Drone Show and Concert in Columbia ...
Celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with food trucks, live music and a drone show at the Columbia Lakefront! Join us Saturday, November 7, for this free HoCo250 event, presented by the County Executive’s Office in partnership with Columbia Association and Howard County Recreation and Parks.
The festivities begin at 4:30pm, when two Tasty Treats food trucks open for the evening.
At 5pm, The Howard County Veterans Foundation, Inc. will present a video celebrating the official opening of the Veterans and Military Families Monument at Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park. This tribute recognizes our veterans, military families, and the community that supports them.
Live music from Liquid A begins at 5:30pm for a 90-minute, high energy show.
We will then turn our eyes to the sky a little after 7pm for a spectacular 15-minute show featuring 800 drones!
The Lakefront pathway will close at 10am for event setup. No road closures are planned.
There is not a rain date. Please follow Howard County Recreation & Parks on Facebook for weather updates and any schedule changes.
More info: www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/drone-show.
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New Community Garden Opens
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball was joined by the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan, the Columbia Gardeners, the Community Action Council of Howard County, MD Inc. (CAC), and community members to officially open the new “Community Garden at Old Montgomery Road” in Ellicott City.
"The foundations of communities are anchored through access to parks, open spaces, and community gardens. They create welcoming places where residents can gather, learn, and grow together," said Department of Recreation & Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan. "We are excited to expand these opportunities to Elkridge and Ellicott City residents while continuing to make gardening accessible through inclusive programming and partnerships."
For more information about availability and registration, email columbiagardeners@gmail.com or visit the Columbia Gardeners website to complete its “Wait List Request Form” online application.
Read the full news release online.
More photos available on Flickr.
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2026 “Community Sports Hall of Fame” Inductees Honored
Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks has inducted the three newest members into the Howard County Community Sports Hall of Fame: Andy Bonavitacola, Brian Chadwick, and Chris Jakubek. Each year, the Community Sports Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals for their commitment or notable contribution to community sports in Howard County.
Read the full news release online.
More photos available on Flickr.
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What To Do Before & After School
Howard County Recreation and Parks offers many great classes to keep your child learning and having fun both before and after school. The department offers a number of great classes at elementary schools across the county -- everything from science, music, drama, art, chess, soccer, basketball, and track. Our second session for the fall season starts soon! To learn what's being offered this fall at your child's school, please review individual flyers online at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/before-after-school-programs.
Register today.
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Drone Show
We are just one week from Howard County’s first Drone Show to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Join us beginning at 4:30pm on November 7 at the Columbia Lakefront (10275 Wincopin Circle). Enjoy food trucks, a video celebrating the official opening of the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument at Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park, live music, and an approximately 15-minute drone show starting just after 7pm. More info, including a full schedule, can be found online.
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GJACC Anniversary Open House
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Gary J. Arthur Community Center (GJACC) on November 7! Stop by between 10am and 1pm and take a tour, learn about memberships, check out program demonstrations and special promotions, and enjoy a piece of cake to mark the community center’s milestone.
To learn more about the demonstrations, promotions, and all the fun to be had on the 7th, be sure to check our online event page.
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Resilient Earth, Resilient Communities
Join us from 4-7pm on November 14 for a free event to celebrate the opening of a new exhibit at the Robinson Nature Center. Developed with support from the National Science Foundation, this traveling exhibit explores how communities across the United States are adapting to and preparing for a changing climate. Explore exhibit features, visit hands-on learning stations about weather patterns and changing landscapes, and enjoy planetarium films that examine Earth's changing climate. Join us for an engaging guest speaker presentation beginning at 4:30pm. Info: 410-313-0400.
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Mistletoe at Midday Maker's Mart
Join us from 11:30am-3:30pm on November 21 at Robinson Nature Center for our annual Mistletoe at Midday Maker's Mart. Meet local artisans and shop a variety of handmade, sustainable goods at vendor tables located both inside and outside Robinson Nature Center. Admission is $3 for everyone 3 years and older and free for Robinson members. Some vendors may only accept cash, so please come prepared as there is no ATM on-site. Our gift shop will offer 15% off purchases for members and 10% off purchases for non-members during the special event. Event admission includes exploration of our nature center exhibits.
