Posted by Julia Menton ● June 30, 2016

Home Sweet HoCo: Best Summer 2016 Activities

IMG_6971.jpgYou don’t need to travel to Baltimore or DC to find something fun to do this summer: luckily for all of us Howard County residents, there is so much to do right here! For those of you looking for a fun activity to do with your family this summer, or just looking to try something new, Howard County has plenty to offer! Here are a few of the best free summer activities in Howard County! After reading, be sure to also check out our complete calendar of events!

Entertainment by the Water

Sunset Serenades—Apex Sponsor!
IMG_6970.jpgEach Wednesday this summer, Centennial Park is transformed into a concert venue for you and your family to enjoy—for free! Guests are welcome to rent a boat to enjoy the concert from the water, or bring their own chairs and blankets to watch from the lawn. Don’t have a chair? Borrow one from us! All guests are welcome to bring their own food or purchase concessions from the park. Find the schedule on the Howard County website.

When: Wednesdays at 7 PM, with select Tuesday/Fridays
Where: 10000 Route 108 | Ellicott City, MD 21042
Price: Free (concessions available for purchase)

Lakefront Summer Festival
Every night of the week during the summer, the Columbia Association sponsors family-friendly events right on the lakefront lawn. Every night features a different activity, whether it be a concert, movie, or dance session! The festival is free, and many times the lakefront restaurants sponsor the events with happy hour specials. To see the calendar of events, dates, and times, check out the Columbia Association’s flyer.  

When: Every summer night, hours vary (see schedule)
Where: 10275 Wincopin Cir | Columbia, MD 21044
Price: Free

Events in HoCo Neighborhoods  

Saturday Night Movies at The Wine Bin
Grab a chair, pack a picnic, and prepare to enjoy a nice glass of wine as you make your way to The Wine Bin for their free outdoor movies every Saturday night. The Bin offers a free wine tasting an hour before the movie begins, and they show a variety of movies. Be sure to check the schedule and plan your night accordingly! Find movie listings and read their weather policy on The Wine Bin Website.

When: Saturdays at 9 PM
Where: 8390 Main Street | Ellicott City, MD 21043
Price: Free to attend (wine, beer, popcorn, and water available for purchase)

Courtyard Concerts at the Columbia Villages
We all know the Columbia Village Centers as a place to do some grocery shopping, run to the bank, or grab a bite to eat. But every weekend in the summer, the ten village centers are transformed into concert venues featuring local bands – all for free! Plan a fun night out with your family and neighbors, just around the corner! See a list of the villages and concert schedules on their website.

When: Weekend nights, varies by village
Where: see here
Price: free

Farm Activities

Pick Your Own at Larriland Farm
Larriland Farm is a family favorite that offers a variety of seasonal fruits, veggies, and flowers for you to pick on your own! Larriland has been a HoCo staple for over 40 years and pays close attention to ensure that their produce is of the highest quality. Check their website to see what is harvesting each day and bring your family for a fun day to pick your own!

When: Tuesday 9AM – 8PM, Wednesday – Friday 9AM – 6PM, Saturday & Sunday 9AM – 5PM
Where: 2415 Woodbine Road | Woodbine, MD 21797
Price: free admission, pay for produce

Clark’s Elioak Farm
If you’ve been a lifelong HoCo resident, odds are that you remember the Enchanted Forest storybook park in Ellicott City. While that has been closed down for quite some time now, you can still find the attractions at Clark’s Elioak Farm. While you’re there, stop by their petting farm, embark on a hay ride, or enjoy some homemade ice cream. They even offer produce and meat that is locally grown and raised. There is a small admission fee for attractions, but seasonal passes are available for purchase. Find details on the Clark’s Farm Website.

When: Tuesday – Friday 10AM – 5PM, Saturday & Sunday 10AM – 5:30PM
Where: 10500 Clarksville Pike | Ellicott City, MD 21042
Price: $6 admission to petting farm, additional fees for rides

We HoCo

With all the things to do in Howard County, it’s no wonder that it is considered one of the best places to live in the country. Thinking about moving here? Contact one of our mortgage bankers to learn more about what the area has to offer!

Summer Activities Map

See how close each summer activity is to where you live! The markers in blue are the Columbia Villages.

Stay tuned for next week’s installment of Home Sweet HoCo, Best Farmers Markets! Missed last week’s blog? Find it here.

Upcoming Events

Lakefront Movie: James Bond Specter (PG13)
When: July 1, 8:30 PM
Where: 10275 Wincopin Cir | Columbia, MD 21044
Longfellow Neighborhood Parade
When: July 4, 10AM
Where: 5257 Eliots Oak Rd | Columbia, MD 21044 (start place)
Eagle Charge 4 or 7 Mile Run
When: July 2, 1-3 PM
Where: 100000 Route 108 | Ellicott City, MD 21042
Price: registration $45
Allview Estates Parade
When: July 4, 12PM
Where: 6875 Greenleigh Dr | Columbia, MD 21046 (start place)
Saturday Night Movie: Top Gun (PG)
When: July 2, 9PM
Where: 8390 Main Street | Ellicott City, MD 21043
July 4th Celebration Festival
When: July 4, 5-10PM
Where: 10275 Wincopin Cir | Columbia, MD 21044
Lakefront Concerts
When: July 2, 3, & 6, 7:30 PM
Where: 10275 Wincopin Cir | Columbia, MD 21044
Sunset Serenades (Join us—we’re sponsors!)
When: July 6, 7 PM
Where: 10000 Route 108 | Ellicott City, MD 21042
River Hill Independence Day Parade
When: July 4, 9AM

Where: 6535 Trotter Rd | Clarksville, MD 21029 (start place)
Blood Drive
When: July 11, 2-7:30 PM
Where: 2875 Bethany Ln | Ellicott City, MD 21042
Sign up online & email here for questions!

 

Topics: Buying a Home, Homeownership, Howard County Summer activities, Apex sponsor howard county events, Family Friendly Howard County Events, home sweet hoco

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