The best arts & culture spots in Howard County

6 places we’ve checked and would send a neighbor to. Open any one to read what we wrote about it.

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Howard County Center of African American Culture Columbia 2017 (opens in a new tab)

5434 Vantage Point Rd · Columbia

Whether you grew up here or just claim you’re “from Columbia,” Howard County Center of African American Culture brings local stories to…

Whether you grew up here or just claim you’re “from Columbia,” Howard County Center of African American Culture brings local stories to life through its Underground Railway, Civil Rights, and African Diaspora exhibits, plus a trove of artifacts and oral histories that make our county’s past feel personal, present, and…

From the Columbia newsletter, August 3, 2026

African Art Museum of Maryland (AAMM) (opens in a new tab)

8775 Cloudleap Ct Ste 112 · Columbia

Cozy, longtime museum featuring masks, jewelry and other artifacts of Africa, plus tours.

Cozy, longtime museum featuring masks, jewelry and other artifacts of Africa, plus tours.

Columbia Lakefront Stage (opens in a new tab)

10275 Wincopin Cir · Columbia

Columbia Lakefront Stage is the heart of Lakefront Live, turning warm evenings into easy wins with concerts, movies, and community…

Columbia Lakefront Stage is the heart of Lakefront Live, turning warm evenings into easy wins with concerts, movies, and community performances by the water. Bring a blanket, catch the sunset, then let the music carry you... because an effortless midweek plan never hurt anybody.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 22, 2026

DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum (opens in a new tab)

8775 Cloudleap Court, Center Ste 1 · Columbia

Whether you’re feeling creative or just need a brain reset, DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum invites you into hands-on, fantastical…

Whether you’re feeling creative or just need a brain reset, DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum invites you into hands-on, fantastical realms that you actually get to explore. Pop in this week to wander through the new Seasons of Fantasy color experience and let your inner kid take the wheel.

From the Columbia newsletter, August 17, 2026

Toby's Dinner Theatre (opens in a new tab)

5900 Symphony Woods Rd · Columbia

Musicals for children & adults are performed alongside dinner & brunch buffets with a full bar.

Musicals for children & adults are performed alongside dinner & brunch buffets with a full bar.

Arabesque Dance Studio (opens in a new tab)

6935 Oakland Mills Rd · Columbia

From tiny twirlers to teens chasing triple turns, Arabesque Dance Studio builds poise, musicality and confidence with combo classes that…

From tiny twirlers to teens chasing triple turns, Arabesque Dance Studio builds poise, musicality and confidence with combo classes that start with ballet and tap then add jazz, plus hip hop and lyrical for extra flair. Consider giving it a whirl this week, and keep an eye out for their Nutcracker Ballet.

From the Baltimore newsletter, August 12, 2026