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Volunteer Village Gathering Planned
Join us from 2-4pm on November 22 at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for our first Volunteer Village, a free, fun-filled gathering that celebrates our volunteers and brings the community together! Enjoy music, food vendors, family-friendly activities, mini service projects, skill-sharing opportunities, and more. Meet fellow volunteers, discover new ways to get involved, and share your ideas as we build a stronger volunteer community together! This event is a collaboration between Recreation and Parks, Department of Community Resources and Services, and JustServe.org. Info: volunteer@howardcountymd.gov.
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SAVE THE DATE: Holiday Mart
Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for the 54th Annual Holiday Mart Show from 9am-3:30pm on December 5 at Gary J. Arthur Community Center. Find seasonal gifts and merchandise created by juried artisans. Shoppers know this is the place to find unique handcrafted items and home décor. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your list!
- Over 100 crafters
- Free photo booth and door prizes
- Refreshments and lunch available for purchase
- Children’s craft corner
- Canvas painting sessions (limited availability)
This annual tradition is for all ages. Cost: $4 per person presale online, $5 at the door, 4 years and under free.
| | A list of all Recreation and Parks special events can be found HERE. | |
The holidays are here – celebrate
at the mansions!
Host your holiday party, winter celebration or end-of-year awards ceremony at our two gorgeous historic properties.
From November-January, we’re offering a special rate for rentals at Belmont Manor in Elkridge (built in 1738). Plan a four-hour, indoor evening party (guest count 120 or less), Monday-Thursday, for $1,200; or for six hours ($1,738).
Historic Waverly Mansion in Marriottsville can host 40 people indoors and is renting for $1,000 for four-hour parties; $1,300 for six hours, Monday-Thursday evenings for the holiday season.
Weekend dates and rates also available. Call 410-313-0200 today to save your date!
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Learn more about Historic Waverly Mansion HERE.
Learn about Belmont Manor and Historic Park HERE.
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Exceptional Sides for the Holidays
Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner or bringing a side dish, why not make delicious sides to pair with the main course? These new side dishes are easy, tasty, and they deserve main event status. Join Chef Alba from 6-8pm on November 18 for this virtual class. Our menu for this class: Cavolo cappuccio (cabbage) gratinato besciamella, gratin of broccoli cauliflower with toasted almonds, and purèe of creamy sweet potatoes and cheese. Class is hands-on, cook in your own kitchen. Recipes and prep instructions emailed beforehand. Cost: $39. Register online today.
| | Adult classes can be found HERE. | |
Lil' Archers (Parent/Child)
Build a good foundation in the sport of archery, for children 4-5 years old, in a fun, safe, and supervised environment. We use plastic arrows with rubber suction cups to progress through the skills and techniques of target archery in this four-week class. Sign up for multiple sections and watch your child’s skills improve! Upcoming options begin November 14 or November 30. Learn more and register online today.
| | Adventure & Outdoors programs can be found HERE. | |
Fun and Festive Trips
Enjoy your next getaway without the hassle of planning -- or give the gift of travel to that special someone this holiday season! Let us take care of the details while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.
Upcoming trips include:
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Visit the Supreme Court, Washington, D.C. -- November 19
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Dutch Apple Theater: Holly Jolly Holiday -- December 3
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A Beautiful Holiday at Longwood Gardens -- December 4
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Yuletide at Winterthur -- December 10
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Sugar Plum Tea at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden -- December 11
Whether you’re looking for art, culture, history, theater, or a festive holiday experience, there’s a trip for you! Learn more about all our upcoming trips and register today by visiting the online registration page.
| | Trips & Tours can be found HERE. | |
Lil’ Acorns Outdoor Weekend Adventures (Parent/Child)
Hold your Lil’ Acorn’s (2-3 years old) hand through an unforgettable morning! Join us from 9:30-11am on November 28 for Turkey Time at Robinson Nature Center. These parent/child interactive programs may include child-led learning stations, storytelling, tot-friendly investigations, and activities out in nature. Activities take place outdoors, so come dressed for the weather. Cost: $20 (1 child/1adult). Register online today.
