Summer may be ending, but fall in Howard County, Maryland is filled with autumn activities and festivals.
Find the coziest fall flavors with local restaurants and cafes, explore charming towns with rich history, and dive into diverse events celebrating arts and culture.
Visit Howard County, Maryland for Labor Day! Find all kinds of labor day discounts, special attractions, and perfect locations for your next BBQ or picnic. Howard County also makes the perfect destination for your next fall getaway or scenic Maryland road trip.
Read below to see how you can make the most of your fall escape in Howard County.
Featured September Events
September 7th - 13th, 2026: Columbia Maryland Film Festival
Celebrate the art of indie filmmaking and discover inspiring new talent! The festival showcases more than 55 films across online streams and select live screenings—featuring everything from shorts, documentaries, and narrative features to animation, student projects, world cinema, and works by local Maryland filmmakers.
September 12th, 2026, 1PM - 2:30PM: 25 Artifacts for 250 years of Howard County History at the Harriet Tubman Community Center
Explore the past 250 years of Howard County History through objects from the past! County Parks Archaeologist Kelly Palich will share stories that they tell of the lives of citizens of the County, ranging from the birth of the new nation to the 20th century.
September 12th, 2026, 12PM - 4PM: Books & Beers in the Barn at Manor Hill Brewing
The Manor Hill Farm and Taproom will be open from 12-7pm, and from 12-4pm you can enjoy browsing books as the Private Event Barn transforms into a family-friendly bookstore brought to you by Backwater Books! Adults and children can browse the vast selection of new books, fun gifts, stationery, and more.
September 17th, 2026, 5 PM - 8 PM: Wine in the Garden, Beer in the Barn at the Howard County Conservancy
Join the annual Wine in the Garden, Beer in the Barn! Stroll through the garden enjoying fine wine, craft beer and nonalcoholic refreshments. Sample delicious food from local restaurants and caterers and explore the native plant garden. Enjoy live bluegrass music while perusing the silent auction and raffle items featuring artwork, getaways, and more!
September 19th, 2026, 12PM - 8PM: Main Street Music Fest in Historic Ellicott City
Music will fill the streets of Historic Ellicott City for one of the biggest celebrations of the year! Jam out to live performances across multiple stages, browse artisan & food vendors, enter in raffles with exciting prizes, and enjoy music-inspired family-friendly activities.
The Indian Cultural Association Presents the Festival of India
Festival of India: September 19th, 2026 (12pm - 8pm) & September 20th, 2026 (11am - 7pm)
Discover Indian music, dancing, jewelry, fashion, cuisine and culture at the Festival of India coming September 19th & 20th at the Howard County Fairgrounds. You can’t miss this incredible festival showcasing the beautiful diversity of our community and the rich heritage of Indian culture. Every moment of the festival is packed with color and flavor creating a visually stunning celebration of all things Indian.
September 20th, 2026, 10AM - 2 PM: Robinson Nature Center Anniversary Open House
Celebrate the 15th birthday of the Robinson Nature Center! They’ll be hosting an Open House featuring two new outdoor pavilions, interactive games, new additions in the Nature Place and more. Take part in a community art project, meet live animals, see an outdoor puppet show or planetarium show.
September 26th, 2026, 10AM - 8 PM: Patapsco Literary Festival
Celebrate literature with Backwater Books during the Patapsco Literary Festival. Booklovers of all ages will love the chance to connect with local authors, and enjoy reading themed activities in Historic Ellicott City. Enjoy main stages at Backwater Books, The Market at Caplan’s, and Sweet Elizabeth Jane, with a Farmer's Market storytime at Tiber Park and workshops at Su Casa.
September 26th, 2026, 12PM - 7PM: Corn Fest at Manor Hill Brewing
Join the annual tradition of celebrating the iconic farm crop at Manor Hill! The free event features live music on two stages, a special drink release, corn-themed bites, kids activities, and more. Explore indoor seating at the farm, snag a seat under the covered tent, or spread out with a blanket in the field with your family and friends.
