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Good morning {{first name | neighbor}}!
Can you believe HoCo schools start back up in a bit over a week? If you have school aged kids, be prepared for them to pester you about who their teachers will be non-stop until the 19th when they’re actually published in HCPSS Connect Synergy. 🤣
Here’s a list of all the back to school nights, which start next week for some.
Remember, the Howard County Fair continues until this Saturday so check the schedule to see what’s happening before it ends!
— Jim Wang

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Latest News
Evening HoCo Bridge Repairs 🛣️
Four bridges on northbound I-95 are to be repaired from now until October(ish). Expect double lane closures from 9pm to 5pm from Sunday to Thursday.
Hit the Maryland Ice Cream Trail 🍧
The Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail is a fun way to explore the state while enjoying some of the best locally made ice cream around. Just grab a free digital pass, visit participating creameries, and check in with your phone to earn points toward prizes.
Many of the stops are paired with nearby hiking trails, so it's an easy excuse to turn an ice cream run into a family day trip. It's a great way to support local dairy farms while discovering places you might not have visited otherwise.
🗣️ have news you want to share? reply and we may feature it!

Local Business
Mt. Zion Christian Preschool Registering Students
Mt. Zion Christian Preschool is located in Highland and they are celebrating 37 years of serving Howard County families They are actively registering new students for the Fall as well as offering tours of their building and grounds. They provide classes for 2-5 year old children with early education certified teachers, CPR and First Aid certified staff.
Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar Closing
The Baltimore Fishbowl is reporting that The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar will be closing at the end of August and The Corner, a non-profit arts venue (music, plays, comedy), will be taking its place. Owner Jeni Porter hopes to be ready by the Main Street Music Festival on 9/16.

