April showers bring May flowers… and May fun! Dive into festivals and excitement when you plan your spring getaway to Howard County, Maryland.
Explore parks and picnics, perfect patios, and loads of exciting activities throughout the county including the incredible Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, Books in Bloom, and Wine in the Woods!
Treat your mother to a trip to Howard County for special moments this May. Find fashion, food, and flowers to spoil the special moms in your life this Mother’s Day.
From celebrating cultural diversity to indulging in culinary delights and artistic endeavors, there's something for every adventure. Join us in embracing community, creativity, and celebration as we explore May in Howard County!
Month Long Highlights this May in Howard County
May is Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month, making this your perfect opportunity to celebrate diversity. Enjoy the music and celebrations at the AAPI Festival in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods on May 10th, 2025, then take a culinary journey to the incredible restaurants of Koreatown, Maryland!
Another great region to explore is the lively Merriweather District. Grab a sweet treat or bite to eat and enjoy the myriad of festivities taking place throughout the month. Color Burst Park is always filled with energy and entertainment and makes for the perfect family day trip. Plus, you can enjoy the opening of the Color Burst Splash Pad!
The Merriweather Post Pavilion
Plan ahead for a full weekend of excitement with a concert at the legendary Merriweather Post Pavilion, plus an overnight stay at the beautiful Merriweather Lakehouse. Get your next concert outfit with great local shopping available at boutiques and outlets in Howard County!
May is also the ideal time to explore the wonderful parks of Howard County. Enjoy sports and nature then complete your day with delicious dining in the fresh spring air.
Buy your tickets now for Columbia’s ultimate dinner and show experience at Toby’s Dinner Theatre! Watch a performance of the all-american musical, Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man, from March 21st to May 18th, 2025. Next up Toby’s Dinners Theatre presents the magical music and enchantment of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, opening May 23rd to August 17th, 2025.
Explore artistic wonders and blending colors from April 30th to June 1st, 2025: at The Artists’ Gallery in Historic Ellicott City where the Kaleidoscope exhibit is displaying mixed media by Amanda Milliner and Kiln formed glass by Karen Wallace. A reception will be held on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 from 2PM - 5 PM.
Week of May 1st - 4th, 2025:
May 2nd, 2025, at 7PM - 9PM: Paint & Shake at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
Sip on a sweet treat from The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Ellicott City while creating an artistic masterpiece! Featuring expert guidance from a Pinot's Palette instructor. All supplies included, along with a milkshake!
May 2nd, 2025 at 8PM - 11PM: Wharf Rats at Reckless Shepherd Brewery
Kick off your weekend with unique and captivating music live from The Wharf Rats at The Reckless Shepherd Brewery.
The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
May 3rd & 4th, 2025: Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
Explore adorable sheep, live music, workshops and incredible artisan vendors at The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. This festival is one of the largest of its kind and welcomes families, fiber artists, and crafters to come experience wonders of wool.
May 3rd, 2025, at 11AM - 12PM: Unwind and Uncork Mother’s Day Yoga at Penn Oaks Winery
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a special yoga class and a delicious glass of wine or wine tasting at Penn Oaks Winery in beautiful Western Howard County.
May 3rd, 2025, at 7PM - 11PM: Redd & The Paper Flowers perform at Backwater Books
Find your next read while enjoying tunes from this unique Appalachian Folk-Grass band as they perform live at Ellicott City’s bookshop & Bibliopub; Backwater Books.
May the Fourth in Historic Ellicott City, photo courtesy of Howard County Recreation and Parks
May 4th, 2025, at 1PM - 2:30PM: May the 4th Family Fun Parade in Historic Ellicott City
Join in the pet-friendly, family-themed Star Wars parade taking over Historic Ellicott City. This parade party will start at the Log House in downtown Ellicott City and will finish at the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum. Earn raffle tickets at specially marked stores for your chance to win prizes! After the parade, enjoy light refreshments at the “Admiral Ackbar snack bar” and participate in the costume contest. Pre-registration required!
Week of May 5th - 11th, 2025:
May 8th, 2025: Girls Night Out at Savage Mill
Experience a tasty retreat this May as foodies take over Savage Mill for Girls Night Out! Attendees will enjoy wine, the chance to win foodie-approved prizes, and of course fantastic food! Get your girls together for a night of interactive experiences, exclusive shopping deals, and plenty of foodie inspiration.
May 8th, 2025, at 6:30PM - 9:00PM: A Rye Whiskey Dinner at The Elkridge Furnace Inn
Treat yourself to an incredible 5-Course Dinner curated by legendary Chef Dan Wecker paired with the complex nuances of rye whiskey.
Books in Bloom in Color Burst Park
May 10th, 2025, at 10AM - 4PM: Books in Bloom in Color Burst Park
Meet award winning authors and enjoy family fun in the Merriweather District at the Annual Books in Bloom celebration. Find an outdoor bookstore, make your own flower bouquet, and get a spring photo at the photo ops in Color Burst Park.
Take a trip to Howard County to celebrate Mother’s Day! Endless Mother's Day events await you to make the special mom in your life feel appreciated. Enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch and Fashion Show May 11th, 2025 at More than Java Cafe in Savage Mill, or enjoy Mother’s Day Tea & Scones on May 10th, 2025 at the Howard County Conservancy.
May 10th, 2025, at 3PM - 6PM: Mashing Covers performs at Penn Oaks Winery
Enjoy the gorgeous grounds of Penn Oaks Winery while you savor delicious wines accompanied by acoustic guitar mash-up medleys of various eras and genres.
May 10th, 2025, at 3PM: The Music Institute of Howard Community College presents A Student Music Recital
Enjoy beautiful music performed by the talented students of The Music Institute of Howard Community College.
May 10th, 2025, at 12PM - 5PM: Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival (AAPI Festival)
County Executive Calvin Ball and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission, in partnership with the Inner Arbor Trust, invite you to enjoy culture and celebration at the 4th annual AAPI Festival at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. Find delicious food, immersive art, and cultural activities for all ages.
Wine in the Woods at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
Week of May 12th - 18th, 2025:
May 17th & 18th, 2025: Wine in the Woods at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
As you sip from your refillable cup, take in the lush surroundings, stroll past iconic music sculptures near Merriweather Post Pavilion, and immerse yourself in the vibrancy of Wine in the Woods! Plan your visit and experience one of Howard County’s most beloved events!
May 17th, 2025, at 7:30PM - 9:30PM: Columbia Orchestra presents American Reflections
Enjoy a musical celebration of 1950s works that highlights the musical diversity of post-war America. Listen to selections from Bernstein’s West Side Story blended with jazz, Latin, and classical styles.
May 17th, 2025, at 10AM - 12PM: Historic Farmhouse Tours at The Howard County Conservancy
Learn about the history of Mt. Pleasant and The Brown family 1800’s farmhouse at the Howard County Conservancy. Limited space available.
May 18th, 2025, at 12PM - 3PM: Celebration of Fairies Tea at The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House
Celebrate your inner fairy, and the peak of spring, with a magical tea experience in the gorgeous grounds at The Elkridge Furnace Inn.
May 18th, 2025 at 7:30PM: Merriweather Arts & Culture Center presents Ben Folds with the Howard County Youth Orchestra
This family-friendly concert is the perfect introduction to Merriweather Post Pavilion for young music lovers, and a chance to experience Ben Folds' signature sound in one of the country’s most iconic outdoor venues. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening for all ages!
Week of May 19th - 25th, 2025:
May 20th, 2025: Pink Greens Golf Tournament - Blossoms of Hope
Register now for your spot in the Pink Greens Golf Classic will be held at Turf Valley Resort. Peruse the auction items, and watch the helicopter ball drop at 10:30 before hitting the course for an 11:00 am shotgun start. Lunch and dinner will be provided.
May 22nd, 2025 at 6:30PM: Twain’s Feast Wine Dinner at The Elkridge Furnace Inn
Do you know Mark Twain’s favorite dishes? Experience a unique culinary adventure featuring the author’s favorite foods with this specialty curated menu by Chef Dan Wecker.
May 24th, 2025 at 9AM to 1PM: The first Old Ellicott City Farmers Market
Join the community in Old Ellicott City on Saturdays from 9AM - 1PM for fresh produce and flowers, local artisans, delicious food, and live music!
May 24th, 25th, & 26th at 10AM - 1:30PM or 1:30PM to 5PM: DoodleFEST at DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Installation
Find art, interactive activities crafts, and more to spark your imagination at this year's DoodleFEST! Don't miss your chance to meet LIVE mermaids, unicorns, trolls, and fairies! $8 admission for half day.
Week of May 26th - 31st, 2025:
However you choose to spend the Memorial Day long weekend, there's the perfect great family focused activities to experience in Howard County. Make moments worth remembering while you explore the great outdoors!
May 28th, 2025: The return of the Savage Farmers Market!
Explore farm fresh produce and handmade goods at the Savage Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 4PM to 7PM.
May 31st, 2025: BikeAround Downtown Columbia
Enjoy a relaxing ride along the trails, pathways, and bike lanes of Downtown Columbia, Wilde Lake, and Harper’s Choice. Ride the course starting and ending in Color Burst Park, then enjoy a fun-filled Block Party on Saturday, May 31st in the Merriweather District from 9AM - 12PM.
May 31st, 2025: Waverly Woods Classic
Break out your golf clubs with this golf tournament at Waverly Woods Golf Club. Find gorgeous greens and a picturesque course, just a 20 minute drive from Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Spring Stays in Howard County:
Extend your time to enjoy spring warmth and musical enchantment in Howard County by booking your overnight stay! With the outdoor festival season beginning, it's the perfect time to plan an overnight trip to Howard County, Maryland. Contact a local Howard County hotel to start planning your spring adventure and to reserve your stay.
When you book your stay at fantastic hotels like The DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia and Springhill Suites by Marriott Columbia and you’ll be nearby all the local action and attractions. Find the perfect hotels for a weekend getaway, family "staycation", or other travel needs.
Whether you're drawn to cultural celebrations, artistic endeavors, culinary experiences, or simply indulging in the beauty of nature, May in Howard County, Maryland offers a wealth of opportunities to explore.
Extend your stay, immerse yourself in the festivities, and create unforgettable memories in this dynamic community. Come join us and make the most of May in Howard County!
Please Note: Event details provided in this blog post are subject to change. It is advisable to check with the event organizers directly prior to attending for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