| | Nature & Environment programs can be found HERE. | |
Little & Junior TrackStars One Day Speed Clinic
Who doesn't want to be fast, explosive and quick? Those characteristics are required for nearly all athletes in all sports. This one day, fast-paced Speed Clinic from 10-11:30am on November 14 will push the limits of endurance by recreating competitive fast-paced drills and acceleration movements that rely on coordination, explosive starts and athletic agility. For children 8-16 years old. Cost: $55. Register online today.
| | Sports programs can be found HERE. | |
Drop-In Fitness Options
Looking to try something new or add more fitness to your routine? Howard County Recreation & Parks offers a variety of fitness classes throughout the county, and it’s not too late to jump in! Select classes offer convenient drop-in options, so you can try a new workout or join a class even after fall sessions have started. Visit www.hcrpsports.org/dropinfitness to explore eligible classes, check drop-in fees, and confirm class availability before heading out!
| | Fitness programs can be found HERE. | |
Hula Hoop Dance Fitness
Join us on November 4 for Hula Hoop Dance Fitness, a 50+ class offered from 12:30-1:30pm for six sessions. Hula hoop fitness is a fun, high-energy full-body workout that blends dance and movement to improve cardio, core strength, and coordination. Designed for all levels, classes allow you to move at your own pace while feeling challenged and supported. Set to upbeat, popular music, each session is engaging, inclusive, and led by an experienced instructor. Get ready to have fun while getting a great workout. Hula hoops are provided for use during the class. Cost: $59. Register online today.
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Explore Your Park: Hike & Learn
If you're 50 and older, you're invited to join us and discover the wonderful natural areas at our fingertips on a guided walk on trails through Howard County Parks. Walks cover 2 to 4 miles over easy to moderate terrain. Join us at 8am on November 7 as we explore Western Regional Park. Cost: $19. Learn more and register online today.
| | 50+ programs can be found HERE. | | Historic & Cultural Resources | |
Holiday Train Garden at B&O Ellicott City Station Museum
This holiday season, enjoy train models set up throughout the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, including our year-round exhibit in the Freight House. From November 27-January 3, this free exhibit is available during normal business hours.
| | Historic & Cultural Resources programs can be found HERE. | | |
The Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks can provide limited financial assistance to Howard County residents who qualify. In addition to a completed application, you must provide one of the following:
- Verification of qualifying household income with your Federal Tax Transcript and
- Any proof of assistance from the Department of Social Services.
Funds are limited and a deposit of 25% of the program fee is required at least one month prior to start date with the application/registration form. Simply click the link and scroll down to where it says, "Additional Resources" and look for "Financial Assistance."
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Now Hiring: Get Paid While You Play
Howard County Recreation and Parks is now hiring! There are openings for Childcare, Park Maintenance, Lifeguards/Aquatic Instructors, Scorekeepers, and more.
We offer:
• Competitive pay
• Flexible hours
• Internship opportunities
• Leadership experience
To learn more, visit our online jobs page.
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Looking For Lifeguards at North Laurel
Howard County Recreation & Parks is looking for motivated individuals to join our aquatics team at the North Laurel Community Center!
Current Opportunities:
- Lifeguards
- Aquatic Instructors
- Assistant Pool Managers
Why Join Our Team?
- Flexible hours and schedules
- Competitive pay
- Certification opportunities
- Seasonal and year-round employment
Whether you're looking for your first job or an opportunity to gain valuable experience, we have a position for you! Questions? Contact tcopeland@HowardCountyMD.gov.
Apply today and join our team!
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A non-refundable convenience fee (2.4%) applies to card payments and is displayed as a "processing fee" in the shopping cart. This fee is not based on a card type and applies equally to all card transactions. Fee-free payment options are available by paying cash, check, or electronic check in person or over the phone.
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