This website uses cookies

Read our Privacy policy and Terms of use for more information.

😍😍 If a friend sent this to you, please give them a big hug or high-five from me. Oh, and you can sign up for your own free copy here!

Good morning {{first name | neighbor}}!

If you have school aged kids, did you survive the first week of school? If you don’t, did you survive the first week of school buses not quite sure where their routes went? 😂

Schools may have restarted but the summer isn’t quite over just yet, there are a ton of fun events this weekend including the first weekend of the Maryland State Fair up in Lutherville. There’s also the Music City Maryland Festival in Catonsville on Saturday.

If neither of those excite you, there’s plenty more to do this weekend!

Jim Wang

Are you overpaying for car insurance? 🚘

If you haven’t gotten a car insurance quote in the last 18 months, you may be overpaying. Use this free price comparison tool to see what you could be paying and use it to negotiate with your existing insurer, or switch.

(this was not sponsored, but this space is available!)
Interested in featuring your business here? 📩 Say hello!

💌 Share the Fulton Flyer 💌

Tell your friends about Fulton Flyer and you may win stuff! This is still a work in progress so I don't know what we'll do but I wanted to start keeping track now so you can get credit whenever we do turn it on. 😃

{{rp_personalized_text}}

Copy & paste this link: {{rp_refer_url}}

Latest News

Parents Can’t Visit Kids During Lunch 🥲

Sadly, HCPSS has changed their policy and you can no longer visit your kids during lunch. If you scroll down to Parent Lunch Visits, it now states “Parent lunch visits are no longer permitted at any HCPSS school. Limiting access during the school day ensures safe and secure school communities by removing unnecessary access to students and school buildings, reduces disruptions, supports student routines, and minimizes non-essential traffic in student areas.“ Boo…

🗣️ have news you want to share? reply and we may feature it!

Non-Profit Spotlight: Home of Our Own

This is going to be a new feature semi-regular feature where we try to spotlight a local non-political non-profit that is doing great work in the community. Email me if you’d like one included!

Without furniture, a house is just a shell. But for too many Howard County residents, that's what “home” looks like. Home of Our Own (HOOO) seeks to change that by filling empty spaces with essential furniture and household items, helping local families furnish their homes and take a meaningful step toward stability. Most of what HOOO gives away is generously donated by members of our own community by neighbors who see value in giving their gently used furniture and household goods to help families create safe, comfortable homes.

Beyond the direct impact on families, this work keeps high-quality furniture and goods out of the landfill, turning what might have been waste into a fresh start for someone who needs it. That community-powered mission was recently recognized when Home of Our Own was voted Best of Howard, Volunteer Organization by readers of the Baltimore Sun, an honor that reflects the generosity of everyone who donates, volunteers, and believes in helping their neighbors find their footing. 

Please visit homeofourownhoward.org for more information and find out how you can help.

(Thank you Laurie for the idea and this writeup!)

Local Business

Ironwood Kitchen Soft Opening

Ironwood Kitchen in Highland (in the former Brewer’s Art/Highland Local location) had a soft opening for lunch this past week but is now open for lunch and dinner. Ironwood is owned by George Strott, who once managed Michael’s Pub in Kings Contrivance (now Corner Stable), and his brother Alan.

Costco Gas Reopens! ⛽

The Columbia Costco gas station has reopened this week! Yipee!

Meadows Custard Closing 🥲🍦

Sadly, the Meadows Frozen Custard in Hickory Ridge will be closing after Kimco backed out of an agreed-upon lease extension, according to the Merriweather Post. They’re open through the end of the year.

Fun Things To Do

As always, confirm events before you go, sometimes they change, get cancelled, etc.

Today

  • Coffee with a Cop - Join us at PJ’s Coffee from 10am to noon for Coffee With a Cop! Enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with our patrol and community outreach officers.

  • Maryland State Fair - The state fair spans three weekends at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Lutherville and this weekend is the first. Tickets are slightly cheaper if you purchase online but you must do so by today.

