Sunday August 31st - Farmer's Market

On Sunday August 31st from 9AM to 1PM there will be a Farmer's Market in Oakland Mills Village Center.

Sunday August 31st - Lakefront Movie

On Saturday August 31st at 8:30PM the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean 3" (PG-13) will be shown lakeside across from the mall. Free!

Saturday August 30th - Craft sale

On Saturday August 30th from 11AM to 3PM there will be a craft sale at Wilde Lake Village Center.

Saturday August 30th - Lakefront Movie

On Saturday August 30th at 8:30PM the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean 2" (PG-13) will be shown lakefront across from the mall. Free!

Friday August 29th - Lakefront Movie

On Friday August 29th at 8:30PM the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" (PG-13) will be shown lakefront across from the mall. Free!

Friday August 29th - Dancin' Under the People Tree

On Friday August 29 at 6:30PM dance lessons will be held lakeside across from the mall, led by Tatia Zack. Free!

Thursday August 28th – Story Time at the Mall

“Story Time with Miss Julie” at Columbia Mall 10am – located on the 1^st floor outside Lord and Taylor. Arrive early to get a good spot. Free (and you get a free ticket to ride the carousel!)

Tuesday August 26th - Go get a snowcone!

The summer's winding down - go enjoy a snowcone. My personal favorite is "The Snowball Stand" - http://snowballstand.blogspot.com/ - located on RT99 and Woodstock Road.

Monday August 25th - SCHOOL'S BACK IN SESSION

Please drive carefully!

Sunday August 24th - Farmer's Market

On Sunday August 24th from 9AM to 1PM there will be a Farmer's market in Oakland Mills Village Center - check it out!

Saturday August 23 - Craft sale

On Saturday August 23rd from 11AM to 3PM there will be a craft sale at Wilde Lake Village Center.

Friday August 22 - Dancin' Under the People Tree

On Friday August 22 at 6:30PM dance lessons will be held lakeside across from the mall, led by Tatia Zack. Free!

Friday August 22 - Lakefront Movie

On Friday August 22 at 8:30PM the film "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" (PG) will be shown lakeside across from the mall. Free!

Friday August 22nd - Concert at Rockburn Park

On Friday August 22nd from 7:00PM to 8:30PM at Rockburn Park in Elkridge "The Nighthawks" (Blues) will be performing. Free! And free ice cream while it lasts!

Thursday August 21 - Harper's Choice Family Bingo Night

From 7PM to Midnight on Thursday August 21 there will be a family bingo night at Kahler Hall. Free!

Thursday August 21st - Craft Time at the Library

On Thursday August 21st at 2PM there will be a story and craft relating to the summer olympics. Ages 5 - 9 at the Central Branch of the HoCo Library. Register by calling 410.313.7880.

Wednesday August 20th - Sunset Serenade Concert

On Wednesday August 20th at 7PM at Centennial Park (South entrance) "Bad Influence Band" (Uptempo Blues and Rock) will be performing. $3 donation for parking.

Wednesday August 20th - Everyday Engineering

On Wednesday August 20th from 7PM to 8:30PM there will be an "Everyday Engineering" presentation at Savage Library for children ages 11 - 16. Build toothpick towers, spaghetti bridges, and more! Register by calling 410.880.5980.

Monday August 18th - Lakeside Movie

On Monday August 18th at 8:30PM the movie "Charlotte's Web" (G) will be shown lakeside across from the mall. Free!

Sunday August 17th - Farmer's Market

On Sunday August 17th from 9AM to 1PM there will be a farmer's market at Oakland Mills Village Center.

Saturday August 23rd - Caribbean Night

On Saturday August 23rd from 6PM to 10PM there will be a Caribbean night at Dorsey Search's Linden Hall. Prices are $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents (includes food, bar, and entertainment). Looks like tickets were supposed to be purchased by August 15th, but call Linden Hall and give it a shot.

Sunday August 17th - Lakeside Concert

On Sunday August 17th at 6:30PM Gail Marten and The Clem Ehoff Trio (Mainstream and Latin Jazz) will be performing lakeside across from the mall. Free!

Sunday August 17th - Beaver Education and Crafts

From the HoCo Gov't website -

Hey kids, come learn from a seasonal naturalist about nature’s most gifted engineer. Make a bark picture frame for your favorite summer photo. Ages 4 & above. Meet at Shelter. Please call 410-461-5005 in advance to sign up. 10:00-11:30am, Hilton Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park, $2.00 per person, 410-461-5005, www.dnr.state.md.us

Sunday August 17th - Enchanted Forest Birthday Party

From the HoCo Gov't website -

Special family activities all day. Fairy tale characters, storytimes, entertainers, facepainting, Enchanted Forest memorabilia on sale. Sale of the famed "Enchanted Forest stones." See the new Enchanted Forest items we have restored in 2008. COME JOIN IN THE FUN!!! Bring copies of old family photographs to share. For the photo contest, we are looking for the oldest photo from the Enchanted Forest, best set of photos from two generations visiting the Enchanted Forest, and the best photo of Willie the Whale. Clark's ELioak Farm, 410-730-4049, www.clarklandfarm.com

Saturday August 16th - Craft sale

From 11AM to 3PM there will be a craft sale at Wilde Lake Village Center.

