Summer may be ending, but fall in Howard County, Maryland is filled with autumn activities and festivals. This September you can explore anything your heart desires! Find the coziest fall flavors with local restaurants and cafes, rich history, music festivals, diverse events celebrating arts and culture, and much more!
Signature Events:
Main Street Music Fest: September 20th - September 21st
Watch Historic Ellicott City come alive during Main Street Music Fest! Find artisans, vendors, beer & wine, children’s activities, specialty food vendors, and of course an incredible lineup of performances all throughout Ellicott City at your favorite local businesses!
Whether you start the party early with the kick-off party on Friday 20th at The Wine Bin, or spend the day exploring the main event on Saturday, September 21st, you're sure to have a fantastic weekend filled with bright memories and music.
The Indian Cultural Association presents The Festival of India
Festival of India: September 21st
Discover Indian music, dancing, jewelry, fashion, cuisine and culture at the Festival of India this September 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.
Additional Events
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 a scenic Maryland road trip.
There might still be time to catch some sunflower blooms in Howard County! The Clarksville Sunflower Market at Mary’s Land Farm is open from August 12th until September 2nd. Experience 6 acres of "pick-your-own" sunflowers while blooms last! Take a peaceful stroll through the fields while you take your time to find your favorite sunflower varieties. If you'd rather see more excitement, stop by on a weekend when your ticket includes wagon rides, live bands, the megaslide, food trucks and over 20 market vendors each day!
More sunflower festivals are right around the corner, with the Maple Lawn Sunflowers of Lisbon Fall Sunflower Festival! Find a corn maze, hay ride, children’s activities and more!
Enjoy dinner and a show to kick-off your spooky season celebrations. The Addams Family will be opening at Toby’s Dinner Theatre on September 6th and running until November 10th 2024. This engaging musical comedy is a perfect way to enjoy time with your family, or create a memorable evening on your next date night out!
The African Art Museum of Maryland invites you to explore the free Festival of the Arts of Africa on Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 1:00PM - 4:00PM. Find educational videos, refreshments, music, door prizes and vendors while celebrating the beautiful African art on display. Attend for a chance to win a Family Membership to the African Art Museum of Maryland!
If you're looking for something a little cozier, HoCo has the perfect pumpkin themed activities! Pumpkin lovers can rejoice, as we enter into a season filled with pumpkin spice latte and fall festivities.
You can even enjoy pumpkin painting and other pumpkin themed arts events in Howard County:
- September 14th: Jack-o-lantern Tealight Candle Holder Workshop at Clay Coven Pottery Studio
- September 15th: Pumpkin House Craft at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
- September 16th: Pumpkin Painting at Glory Days with Artist Katie Detrich
- September 17th: Spooky Pumpkin Paint Night at Carrabba's Italian Grill
- September 18th: Dine and Paint Pumpkins with Pinot's Palette and Mad Chef
- September 20th: Pumpkin Painting at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
- September 20th: Chunky Knit Pumpkin Workshop at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
- September 22nd: Fall Cookie Decorating at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
- September 28th: Autumn Porch Leaner Painting with Pinot's Palette
- September 29th: Crushed Glass Pumpkin Art at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
Find details about these events and more on the Howard County Events Calendar.
Fall Farm Fun:
Not enough pumpkins for you? Try exploring some pumpkin patches for yourself!
Howard County is home to rich autumn colors and festive farms with endless activities for your family to enjoy this September. Make your next fall getaway memorable with a stop at one of these local farms.
As the colors change, Larriland Farm’s fields become dotted with thousands of pumpkins. Explore the fields and find the perfect pumpkin to take home, or harvest your own crisp apples in the orchards. In late September and October you can find hayrides offered on weekends, a delightful straw maze, and a playful Boo Barn for children ages 4-6. Don’t forget about apple fritters, apple cider, and food trucks!
Clark's Elioak Farm & Enchanted Forest:
Experience the magic of the Enchanted Forest this September at Clark's Elioak Farm. The pumpkin patch opens September 14th through November 3rd and is a great stop to find your very own pumpkin to take home. From September 14th - 27th the patch will be open Tuesday through Sunday, and from September 28th - November 3rd the patch will be available Monday through Sunday. Stop by on weekends to experience specialty food vendors featuring kettle corn, lemonade, hot dogs, and pizza. Don’t forget to get your photo with the barnyard animals at the petting farm, or exploring the beloved Enchanted Forest attractions.
The Fall Fun Fest at Gaver Farm runs from August 30th to November 5th and is a festival fall way to celebrate the season with your family. Enjoy hayrides that take you to the experience of picking your very own apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers. Find over 65 exciting attractions including a corn maze, playground, animal interactions, slides and more!
Experience Barnyard Adventure Days at Mary’s Land Farm from September 21 - November 4. This fun fall festival features a pumpkin patch, play areas and animal petting areas that will be open daily. Concessions, live performances, and wagon rides will be available on Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t forget to stop by the farm store for the farm-to-table goodness and great gifts fresh from the farm!
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.
Look for the “Local HoCo” decal to know you’re shopping at a Howard County original business, and supporting our beautiful local business community!
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.
History & Underground Railroad Month:
September is International Underground Railroad Month and is an important time to acknowledge the historical significance of the Underground Railroad. Experience history for yourself by taking a guided tour, or stopping by significant Underground Railroad sites in Howard County.
You are invited to experience the rich legacy of bravery and resilience captured in Artist and Genealogist Shayne Davidson's Exhibition “Seventeen Men”. Each portrait, meticulously crafted from historical photographs, reveals the untold stories of eighteen African-American soldiers who shaped history. All are welcome to connect with their enduring spirit, honor their memory, and explore the powerful intersection of art and genealogy. View this exhibit starting September 3rd at the Howard County Welcome Center, open Tuesday through Sunday from 10AM - 5PM.
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.