  • Olney Outdoors - Summer 2026 - The third week of Olney Outdoors is this weekend, with lots of performances including the David Bowie Experience, Frank Sinatra, and a Temptations Revue.

  • Mix and Mingle Happy Hour @ Cushwa - In your 20s or 30s and looking to meet other 20s & 30s aged people in and around the Columbia area? Come join for another Columbia Social happy hour at Cushwa Rad Pies! We are a very welcoming group looking to connect with others in the area and make friends.

  • What Does the Fox Say? @ HoCo Conservancy - Learn about fox noises and adaptations, the engineering skills of beavers and the survival strategies of America’s lone marsupial, the opossum. The lives, habits and importance of all these mammals, known as furbearers, will be explained by a biologist from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. $5pp, ages 10+ recommended.

  • Laurel Farmer’s Market - Every Thursday through October 29th from 3pm-7pm, the Laurel Farmer’s Market has locally grown produce and unique handmade goods. Their schedule even lists which vendors will be there each week.

  • Merriweather’s Farmers Market - The second to last farmers market will be from 3-7pm at Merriweather Row Plaza. Check the link for vendors and food trucks.

  • Charm City Run Club w. Black Flag Brewing - All paces welcome for a fun run and or walk, start and end at the store, go for a 2-3 mile run or walk, and receive a coupon for a discount at Black Flag Brewery.

  • Thursday Trivia in the Loft @ Dive Bar & Grille - Starting at 7pm, Dive Bar and Grille and Charm City Trivia present Thursday Trivia in the Loft.

  • Family Fun Day @ Columbia Mall - Kindercize w/the Kindertwin from 10-11am at the center court.

  • Trivia Night @ Common Kitchen - Every Thursday starting at 6:30pm with Dan Master Quiz. Prizes to the top three teams of 1-6 people.

  • Karaoke @ Oversea Distillery - Every Thursday night is Karaoke night at Oversea, starts at 8:30pm.

Friday

  • Farming For Laughs Comedy Show @ Manor Hill - Get ready to harvest some hearty laughs in the (air conditioned) Barn at Manor Hill Brewing for a stand-up comedy show hosted by Megan Miller on Friday, August 28th. Farm opens at 4pm. Doors to the barn open at 5:30pm, show is at 6:30pm. Featuring DMV Comedians Monica Daily, Cerrome Russell and hosted by Megan Miller.

  • Dancin’ Under the People Tree - Fridays at the CA Lakefront are for Dancin’ Under the People Tree 💃🕺🏽. CA’s high-energy group fitness instructors will get you moving with an upbeat, all-levels dance session. We'll meet at 7pm under the People Tree (the 30-foot sculpture with human-shaped branches).

  • Movie Night: Elio - After Dancin’ Under the People Tree 💃🏽, it’s movie time 🎥. In Elio (PG), Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.

  • Midnight Mini-Golf - Join us for a night of mini-golf under the stars at Columbia SportsPark! Featuring unlimited mini-golf, lawn games, adult beverages, and more, this is an event you don't want to miss. This month's theme is Beach Party: Hawaiian shirts, shorts, and sunglasses.

  • Elkridge Volunteer Fire Dept. Food Truck Fridays - Every Friday until October 30th, a variety of food trucks will be there from 4:30-7:30pm. They list the food trucks attending each week and it’s usually a very big turnout.

  • Half Price Fridays @ National Aquarium - After 5pm, enjoy half priced tickets at the National Aquarium all year long.

  • Karaoke @ The Trolley Stop - Fridays at 9:30pm hosted by Kelly Secret.

  • Teen Kick Backs (11-17 yrs) @ Various Community Centers - Teens (11-17 years old): Are you looking for a fun way to spend your free time? Come and join us at our community centers for our free drop-in program for teens! There will be free pizza and snacks, sports, video games, and lots of fun. Click through to see when they’re being held and on which day, they’re every Friday and Saturday through August.