Saturday August 16th - Lakeside Concert

At 8PM Cletus Kennelly and Lori Kelley(Folk Pop) will be performing lakeside across from the mall. Free!

Friday August 15th - Lakeside Movie

The movie "Transformers" (PG-13) will be shown lakeside across from the mall starting at 8:30PM. Free!

Saturday August 16th - Concert at Savage Mill

From Noon - 1:30PM there will a free jazz concert in the New Weave Building Atrium at Savage Mill.

Saturday August 16th - Canoe Trip

From the HoCo Gov't website -

Come learn some basic canoe skills and then put them to use as we paddle the gentle backwater of the Daniels Dam. Learn about the natural history of the Patapsco, and stop for a picturesque lunch break along the way! Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, and bring a bag lunch and a water bottle. Hats and sunscreen are also recommended. Life vests, paddles, and canoes will be provided. For ages 10 & up (Under 15 must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Daniels Area Parking Lot. Please call 410-461-5005 in advance to sign up and for directions to the meeting place. 11:00am-4:00pm, Daniels Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park, $10.00 per person, 410-461-5005, www.dnr.state.md.us

Saturday August 16th - Ghost Tour of Ellicott City

From the HoCo Gov't website -

Join us for a guided tour through one of the most actively haunted towns on the east coast. Our guides recount tales of recent paranormal events at many locations in the Ellicott City Historic District; so many in fact that we now offer two independent tours, "Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City" Ghost Tour Part I & II! Friday and Saturday, April through November at 8:30pm. Reservations strongly recommended. 410-313-1900/1-800-288-8747, www.howardcountymd.gov/HCT/HCT_GhostTours.htm

Saturday August 16th - Enchanted Forest Birthday Party

From the HoCo Gov't website -

Special family activities all day. Fairy tale characters, storytimes, entertainers, facepainting, Enchanted Forest memorabilia on sale. Sale of the famed "Enchanted Forest stones." See the new Enchanted Forest items we have restored in 2008. COME JOIN IN THE FUN!!! Bring copies of old family photographs to share. For the photo contest, we are looking for the oldest photo from the Enchanted Forest, best set of photos from two generations visiting the Enchanted Forest, and the best photo of Willie the Whale. Clark's ELioak Farm, 410-730-4049, www.clarklandfarm.com

Friday August 15th - "The Wonders of Water"

From the HoCo Gov't website -

"Join us as we hike stretches of the Patapsco and some of its tributaries to learn how wonderful water can be. We will discuss the importance of water to life on earth, what the water cycle is and how it works, and what we can do to help keep our water clean for ourselves and future generations. Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, and bring water. For ages 7 & up. Meet at Lost Lake. Please call 410-461-5005 in advance to sign up. 5:00-7:00pm, Avalon Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park, $2.00 per person, 410-461-5005, www.dnr.state.md.us"

Friday August 15th - "Outdoor Games"

From the HoCo Gov't website -

Come to the McKeldin area and play some fun outdoor games that will also teach a lesson about wildlife and our environment. Wear good shoes and bring bug spray & plenty of water. For ages 6-12 (parent chaperones welcome). Meet at contact station. Please call 410-461-5005 in advance to sign up. 12:00-2:00pm, McKeldin Area of the Patapsco Valley State Park, $2.00 per person, 410-461-5005, www.dnr.state.md.us

Friday August 15th - Concert at Savage Mill

From Noon - 1:30PM there will a free jazz concert in the New Weave Building Atrium at Savage Mill.

Friday August 15th - Ghost Tour of Ellicott City

From the HoCo Gov't website -

Join us for a guided tour through one of the most actively haunted towns on the east coast. Our guides recount tales of recent paranormal events at many locations in the Ellicott City Historic District; so many in fact that we now offer two independent tours, "Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City" Ghost Tour Part I & II! Friday and Saturday, April through November at 8:30pm. Reservations strongly recommended. 410-313-1900/1-800-288-8747, www.howardcountymd.gov/HCT/HCT_GhostTours.htm

Thursday August 14th Lakefront Concert

On Thursday August 14th at 8pm Alyce Metallo will be performing lakefront across from the mall. Free!

Wednesday August 13th - Lakefront Concert

On Wednesday August 13th at 8PM the "Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition" (Bluegrass, duh!) will be performing lakefront across from the mall. Free

Wednesday August 13th - Sunset Serenade Concert

On Wednesday August 13th at 7PM at Centennial Park (South entrance) "Shades of Blue" (Big Band) will be performing. $3 donation for parking.