Movie Nights in the Park in The Merriweather District
Outdoor Movies in Howard County
Enjoy the cooler weather with free outdoor movies throughout Howard County this September. Catch “The Dark Knight” at The Wine Bin in Historic Ellicott City on September 5th, and check out the “Movie Nights in the Park” series coming to Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District for family friendly favorites like "Super Mario Galaxy" and "Masters of the Universe." Find more movies and information on the Visit Howard County blog.
Summer - The Donna Summer Musical presented by Toby's Dinner Theatre
Summer - The Donna Summer Musical at Toby’s Dinner Theatre: August 28th - November 1st 2026
Enjoy a musical journey of an iconic Boston-born singer with an engaging dinner and a show experience at Toby’s Dinner Theatre! This is the perfect way to enjoy time with your family, or create a memorable evening on your next date night out!
Find fall events and more on the Howard County Events Calendar.
More to Explore this September
International Underground Railroad Month
September is International Underground Railroad Month, honoring the network’s pivotal role in ending slavery and shaping the civil rights movement. This important month also celebrates those who preserve and share this powerful history. Visit Howard County to gain a new historical perspective and remember some of our nation’s greatest heroes.
Art Exhibitions at the Capitoline Center
Explore two new featured galleries at the Capitoline Center! Dimension: A Love Letter to Collage & Assemblage is organized by the Women's Caucus for Art of Greater Washington, DC, and juried by Prudence Bond. The second featured exhibit, Balance, features works by Rachel Abrams, Robin Arnold, Dod Holsapple, Michael Kunzinger, and Harin Song. A reception for both exhibits is scheduled for September 17th, from 6PM - 8PM with live music and light refreshments.
Explore Nature
As the weather cools down in Maryland, Mother Nature's call seems to grow louder. Will you take a morning stroll around the great Lake Elkhorn, or adventure through the trails at the Robinson Nature Center? Perhaps the sound of bird calls will draw you to the Howard County Conservancy to enjoy nature walks and bird watching expeditions. Patapsco Valley State Park comes alive with fall foliage as the colors change, and makes for a perfect afternoon walk.
Fall Farm Fun
Celebrate the season in Howard County with a visit to our local farms, where fall comes alive with flavor and fun. Make your next fall getaway memorable with a stop at a local farm in Howard County.
Stroll through the orchards at Larriland Farm to pick your own apples and savor fresh apple fritters. Head to Clark’s Elioak Farm for family adventures with barnyard animals, hayrides, and hands-on activities. At Mary’s Land Farm, enjoy crisp autumn air, pumpkin patches, and outdoor festivities that capture the spirit of fall. Or take a free hayride at Sharp's at Waterford Farm on their 565-acre farm!
Plus, pumpkin season is here! Pumpkin lovers can rejoice in gorgeous pumpkin patches throughout the county as we enter into a season filled with pumpkin spice lattes and fall festivities.
Find the #LocalHoCo seal to know you're supporting a Howard County original business
Support Local HoCo!
Catch up on your back to school shopping, or get a jump start on holiday preparations with fantastic local shopping opportunities on Ellicott City Main Street, or in Historic Savage Mill. You’ll find one of a kind shops featuring artisan products and unique treasures curated by local business owners. Taste the flavors of autumn harvest at local farm-to-table restaurants, and familiar fall favorites at nearby coffee shops.
Now you can get 5% cash back at participating shops and restaurants in Howard County by using the Local HoCo Open Rewards App. Look for the “Local HoCo” decal to know you’re shopping at a Howard County original business, and supporting our beautiful local business community!
Stay and Play in HoCo!
With so much to do in Howard County this September, you'll want to stay overnight!
Begin planning your itinerary by selecting one of our comfortable hotels and resorts, like the Sonesta ES Suites or Turf Valley Resort.