Fun Things To Do
As always, confirm events before you go, sometimes they change, get cancelled, etc.
Today
Pass the Pants: A KIDS Clothing Swap @ Manor Hill Brewing - It's time to swap those old clothes your kids have outgrown for something fresh at our Kids Clothing Swap at Manor Hill Brewing in Ellicott City! Gather up those bags of clothes you've been carting around for months and give your kid's wardrobe a quick refresh. Whatever’s not swapped will be donated to local charities like ShareBaby, Paul's Place, and House of Ruth! Salty Girl Books mobile book store will also be on site so you can pick up some new reads!
Summer Bash @ Howard Community College - Discover what's possible at HCC during Summer Bash! Explore academic programs, learn about financial aid, get guidance on the application process, and connect with staff who can help you take the next step. All are welcome!
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.
Girls Night Out @ Savage Mill - From 4pm to 8pm for a camp-inspired evening of shopping, sipping, and a little friendly competition. Pick up your complimentary $5 Girls Night Out Buck, grab a bingo card, and explore the Mill. Along the way, enjoy wine and mocktails and keep an eye out for a special camp-inspired game.
Teen Night @ Columbia LakeFront - From 6–10pm, dance to the hottest tracks spun by a live DJ, dive into a TikTok-inspired ball pit, and play LED mini-golf, air hockey, chess and yard games. Grab a bite from food trucks like Fuzzies Burgers, Chatime (bubble tea), and Funnel Fare (fried carnival treats), and sip on glow-themed drinks.
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 - The Super Silly Science Show 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
Bingo in the Barn @ Manor Hill - BINGO will occur in their air conditioned Private Event Barn located directly behind the Taproom. The Barn will open at 4pm with 4 beers on tap so you are welcome find a seat and get comfortable. Bingo will go from 5-7pm and is free to play. Prizes will be awarded for winner of each game and prizes will vary for each game.
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: Hoppers - After Dancin’ Under the People Tree 💃🏽, it’s movie time 🎥. In Hoppers (PG), a 19-year-old animal lover uses technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination.
Sip & Script: Modern Calligraphy for Beginners @ Notch8 Brewing - Whether you’re a stationery nerd, DIY Bride-to-be, or just a crafty individual, you’ll be introduced to modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink in this workshop. We will cover all the basics and prepare you to add those unique lettered details to your snail mail, wedding paper goods, home decor, and more!
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 Hat & Tie, sharp looks with fun hats and ties.
Summer Sounds Series @ Hickory Ridge Village Center - The Summer Sounds Series at Columbia Village Centers is bringing themed nights each month with exciting live music, plus family-friendly activities and more - live music by Summer Vibes.
Summer Concert: Air Force Blue Aces @ Glen Mar Church - Glen Mar’s final summer concert of 2026 features the Air Force Blue Aces. Dynamic, versatile, and built to inspire, the Blue Aces are one of the Air Force’s premier musical performance teams. This high-energy ensemble delivers unforgettable concerts across the nation, performing Top 40 hits from the past several decades. Their repertoire spans folk and country, pop and rock, R&B and jazz—an eclectic blend that connects with audiences of every generation.
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
Walk with a Doc @ Columbia Lakefront - Join AARP Maryland for Walk with a Doc – a free community walking program! Each event is led by a local healthcare provider and is open to people of all ages and abilities. The program allows participants to safely take a walk, enjoy the outdoors, learn more about current health topics, and make new friends.
Car Wash @ Wilde Lake Interfaith Center - Scouting America Troop 649 will be hosting a free car wash (donation accepted!) from 9am to noon, with donuts and coffee available for purchase. They are fundraising to support the Troop’s activities in the coming year.
The 80th Howard County Fair - The final day that the Howard County Fair will occupy the Howard County Fairgrounds with tons of events, food, vendors, and more. See the full schedule.
Back to School Bash @ CA Lakefront - Summer isn’t over yet – and neither is the family fun! Join us at the Columbia Association Lakefront for a day of activities, entertainment and treats for all ages, capped off by a concert by Brass Queens.
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 Casino Royale.
Columbia Concert Band @ Carroll Baldwin Hall - Enjoy music from 6pm-8pm as part of Savage Summer Concerts. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy a free evening of entertainment.
Good Kid-izen: Little Aggies - From 10am to noon, Bring the whole family to Color Burst Park for a morning filled with interactive fun. From games to crafts, there’s something for every little adventurer - this week, discover the journey of your favorite foods and meet the local farm heroes who grow the colorful fruits and veggies we love to eat.
Lowes Kids Workshop - Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Workshop - At 10am, Mini builders will team up with the PAW Patrol Pups to bring the Dino Island Volcano to life! Get ready to rumble into action and don't forget to see the NEW Paw Patrol: Dino Island movie!
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 Free mom Hugs and live music by Calvin Thomas.
Old Ellicott City Farmers Market - The Seasonal Farmers Market at Tiber Park is from 9am to 1pm with nearly a dozen vendors.
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.
KidSpace Movie Night @ Columbia Athletic Club - Kids 4-13 of CA members can enjoy a movie, free activities, pizza, and popcorn from 6pm to 9pm. Unfortunately, CA doesn’t seem to list the movie being shown!
Sunday
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.
Cocktail Crawl with the Downtown Columbia Partnership - Join us and Downtown Columbia Partnership for an afternoon of signature cocktails, delicious bites, exclusive giveaways, and stops at even more local restaurants. Grab your friends and sip your way through Columbia. 21+ only.
Made In Maryland Festival @ Kurtz’s Beach - This completely Maryland-themed festival features a fun line-up of vendors and entertainment, from artisans, crafters, live jousting, food vendors, local wineries and breweries, live music, children’s activities and beyond.
Encore Comedy Show @ Black Flag Brewing - Join us for a night of laughs, brews, and good company at our monthly comedy showcase! The last Sunday of every month we turn the taproom into a comedy club.
Absolutely Dragulous Drag Brunch @ Black Flag Brewing - Join us every third Sunday of the month for an unforgettable Drag Brunch hosted by Absolutely Dragulous! Get ready for dazzling performances, outrageous humor, and all the fierce fun you can handle—right here at your favorite brewery.
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 - Every Monday through August 31st, join Columbia Association instructors Mondays at 6pm throughout the summer for FREE yoga sessions at the Chrysalis!
Merriweather Summer Fit Series: Zumba 8/18 - Head to Color Burst Park from 6:30-7:30pm to sweat, stretch, and feel fantastic with our summer fit series lineup with next Tuesday being Zumba with Cris Oviedo: Shake, shimmy, and sweat with Cris's infectious dance fitness energy.
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° | 67° - 🌤️ - 0”
Saturday - 85° | 67° - 🌤️ - 0”
Sunday - 84° | 72° - ⛈️ - 0.26”
☀️ data from Weather Underground
Local Theatres and Shows
Theater/Company | Show | Dates |
|---|---|---|
Mean Girls | 6/15 - 8/23 | |
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder | 7/2 - 8/23 | |
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR with a Cabaret! | 7/31 - 8/16 |

