Living Here

Culture & Recreation

HoCo Lives and Breathes Community

Howard County is a diverse hub of culture and recreation, offering far more than its picturesque agricultural landscape. With a blend of rural and urban communities, the county boasts a wide range of attractions, from world-class shopping to climbing and ziplining adventures to one of a globally renowned amphitheater — the Merriweather Post Pavilion. Residents of Howard County can also enjoy an array of free and low-cost events and festivals, immerse themselves in the vibrant arts scene and explore a rich culture and heritage that illuminates the region’s vitality.

Quick Links

Flowers and trees foreground a low brick building during the day.

A Canvas of Life’s Many Colors

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.

A few people mill about a street with colorful sidewalks, flowers, and three metal sculptures during the day.

A Heritage that Drives HoCo Forward

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.

A fairground bustles with people at dusk as neon lights advertising food and fair rides are visible in the background.

A Culture that Doesn’t Quit

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.