Saturday

  • Sensory-Friendly Butterfly Experience @ Brookside Gardens - Enjoy a gentle morning at The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens with limited capacity and natural lighting for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Designed to be less overwhelming by reducing the number of visitors in the experience, sensory-friendly mornings provide an opportunity for children and their families to visit with the butterflies at their own pace.

  • MrBeast Swarm Twister Workshop @ Lowe’s - Build a mini roller-coaster for your Swarm! Twists, turns, loops—who will scream the loudest as they race the track of fun?

  • Try Tennis & Pickleball Day @ Long Reach Tennis Club - Join the community for a fun and free event on the courts where you can learn the basics of pickleball, and tennis, improve your game, and discover why both tennis and pickleball are amongst the most popular activities in Columbia. Bring your friends or come meet new ones, as you experience the excitement of tennis and pickleball in a friendly, welcoming environment.

  • Music City Maryland Festival 2026 - From 12pm to 9pm at CAA Park in Catonsville for an unforgettable day of art, music, food, and fun. There is plenty of delicious food from the food trucks at the event and beverages including adult beverages.

  • 2026 Back to School Drive & Health Fair - Starting at 2pm, join us for an exciting Back to School Drive, Health Fair, and Family Fun Day! We're coming together to support our community and make sure every student has the supplies they need for a successful school year.

  • CA Lakefront Concert: Patrick Alban and his Buena Vista Social Band - Patrick Albán and his Buena Vista Social are bringing an infectious Latin groove to the CA Lakefront 🎶. All concerts begin at 7:30pm.

  • Lowes Kids Workshop - MrBeast Swarm Twister Workshop - At 10am, build a mini roller-coaster for your Swarm! Twists, turns, loops—who will scream the loudest as they race the track of fun?

  • 2026 Maryland Summer Music Festival @ Jim Rouse Theatre - Founded and produced by nationally recognized smooth jazz recording artist Kevin Jackson, the festival reflects more than three decades of experience in the music industry. The 2026 lineup features GRAMMY Award–winning artist Avery*Sunshine, two time GRAMMY considered smooth jazz artist Kevin Jackson, and a selection of talented musicians representing the richness and diversity of today’s live music scene.

  • Ultimate 90's Tribute Band “Be King & Rewind” @ Turf Valley - Get ready for the ultimate '90s party with Be Kind & Rewind! From grunge anthems to boy band hits, hip-hop bangers to pop-punk classics, we're bringing the nostalgia straight to the stage. Grab your friends, break out the flannel or your best '90s gear, and let's party like it's 1999! $20pp.

  • Latin Dance Night @ Busboys and Poets Columbia - Join us for an unforgettable Latin Dance Night from 7 PM–11 PM! Enjoy an evening filled with Latin rhythms, great music, dancing, and amazing vibes. Dance the night away with a special dance lesson by Shannon Ward, hosted by DJ Elvira.

  • Summer Movie Nights @ The Wine Bin - Pack your chair or blanket, grab your friends and head to the Bin. Come early for wine tastings in the shop beforehand and live music by local friends in the parking lot. This week’s movie is Song Sung Blue.

  • Fulton Farmers Market - The market run by Milk Lady Markets is this Saturday, 10am-2pm, at Sho Nuf Turkey Farm.

  • Clarksville Commons Farmer’s Market - Today from 9am to 1pm with guest vendor Aga Khan Foundation and live music by Occasional Harmonies.

  • Old Ellicott City Farmers Market - The Seasonal Farmers Market at Tiber Park is from 9am to 1pm with nearly a dozen vendors and a performance by Generation Mixtape from 10am to 1pm.

  • Downtown Silver Spring Freshfarm Farmers Market - Veterans Plaza from 9am-1pm, the year round market features local vendors offering everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to farm-fresh eggs, artisanal breads, goat cheese, meats, honey, cut flowers, pastries, preserves, and more.