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 - My Chemical Bromance - 9pm
🎶 River Hill Grill - Tim’s Piano Show - 7pm–10pm
🎶 Clarksville Commons - Different Sisters Band - 6:30pm-9pm
🎶 Reckless Shepherd - Kyle Smith (Cali Reggae) - 8:30pm
🎶 18th & 21st - Ian Trushiem Trio - 6pm–11pm
🎶 Blackwall Barn & Lodge - Madisun Bailey - 8pm–11pm
🎶 Smashing Grapes - Jennifer Schimpf - 8pm–11pm
🎶 White Oak Tavern - Alaina Tamash - 8pm–10pm
🎶 Bare Bones Grill & Bar - Bored Certified - 8pm–close
🎶 Kelsey’s Restaurant - Rod Sebastian - 6pm–9:30pm
🎶 Little Market Café - ACME Family Band - 6pm–8pm
🎶 HoCo Brew Hive - The Have Nots - 7pm
🎶 Brookeville Beer Farm - Greg Kneller - 5:30pm–8:30pm
🎶 Oversea Distillery - R&B and Hip-Hop Night - 8pm–11:10pm
🎶 Waredaca Brewing - Open Bluegrass Jam - 6:30pm–8pm
Saturday
🎶 Looney’s Pub - The Cover Up - 9pm–close
🎶 River Hill Grill - Libby and the Salt and Peppers - 7pm–10pm
🎶 Clarksville Commons - Calvin Thomas - 9am–1pm
🎶 Reckless Shepherd - The Grilled Lincolns - 8pm
🎶 Sonoma’s - DJ 2TRU - 7pm–11pm
🎶 18th & 21st - Gene Okonski - 6pm–11pm
🎶 Blackwall Barn & Lodge - Brandt Dunn - 8pm–11pm
🎶 Smashing Grapes - Ed Willz - 8pm–11pm
🎶 White Oak Tavern - Paul Kalamari - 8pm–10pm
🎶 Bare Bones Grill & Bar - Blue Line - 8pm–close
🎶 Kelsey’s Restaurant - Brendan Pelan - 6pm–9:30pm
🎶 Little Market Café - The Gold Ponies - 6pm–8pm
🎶 Brookeville Beer Farm - Brian Eberhart - 5:30pm– 8:30pm
🎶 Oversea Distillery - Dan Bregman - 7pm–10pm
🎶 Waredaca Brewing - The Fire Hazards - 5pm–8pm
🎶 Lone Oak Brewing - Michelle Lockey - 2pm–5pm
🎶 Notch8 Brewery - Radio Religion - 6pm–9pm
Sunday
🍳 Blackwell Barn & Lodge - Jamie Bishop - 11am–2pm
🍳 Galliano - Jazz Brunch- 11:30am–2:30pm
🍳 Smashing Grapes - Kevin Howard - 11am–2pm
🍳 White Oak Tavern - Live Jazz Music - 11am–2pm
🎶 18th & 21st - Aiden Interrante Duo - 5pm–9pm
🎶 Little Market Café - Mark Whiskey & The Sweets - 12pm–3pm
🎶 Manor Hill Brewing - Ron Capurso - 2pm–5pm
🎶 Lone Oak Brewing - One Blue Night Band - 2pm–5pm
Waredaca Brewing - XXXXX - 2pm–5pm
🗣️ have a favorite spot I missed? reply and we may feature it!

Thank You!
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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


