April showers don't only bring May flowers, they also bring May fun in Howard County! Experience annual festivals and spring excitement when you plan your getaway to Howard County, Maryland.
Explore parks and picnics, perfect patios, and loads of seasonal 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 30th, 2026, then take a culinary journey to the incredible restaurants of Koreatown, Maryland!
Another great region to explore is the lively Merriweather District. Grab a bite and enjoy the myriad of festivities taking place throughout the month. Color Burst Park is always filled with energy and entertainment— perfect for a 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. Get your next concert outfit with great local shopping available at boutiques and outlets in Howard County, and turn the whole experience into an overnight stay at the beautiful Merriweather Lakehouse.
Buy your tickets now for Columbia’s ultimate dinner and show experience at Toby’s Dinner Theatre! Follow the yellow brick road and enjoy the nostalgic performance of The Wizard of Oz from March 20th to June 7th, 2026.
Gear up for Preakness Festivities as Preakness comes to Laurel Park from May 15th & 16th, 2026! Howard County is embracing this beloved equestrian tradition with all sorts of exciting community events.
Explore artistic wonders and blending colors from April 27th to May 31st, 2026: at The Artists’ Gallery in Historic Ellicott City with "The Beauty of Maryland" exhibit featuring original art that explores Maryland themes.
Week of May 1st - 3rd, 2026:
May 1st, 2026, at 6PM - 8:30PM: Glow and Flow: Pre Mother’s Day Celebration at LaRaydiance Wellness Spa Boutique in Savage Mill
Get a kick-start on Mother's Day celebrations with a relaxing wellness experience featuring champagne, educational wine sessions, a curated bites & wine pairing, an LED mini-facial, and a $20 LaRaydiance Gift Card!
May 1st, 2026 at 12PM - 1PM: Lunch Date with History: Banneker Historical Park at the Museum of Howard County History
Celebrate the historical & cultural organizations in the Patapsco Valley with the Howard County Historical Society as they showcase the Banneker Historical Park in their popular lunch lecture series.
The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
May 2nd & 3rd, 2026: 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, 2026, at 12PM - 4PM: Native Plant Palooza at Robinson Nature Center
Shop the annual outdoor native plant sale and discover a variety of shrubs, wildflowers, ground covers, trees, and edible native plants! You'll also find plant inspired artists, plant and pollinator related community groups, and free guided plant walks.
May 3rd, 2026, at 11AM - 2PM: Drop-In Hat Pin Workshop at the Columbia Art Center
Celebrate the spirit of the Preakness in Howard County with a fun hat pin workshop at the Columbia Art Center! Drop in and design your own decorative hat pins—perfect for hats, caps, scarves or even planter inserts.
May 3rd, 2026, at 12PM - 3PM: Holi Celebration at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods (Rescheduled from April 19th, 2026)
Celebrate the Festival of Colors in Downtown Columbia! Join friends, neighbors, and families for a free Holi celebration filled with vibrant colors, traditional dance & music, and community spirit.
Week of May 4th - 10th, 2026:
May 7th, 2026, at 6:30PM - 8:30PM: Blooms For Her: A Mother’s Day Floral Workshop at Mary's Land Farm
Treat your mom, yourself, or a special woman in your life to a relaxing workshop on the farm. Learn floral design techniques with step-by-step guidance and create your own fresh floral centerpiece using seasonal blooms.
May 7th, 2026, at 8PM - 11PM: Disciple of The Garden: Tribute to Soundgarden, Audioslave & Chris Cornell at The Collective Encore
One night, one band, lots of rock. Enjoy an homage to the unparalleled talents and iconic legacy of Chris Cornell and his bandmates in Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, and Audioslave.
Books in Bloom in Color Burst Park
May 9th, 2026, at 11AM - 3PM: Books in Bloom in Color Burst Park
Meet award winning authors and enjoy family fun in the Merriweather District at the 10th 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.
