Free events in Howard County, MD

The Common Kitchen offers a family friendly special where a child’s meal is free with a purchase of at least $15 from any vendor. Choose from a broad range of global flavors in one convenient spot, from savory plates to sweet treats, and enjoy an easy, relaxed night out without the cooking. It is a simple way to let everyone pick what they love while keeping dinner plans straightforward and budget conscious.

FEED HOCO offers a fresh food giveaway every Wednesday in a temporary market setup at the Elkridge Library parking lot. The food is rescued from farms, restaurants, and other sources and is available while supplies last. This is a smaller distribution than the larger monthly events. Additional days may be added when unexpected supplies arrive, and the schedule may change. Look for the FEED HOCO tent in the parking lot.

The Old Ellicott City Farmers Market brings the community together on historic Main Street, with local farms and makers sharing what they grow and create, no matter the weather. Explore seasonal fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, fresh flowers, and a variety of artisan foods. Farm offerings come from Manchester Mushrooms, