Culture & Recreation

There’s a spirited vitality in Howard County, fostered by community and driven by a dynamic arts & theater scene. See the local talent on display at the Artists’ Gallery in Ellicott City or catch a wide array of art classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels at The Columbia Art Center. Music enthusiasts can enjoy a broad range of concerts by the Columbia Orchestra at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City or revel in a calendar of world-class concert experiences at the environmentally friendly and acoustically advanced Merriweather Post Pavilion. The Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College also features three performance venues and two art galleries, drawing over 30,000 patrons annually.

Find intrigue and historical significance in Howard County — where an abundance of museums and sites is sure to captivate, whether you’ve lived in mid Maryland for one or twenty-one years. The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum provides a close look at the history of America’s first 13 miles of railroad. History buffs can also explore America’s past on the Maryland Civil War Trails or uncover the profound stories of the Underground Railroad through Howard County’s Network to Freedom sites, which were thoughtfully curated by the Howard County Center of African American Culture. No matter where you turn, Howard County provides a rich tapestry of historical narratives to explore and appreciate.

Let the celebrations begin in Howard County, where the festivals and concerts go year-round, and diverse culture is always on display. The annual, multi-weekend Columbia Festival of the Arts kicks off with Lakefest — a free, three-day outdoor extravaganza on the Downtown Columbia Lakefront featuring children’s activities, live performances, a juried art show and more. Music enthusiasts can groove at the iconic Merriweather Pavilion during the Capital Jazz Fest, which draws tens of thousands of festivalgoers annually. Additionally, Howard County hosts a variety of seasonal, food and beverage-based festivals, providing endless opportunities for community building.