May 9th, 2026, at 12PM: Craft Fair & Maker’s Market at Manor Hill Brewing
Spend the day at the farm for the 5th Annual Spring Craft Fair and Maker’s Market! Sip on farm-brewed beers and peruse local artisans, agriculture producers, and some of the best crafters in the area.
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 Mother’s Day Out & Garden Tours on May 9th, 2026 at The Howard County Conservancy, a Mother's Day Craft Vendors Weekend on May 9th, 2026 at Penn Oaks Winery, and a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10th, 2026 at Turf Valley Resort.
May 9th, 2026, at 3PM: Reckless Patio Kickoff Party at Reckless Shepherd Brewery
Grab your friends and welcome patio season with an afternoon of live music, backyard BBQ specials, refreshing drinks, and a chill backyard vibes.
Wine in the Woods at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
Week of May 11th - 17th, 2026:
May 16th, 2026, at 12PM - 6PM: The Preakness Pour Experience at Boyd Cru Wines
The 151st Preakness Stakes is back in Maryland—and Boyd Cru Wines is ready to celebrate! Indulge in this vibrant celebration featuring Preakness-inspired culinary pairings, a signature Black-Eyed Susan Wine Cocktail, and an elevated social affair.
May 16th & 17th, 2026: Wine in the Woods at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
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 16th, 2026, at 1PM - 2:45PM: Haunts and Hounds at The Wine Bin with Maryland History Tours
Bring your 4-legged best friend for a spooky outdoor walking tour of Old Ellicott City: Learn new ghost stories from the area, fascinating legends, and discover sweet woofs/meows from the other side!
May 17th, 2026, at 12PM - 3PM: Everything is Blooming Tea - Garden House at The Elkridge Furnace Inn
Sip refreshing tea surrounded by blooming flowers at Garden House—perfect for embracing tranquil spring scenery in a historical setting.
May 17th, 2026, at 12PM - 7PM: Next Gen Maker’s Market at Manor Hill Brewing
Support the next generation of innovators at Manor Hill! This first ever event at the farm is a collaboration with Kids Markets, a national organization helping kids with their entrepreneurial spirit. Discover products and services from small businesses run by children ages 5-17 as you enjoy live music and incredible food.
Week of May 18th - 24th, 2026:
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 18th, 2026: Pink Greens Golf Tournament - Blossoms of Hope
Break out the neon, tease up that hair, and get ready to swing into the ultimate throwback! This year’s Pink Greens Golf Classic is bigger and bolder than ever—featuring a spectacular new experience with two courses at Turf Valley Resort.
May 21st, 2026, at 4PM - 8PM: Girls Night Out at Savage Mill
Go green with a plant-themed night of shopping, sipping, and exploring at the Mill! Pick up your bag, bucks, and bingo card, then make your way through participating businesses as you play along. Enjoy wine samples, plant inspired specials, pop ups, and an unforgettable evening.
B&O Ellicott City Station Museum
May 21st, 2026 at 7PM - 8PM: The American Railroad Revolution at the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum
Dive into history and explore how railroads transformed American history and sparked a transportation revolution that helped build the United States as we know it today.
May 23rd, 2026 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!
Week of May 25th - 31st, 2026:
May 25th, 2026 at 12PM - 5PM: Memorial Day at the Farm at Manor Hill Brewing
Spend Memorial Day sipping farm-brewed beers, shopping locally produced items, and enjoying brick-oven Neapolitan-style pizzas! Plus, don't miss out on live music from Rainy Day Matinee from 1PM - 4PM.
May 28th, 2026: 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 29th, 2026, at 7PM - 9PM: Tabletop Light Plus a Milkshake at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
Sip and get creative: Design a beautiful tabletop light adorned with crushed glass and resin. Choose between a beachy design with waves, turtles, and shells, or a floral design with dried flowers. Each ticket includes a tabletop light, a milkshake, and guaranteed fun!
AAPI Festival Performance - Photo Courtesy of Howard County Government
May 30th, 2026, at 12PM - 4PM: 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 annual AAPI Festival at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. Find delicious food, immersive art, and cultural activities for all ages.
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.
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.
