February in Maryland is an exciting time of year, and a stop in Howard County should be high on the priority list. From romantic Valentine’s Day events to captivating art shows, energizing live music, and historical celebrations, don’t let the winter doldrums get the best of you, and take part in the action!
Try Something New for Valentine’s Day
Mix it up this Valentine's Day with these events happening in Howard County this month.
Dodge the crowds and celebrate Valentine's Day a few days early by attending Salmon the FRENCH Way-Fine Dining For Romantic Evenings at The Inn at Mary Land's Farm on February 10. Join The Inn's innkeeper and chef, Julie Webb, for an interactive cooking class at the historic Inn as she guides you through cooking Salmon en Papillote. The class is from 1- 3 p.m. and costs $100.
Head to the Robinson Nature Center in Columbia for a delicious and educational experience at Valentine's Chocolate Dipping and Wine Sipping. From 1- 3 p.m. or 4- 6 p.m. on February 17, learn the origins of chocolate, how to hand roll chocolate truffles, sample six wines from Linganore Vineyards, and more. The cost is $29 per person; all participants must be 21 or older.
Get Grooving with Live Music
February has no shortage of opportunities to enjoy live music in Howard County.
Enjoy the high energy of Justin Taylor at Looney's Pub on February 16 and 17 as he performs his original songs and a blend of covers that are sure to get you dancing.
Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City presents An Evening with Nashville Songwriters on February 17. Join renowned songwriter Brice Long and up-and-coming star Mark Taylor as they perform your favorite country hits in an intimate setting. Tickets are $75 and include light hors d'oeuvres.
For fun all-ages experiences, head to Morgan's Coffeehouse in Woodbine on February 16 to tap your feet to Americana and Bluegrass, or mark your February 17 to visit the Jim Rouse Theatre as the Columbia Orchestra performs Musical Menagerie: A Thrilling Concert Experience for All Ages, conducted by Victoria Gau.
Head to a Gallery or Theatre to Enjoy the Arts
The month of February in Howard County boasts events for every art lover.
If the performing arts are your thing, schedule a night at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, where they will host A Chorus Line in February. This musical is one of the longest-running in Broadway’s history and the winner of nine Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. 
Celebrate the vibrant local art scene at Artist’s Gallery as they present Wonderland of Art. The showcase runs from January 12 to February 25, and the gallery hosts a reception on Sunday, February 4, from 2 to 5 p.m. Wonderland of Art offers art enthusiasts a warm and inviting setting to view pieces by local artists in various mediums and styles.
Plan a Wedding
February is for lovers in Howard County. If you are recently engaged and planning a wedding, you must take advantage of the Winter Wedding Expo and Turf Valley’s Wedding Showcase.
The Winter Wedding Expo on February 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sparkling Diamond Event and Conference Center in Laurel. Spend time with your fiancé talking to wedding specialists and touring the event space.
Turf Valley’s Wedding Showcase is on February 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. Get the complete wedding experience by touring three themed ballrooms, sampling food, and meeting with the area’s best wedding vendors to help you plan your special day.
Fun for the Kids
There are plenty of things to do in Maryland in February for the kids.
On February 3, the North Laurel Community Center hosts Family Sneaker Ball, a fun family dancing event for ages 3 -12. And make sure to visit Robinson Nature Center on February 10 for the family friend program, Magic of the Maple Tree. The Howard County Library System puts on Little Learners TK on February 20 for children 3 - 5 years of age.
Celebrate an American Institution
For all of the history buffs out there, spend February 24 this year celebrating the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s 197th anniversary. Take a special tour of the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum to learn why the railroad was constructed and stopped in Ellicott City.
February in Howard County is action-packed. Make sure to visit the events calendar for a full list of events.