Sunday

  • CHARM Pop-Up Meet & Greet - CHARM Rescue is having a pop up meet and greet THIS Sunday! Stop by and say hello to some of their volunteers and adoptable pets!

  • Whimsical Workshop @ Manor Hill (Juniors) - Build an enchanting fairy house for your garden, patio, or just about anywhere. All from a glass bottle, clay, wood, and a variety of natural materials. This class is open to all skill levels, bring your friends for a crafty girls night! $55pp includes 1 beverage, adults are required to support their junior crafter.

  • Native Planting At Leafy Screen Adopt A Spot - Volunteer with us to restore local habitat and forests. Activities include invasive plant removal and planting native perennials to promote biodiversity and wildlife.

  • Paint & Sip @ Lake Kittamaqundi - Join the Columbia Art Center, and instructor Thasis Piageti-Cassel, for a special Y2K Throwback Fun Phone-themed Paint & Sip event at the CA Lakefront. Whether you’re an experienced artist or looking for a fun, creative outing, come out to enjoy painting, community, and celebration in a beautiful outdoor setting. $35 members, $45 non-members.

  • Weekend Wind Down @ Columbia Lakefront - Ease into your day with the mellow sounds at Lake Kittamaqundi. CA is serving up relaxed, laid-back performances on select Sundays - perfect for elevating your brunch, soaking in the scenery and savoring those Sunday vibes.

  • Chill Under the Disco Lights @ Soccer Plant - Late Bloomer Yoga hosts a gentle and beginner yoga from 5:25pm-6:30pm at Soccer Plant in Columbia. It’s free and all are welcome in the month of August.

  • Ellicott Distilling Co. Distillery Class - Distill your own bottle of vodka or gin and flavor it with their thousands of flavor combinations or bring your own. Get a custom label, do some trivia, win prizes, eat tacos, and sip on bottomless mimosas! Starts at 10am and ends around 12:30pm.

Upcoming

  • Yoga in the Park - Join Columbia Association instructors next Mondays at 6pm for the last FREE yoga session at the Chrysalis.

  • Aging with Confidence: Navigating Care, Planning, and Change 9/1 - Join us at the Glenwood 50+ Center from 11am to 1pm as we invite experts in several fields to come provide information and answer your questions. Enjoy a complimentary lunch with the panelists after the discussion.

  • Free Bingo Night @ Common Kitchen - Every Tuesday at 6pm. You get 6 free bingo cards (and can earn more, ask the bingo caller!) and can win prizes each round like free food and drink and Common Kitchen gift certificates.

  • Trivia @ Kelsey’s Restaurant - Team Trivia hosts trivia at Kelsey’s every Tuesday starting at 7pm.

  • Trivia @ Black Flag - Charm City Entertainment hosts trivia at Black Flag Brewing every Tuesday starting at 7pm.

  • Trivia @ Sapwood Cellars - Cap City hosts trivia at Sapwood Cellars every Tuesday starting at 7pm.

  • Trivia @ Notch8 Brewery - Every Tuesday is trivia night at Notch8. Sporcle Live Trivia hosts two games at 7pm and again at 8pm.

Weather This Weekend

Friday - 85° | 64° - 🌤️
Saturday - 84° | 66° - 🌤️
Sunday - 88° | 69° - 🌤️

☀️ data from Weather Underground

Local Theatres and Shows

Theater/Company

Show

Dates

SUMMER- The Donna Summer Musical

8/28 - 11/1

Some Like It Hot

9/18 - 11/8

The Drowsy Chaperone

9/11 - 9/27

Live Music, Brunches, & Bar Events

Here are all the places (that I’ve found) that have free live music (or more) in the area - if I am missing your favorite venue, please let me know! (bars may have separate covers)

