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 6th, 2025, 4PM - 6PM: Columbia Chicken Fest at The Mall in Columbia
Visit The Mall in Columbia for a total chicken feast! Celebrate delicious chicken with samples from some of the region’s favorite restaurants. Get ready to eat, drink, and win exclusive giveaways!
September 13th, 2025, 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 13th, 2025: BikeAround Downtown Columbia
Don’t miss your chance to hop on your bike and enjoy a relaxing ride along the trails and pathways of Downtown Columbia. BikeAround Downtown Columbia will be celebrated with a Block Party from 9AM - 12PM in the Merriweather District. Find maps and more information at: dtcpartnership.com/things-to-do/bikearound.
September 13th & 14th, 2025: FrightReads Book Festival
Get spooky this September with Maryland’s largest Halloween Book Festival. Frightreads Book Festival is the ultimate celebration of fantasy, dystopia, thriller, and horror reads - perfect for booklovers in spooky season! This family-friendly event will feature authors, actors, artists, and more at the Howard County Fairgrounds.
The Indian Cultural Association Presents the Festival of India
Festival of India: September 20th, 2025 (12pm - 8pm) & September 21st, 2025 (11am - 7pm)
Discover Indian music, dancing, jewelry, fashion, cuisine and culture at the Festival of India coming September 20th & 21st 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: Lakefront Live Day of Dance at The Columbia Lakefront
Join The Columbia Association at the Columbia Lakefront on September 20th from 2PM - 8:30PM for an exciting celebration of cultures from around the globe through the universal languages of music and movement.
September 27th: Patapsco Literary Festival
Celebrate literature with Backwater Books during the first 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 a children’s stage at Doc Taylor’s Toy Emporium, a young adults stage at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar, and a main stage at Backwater Books.
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 6th, and check out the “Movie Nights in the Park” series coming to Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District for family friendly favorites like Moana 2 and Dog Man. Find more movies and information on the Visit Howard County blog.
Saturday Night Fever presented by Toby's Dinner Theatre
Saturday Night Fever at Toby’s Dinner Theatre: August 22nd - November 2nd 2025
Enjoy a musical blast from the past 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.
Howard County Center for the Arts features Two New Exhibits: Clarity & Perspective and ImPRINT
Explore two new featured galleries at the Howard County Center for the Arts. Clarity & Perspective explores the stories of Black identity and history. ImPRINT features works by Martin Krafft, Donald Depuydt and Alexander D’Agostino. A reception for both exhibits is scheduled for September 19th, from 6PM - 7PM 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 find yourself picnicking at Centennial Park, or strolling 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.
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.
