Discovery Room, and an outdoor picnic area. Limited parking on-site. Complimentary shuttle from off-site parking area. No registration necessary
LIL’ STARS
Robinson Nature Center | 6692 Cedar lane, Columbia 21044
Saturday September 21 | 10am and 11am | free | 3-8
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.
COLUMBIA ART CENTER: FALL FEST
Columbia Art Center | 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia 21045
Saturday September 21 | 12pm-2pm | free | all ages
A fun afternoon at Columbia Art Center with activities for all ages — preschool, youth, teens and adults — including interactive art projects, face painting, art demonstrations and more. Try your hand at the potter’s wheel. Enter your name for raffle prizes. View the annual Student/Faculty Exhibition and talk to Art Center teachers. Enjoy light refreshments and giveaways.
SEEDLINGS SUNFLOWER PICKING
Maryland Agricultural Resource Council, 1114 Shawan Rd, Cockesville, 21030
Wednesday, September 25 |10am-12pm | free | birth-5
Visit the sunflower field and will be able to pick our own at $1/stem.Check out the gardens, trails, and animals at the farm and find a shaded spot for a picnic!
FALL EQUINOX TWILIGHT HIKE AND CAMPFIRE
Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock, MD 21163
Wednesday September 25 | 5-7pm | $4 per person, Under 2 free | all ages
Bring your family, walk through the meadow and along the stream to the woodland campfire ring. Listen to the birds singing at dusk. Gather around the crackling fire and hear legend-stories about the Equinox, sing old-time songs, roast marshmallows, and enjoy s’mores with Holly and George Stone. Hike back in time to watch the sun set over the horizon –exactly due west – and hear other interesting astronomical facts about the Fall Equinox.
ADULTS
ELLICOTT CITY OLD TOWN MARKET
9321 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday September 14 (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.
OKTOBERFEST
Black Flag Brewing Company: 9315 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia 21046
Saturday September 14 | 12pm-11pm | ages 21+
Its that time of year again! We are opening up the brewhouse area and behind the brewery to offer an indoor/outdoor beer garden with 2 chill bands, 2 special beer releases, Oktoberfest glassware, and a food truck serving up some top notch comfort food with an Oktoberfest inspired special item!
LOW/NO ALCOHOL COCKTAILS
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday September 14 | 2pm | $25 ($10 credit towards purchase) | ages 21+
Cocktails are fun to mix up, yet many of the recipes are pretty heavy on the alcohol. Sometimes you just want/need to have an extremely refreshing cocktail that isn’t quite so boozy. In this class you will learn how to make a delicious drink when you're in the mood without the strong liquors.
PET PHOTO SHOOT FUNDRAISER FOR BARCS ANIMAL SHELTER
Black Flag Brewing Company: 9315 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia 21046
Sunday September 15 | 12-4pm
Book a photo shoot for your pet to support BARCS Animal Shelter (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter) at Black Flag Brewing Company in Columbia, Maryland. Spots must be booked in advance at agoldphoto.com/events/baltimore.
YAPPY HOUR
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Friday, September 20 (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.
WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND
Columbia Association
Friday September 20 at 6:30pm - Saturday September 21 at 5pm | free | all ages
Held at the following CA facilities:
Columbia Athletic Club - 5435 Beaverkill Road, 410-730-6744
Columbia Gym - 6151 Daylong Lane, 410-531-0800
Haven on the Lake - 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway, 410-715-3020
Get up, get active and have fun with fitness! As part of World Wellness Weekend, you’re invited to enjoy special fitness classes and free trials of popular programs at Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym, and Haven on the Lake. Everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be a CA member — just come on in! World Wellness Weekend is an initiative by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) to get more people active.
9321 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday September 21 (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.
MAIN STREET MUSIC FEST
The Wine Bin: 8390 Main Street, Ellicott City, 21043
Saturday, September 21 | 12pm | free; fees for some events | family friendly
Full day FREE festival features 3 outdoor stages, 7 indoor stages, 45+ bands, Craft Beer & Boutique Wine Gardens, and family friendly activities throughout the historic district
