Things to do in October 2024 in Howard County
Pumpkin picking, fresh fall air, ghost hunting excursions, and Halloween events await you this October in Howard County. Whether you’re looking for family friendly adventures, or a spooky date night, there’s something happening in HoCo for you.
October Events:
October is the perfect season to make memories in Howard County, and with so many events to fill the month you’ll never be bored. Mark your calendars now for these exciting events coming up in October!
October 5th, 2024: Hispanic Heritage Festival
Experience the bright flavors, music, and colors of Hispanic culture at the Hispanic Heritage Festival this October in Color Burst Park at the Merriweather District. This family friendly event has entertainment and excitement for everyone!
October 12th, 2024: Hops & Harvest Festival
Get your tickets now for the family friendly craft brewing event of the season! The Hops & Harvest Festival on October 12th in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods includes entertainment, outdoor games, and unlimited tastings at over 40 attending distilleries, breweries, and wineries!
October 24th, 2024: Girls Night Out at Savage Mill
The wildly popular Girls Night Out event is back at Savage Mill for a night of gothic elegance. Get your girls together for an enchanted night filled with shops, sips and savings! From 4-8PM you can find the shops filled with whimsy and spooky activities for you while you shop your heart out.
Apple picking at Larriland Farm
Explore Local Farms:
Picking the perfect pumpkin is an essential part of October in Howard County. On your visit to a local pumpkin patch, don’t forget to make friends with some barnyard animals and get a fall photo in the haystacks! Catch a hayride out to the pumpkins, or get lost in a corn maze with your friends. The farms and markets in Howard County have a little bit of everything, and are sure to make your pumpkin picking dreams come true.
Let’s not forget about apple season! The trees are ready for harvesting and your home baked fall treats deserve the freshest local apples around! Plan a trip to a Farmers’ Market and get the first pick of farm fresh produce while enjoying entertainment and shopping at vendors. Pick your own crisp harvest at Larriland Farm or stop by a local cafe for hot apple cider.
Spooky Season Activities & Halloween Events:
Have you been waiting all year for spooky season? Wizards and witches rejoice! Haunted HoCo is back with ghost walks, scary stories, seasonal shows, Halloween events, costume contests and more! Here are a few Halloween themed activities for you to enjoy this October.
The Addams Family at Toby’s Dinner Theatre: September 6th - November 10th
Want a night that’s creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky? Check out The Addams Family live at Toby's Dinner Theatre now until November 10th, 2024.. Experience a dazzling live musical performance and a delicious meal! It’s a unique experience that will give you the chills while starting your spooky season in Howard County.
Ghost Tours:
Have you heard the legends of the ghosts that haunt Old Ellicott City and Historic Savage Mill? Take a ghost tour this October to experience the thrills and chills of Howard County for yourself.
Wizarding Weekend in Historic Ellicott City:
Journey into a world of magic and mystery this October with the return of Wizarding Weekend in Historic Ellicott City. On October 5th & 6th, bring your cloaks and wands to Main Street Ellicott City where you'll find exclusive discounts and events. Catch a magical movie night showing of "Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix" at The Wine Bin on Saturday, Sept 5th at 8PM or complete a family friendly scavenger hunt as you watch the shops come alive with enchantment.
Costume Contests & Parades:
Find loads of costume events for all ages this Halloween season in Howard County! On October 26th & 27th at 11AM and 2PM children can join in on Halloween Costume Parades at Clark's Elioak Farm. Check out the Visit Howard County Event Calendar for more upcoming costume events in the area!
Halloween Movie Night:
As the Belmont Blockbuster Series continues, join your friends and family for a fun and spooky movie night under the stars at the Historic Belmont Manor.
Girls Night Out in Savage Mill:
Get your "ghouls" together and meet at Savage Mill for a gothic night out filled with shopping, drinks, and activities that you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendars now for October 24th 2024.
Spook-Easy in the Fairway Lounge at Turf Valley Resort:
Bring your “Boo” to the Fairway Lounge at Turf Valley Resort to experience sips and scares at the Halloween Spook-Easy. Enjoy unique featured drinks and prepare to pick your poison this October!
Trick or Treating on Main Street:
Explore the charm of Historic Ellicott City this Halloween while trick or treating along Main Street. Find sweets and shops of all kinds while you make memories with your family and friends.
Howard County Pride:
Join in Howard County’s celebration of pride and inclusion on October 13th, 2024 from 12PM - 4PM in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. This free, family-friendly festival will feature talented artisans, live performances, creators, food vendors, games and more!
Get out in Nature:
Howard County is known for it’s gorgeous parks and nature trails where you can enjoy fall foliage. Take a scenic drive through the Maryland countryside in the fresh fall air, or plan a lakeside fall picnic at Centennial Park. No matter where you go in Howard County, you’re sure to have your breath taken away by the beautiful scenery.
Stay & Play:
With so much to do, you might want to extend your trip for a weekend and stay in one of Howard County’s award winning hotels or inns. Catch lakeside views at the Merriweather Lakehouse or take in the gorgeous scenery at Turf Valley Resort! Make the most of this fall when you enjoy a gorgeous and memorable staycation right here in Howard County.