Tuesday August 12th - Lakefront Concert

On Tuesday August 12th at 8PM "Naked Blue" (Rock) will be playing lakefront across from the mall. Free!

Monday August 11th - Lakefront Movie

At 8:30PM on August 11th the film "The Waterhorse: Legend of the Deep" (PG) will be shown lakefront across from the mall. Free!

Monday August 11th - Columbia Ice Rink Reopens

The skating rink is open for the season as of August 11th! Check it out in Oakland Mills Village Center.

Sunday August 10th - Jazz Concert

On Sunday August 10th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM there will be a jazz concert by "The Felicia Carter Quartet" at the Other Barn in Oakland Mills Village Center. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Sunday August 10th - Farmer's Market

On Sunday August 10th from 9:00AM to 1:00PM there will be a Farmer's Market in Oakland Mills Village Center.

Sunday August 10th - Lakefront Concert

On Sunday August 10th at 6:30PM "The Columbia Concert Band" (classics and pop) will be performing lakefront across from the mall. Free!

Saturday August 9th - Kid's Night at the Movies

From 6PM to 9PM there will be a kid's night at the movies at the Kidspace in the Columbia Athletic Club. Activities, movie, juice, and snacks are provided. $5 for CA members, $7 for Columbia residents with ID card, $9 for non-residents.

Saturday August 9th - Craft Sale

From 11AM to 3PM there will be a craft sale at Wilde Lake Village Center.

Saturday August 9th - Lakefront Concert

At 8PM "Mr. Groove" (Jazz) will be performing lakefront across from the mall. Free!

Friday August 8th - Open Roller Skating Session

From 12PM to 3PM there will be an open roller skating session at the Supreme Sports Club. CA membership is required.

Friday August 8th - Lakefront Movie

At 8:30PM the film "Stardust" (PG-13) will be shown lakefront across from the mall. Free!

Friday August 8th - Lakefront Dancing

At 6:30PM there will be free dance lessons lakefront across from the mall.

Thursday August 7th Lakefront Concert

On August 7th at 8:00 PM "Richard Walton Group" (Jazz) will be performing across from Columbia Mall. Free!

Wednesday August 6th Lakefront Concert

On August 6th at 8:00 PM "Ruut" (Rock, Folk) will be performing across from Columbia Mall. Free!

It's county fair time!

The Howard County Fair is ongoing through August 9th. Check it out!

Tuesday August 5th - Wilde Lake Pizza Party

There's a free pizza party for Wilde Lake residents on Tuesday, August 5th from 5PM to 7 PM. Tickets are required and are available at Slayton House.

Tuesday August 5th Lakefront Concert

On August 5th at 8:00 PM "We're About 9" (Edgy, Contemporary, Folk) will be performing across from Columbia Mall. Free!

Monday August 4th Lakeside Movie

On Monday August 4th at 8:30PM there will be a showing of "The Witches" Lakeside across from the mall. Free!

Sunday August 3rd Farmer's Market

On Sunday August 3rd from 9Am to 1PM there will be a Farmer's Market in Oakland Mills Village Center. Fresh breads, fruit, vegetables, and coffee.

Sunday August 3rd Lakefront Concert

On August 3rd at 6:30PM Rumba Club (Latin Jazz) will be performing across from Columbia Mall. Free!

Saturday August 2nd Lakefront Concert

At 8PM on August 2nd the Carl Filipiak Group (Jazz / Rock fusion) will perform lakefront across from Columbia Mall. Free!

Friday Night Films Lakeside

Friday night August 1st "Hairspray" will be shown lakeside across from Columbia Mall. The film is PG and starts at 8PM.

Lakefront Concerts

All concerts are at 8PM at the lakefront across from Columbia Mall (on Little Patuxent Parkway) -

7/29/08 - Mark Mosley Quartet (jazz)
7/30/08 - Jean Wayson (inspirational)
7/31/08 - Dave Chappell and Friends (rock)

Disney Block Party at Merriweather

July 29th and 30th the Disney Block Party will be at Merriweather Post Pavillion. Scheduled to appear are Choo Choo Soul, Ralph's World, Dan Zanes and Friends, and They Might Be Giants. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Summer Movies for Kids at AMC Columbia Mall

The series is drawing to a close, but the AMC theater at Columbia Mall has movies for kids for $1 on Wednesday July 30th and Wednesday August 6th at 10am. July 30th is "Surf's Up" (cute movie!) and August 6th is "TMNT" (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, haven't seen it). And the $1 goes to charity.

IMAX at the AMC Theater!

The AMC movie theater at Columbia Mall now has an IMAX theater! Very cool! Right now they're showing a 45 minute 3D movie on the International Space Station. Well worth checking out.

Introduction

Hello! This blog is going to serve as a way to "get the word out" on fun things to do in the Columbia / Ellicott City / Howard County MD area - family friendly outings, etc. Please feel free to email me with items of interest.