🎶 Music | ❓ Trivia | 🎭 Comedy | 🍳 Brunch | 🎤 Karaoke
💵 Ticketed or cover

Friday

🎶 Looney’s Pub - Big Machine - 9pm
🎶 River Hill Grill - Red Sky Dawn Duo - 7pm–10pm
🎶 Clarksville Commons - Gary and the Groove Band - 6:30pm-9pm
🎶 Reckless Shepherd - Sorry About Your Daughter with Absent Habits - 9pm 💵
🎶 Sonoma’s - Hightest - 7pm–11pm
🎶 18th & 21st - Jon Waller - 6pm–11pm
🎶 Union Jack’s - Radio Pilots Duo - 6pm–10pm
🎶 Blackwall Barn & Lodge - Mark Scott - 8pm–11pm
🎶 Smashing Grapes - Eddie Botts - 8pm–11pm
🎶 White Oak Tavern - Enslow - 8pm–10pm
🎶 Bare Bones Grill & Bar - Doc Holliday - 8pm–close
🎶 Kelsey’s Restaurant - Ciaran Quinn - 6pm–9:30pm
🎶 Little Market Café - ILYAIMY - 6pm–8pm
🎶 HoCo Brew Hive - Mike Finazzo - 7pm

🎶 Brookeville Beer Farm - Drew Kline - 6pm–9pm
🎶 Waredaca Brewing - Singer/Songwriter Showcase - 5pm8pm

Saturday

🎤 HoCo Brew Hive - Saturday Karaoke Night! - 8pm

🎶 Old Ellicott City Farmer’s Market - Generation Mixtape - 10am–1pm
🎶 Looney’s Pub - Mark Bray - 9pm–close
🎶 River Hill Grill - Breaking 12 - 7pm–10pm
🎶 Clarksville Commons - Occasional Harmonies - 9am–1pm
🎶 18th & 21st - Alex Armbruster - 6pm–11pm
🎶 Union Jack’s - Jermey Robinson - 6pm–10pm
🎶 Blackwall Barn & Lodge - Andrew Bell - 8pm–11pm
🎶 Smashing Grapes - Jennifer Schimpf - 8pm–11pm
🎶 White Oak Tavern - Nicky Stacy - 8pm–10pm
🎶 Bare Bones Grill & Bar - Uncommitted - 8pm–close
🎶 Kelsey’s Restaurant - Kevin Sullivan - 6pm–9:30pm
🎶 Little Market Café - Randy Exley & Friends - 6pm–8pm

🎶 Brookeville Beer Farm - JDAB - 5:30pm 8:30pm
🎶 Manor Hill Brewing - Rock Creek Revival - 2pm5pm
🎶 Lone Oak Brewing - Dan Bregman - 2pm5pm
🎶 Waredaca Brewing - Nate Clendenen - 47pm

Sunday

🎤 Union Jack’s - Karaoke with DJ Teej - 9pm–2am

🍳 Blackwell Barn & Lodge - Aaron Hawkins - 11am2pm
🍳 Galliano - Jazz Brunch- 11:30am2:30pm
🍳 Smashing Grapes - Kevin Howard - 11am–2pm
🍳 White Oak Tavern - Live Jazz Music - 11am2pm

🎶 18th & 21st - Bob & Aiden - 5pm–9pm
🎶 Little Market Café - West Side Rocks - 12pm–3pm

🎶 Manor Hill Brewing - Dan Bregman - 2pm5pm
🎶 Lone Oak Brewing - Dennis Kull - 2pm5pm
🎶 Waredaca Brewing - Kate Keeley - 2pm5pm

🗣️ have a favorite spot I missed? reply and we may feature it!

Thank You!

What did you think of this email?
I Loved It! 🟨 It Was Okay Not My Favorite
👋 I Have a Suggestion! Just hit reply - I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks so much for reading and being part of this community. If you enjoyed this email, please share it with a friend—you’ll help us grow, and it means the world to me.

See you around town,
— Jim Wang

Recommended for you

View all
caret-right