Community Events: Add your Events Below

Community Foundation of Howard County’s Spring Party

05/15/2025 to 05/15/2025

The Apple Ford Center at Athol Manor 6680 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21045

The Community Foundation of Howard County, which raises, manages and distributes funds to support Howard County nonprofits, will hold the annual Spring Party outdoors on the foundation’s grounds at The Apple Ford Center at Athol Manor. The Spring Party offers an evening of networking and socializing with the foundation’s donors, friends and community leaders as well as food trucks, a raw bar, Sobar zero-alcohol cocktails, craft beer and wine, an ice cream truck and candy bar and live entertainment. Guests may also tour Athol Manor, one of the oldest residential properties in Howard County. Proceeds from the Spring Party will benefit the foundation’s programs and services promoting local philanthropy and providing grant funding to nonprofit organizations serving Howard County. For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit cfhoco.org/2025-spring-party-information

Clifton Homes Tour is Back!

05/16/2025 to 05/16/2025

Clifton Presbyterian Church 12748 Richards Lane, Clifton, VA 20124

The Clifton Community Woman’s Club (CCWC) is hosting its 48th Homes Tour so get ready to explore four beautiful homes in the Clifton/Fairfax Station area. Discover the unique stories behind each home, tour the Cloverleaf Equine Center, and visit event headquarters at Clifton Presbyterian Church for a Silent Auction, Vendor Fair, "Stuff You Can't Pass Up" sale, and more. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this event is a must-see for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship, history, creativity, and community. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! Ticket books are $35 in advance or $40 at the door and benefit CCWC’s 501(c)(3) Charitable Trust. Advance ticket books can be ordered online. The homes will be open from 10 AM - 4 PM. Clifton Presbyterian Church will be open from 9 AM - 5 PM for the Silent Auction, Vendor Fair, etc. Cloverleaf Equine Center is offering scheduled tours beginning at 10 AM. Please visit cliftoncwc.org for more details and to purchase tickets. Email info@cliftoncwc.org with questions.

16th Annual Gaithersburg Book Festival

05/17/2025 to 05/17/2025

506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

The Gaithersburg Book Festival is a free annual celebration of great books and great writing that has made its mark as one of the nation’s top literary events. More than 100 featured best-selling and award-winning authors – including Wally Lamb, Judith Viorst, Dave Barry, Alan Weisman, Rick Atkinson, John Scalzi, Olivie Blake, Dolan Perkins-Valdez, Joe Posnanski, Louis Bayard, David Aldridge, Jeanine Cummins, Jeffery Deaver, Erin Entrada Kelly, John Patrick Green, Grace Lin, Rachel Renee Russell and Nikki Russell, and more – will participate in presentations and panel discussions. The Festival also includes interactive writing workshops, a Children’s Village, book sales, author signings and more. Admission and shuttles from Shady Grove Metro and Montgomery County Fairgrounds are FREE. More information at www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org

Ben Folds and the Howard County Youth Orchestra

05/18/2025 to 05/18/2025

10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044

The Merriweather Arts and Culture Center (MACC) presents a special evening of live music on Sunday at the Merriweather Post Pavilion, featuring internationally acclaimed artist Ben Folds with the Howard County Youth Orchestra (HCYO)! The Emmy-nominated composer, singer-songwriter, and pianist joins the HCYO for a one-night-only performance of songs from Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending music in what promises to be an unforgettable experience. This family-friendly performance begins at 7:30 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM). Tickets start at just $25, with premium seating available for $75. Tickets can be purchased online at merriweathermusic.com

Johns Hopkins Below the Belt Stride and Thrive 5K and Walk

06/01/2025 to 06/01/2025

Maryland Zoo, Baltimore, MD 21217

Walk and run through the Maryland Zoo to support cancer care and research by the Johns Hopkins Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service. Cancer survivors, their families, healthcare heroes, runners, and community members will gather to celebrate hope at this annual event. Cost to register: $50 day of the event; $40 between Feb. 1 and May 31; $35 for the in-person race by Jan. 31 (Early Bird Rate); $25 to participate virtually (T-shirt included); Free to participate virtually with no T-Shirt included. Registration Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Baltimore/Hopkins

BBQ and Blooms Summer Bash

06/07/2025 to 06/07/2025

5010 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22207

Culpepper Garden will hold its 4th Annual BBQ & Blooms Summer Bash at Rock Spring Congregational Church in Arlington, VA. Guests will enjoy a delightful evening of live music, delicious barbeque, a resident/family testimonial and an exciting raffle. In addition, Culpepper Garden will present our distinguished “Legacy of Grace” award to three outstanding philanthropic partners. Proceeds from this event will support our mission to provide affordable housing, essential services and care to seniors on fixed and very low incomes. Ticket price is $150 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https://tinyurl.com/BBQandBlooms2025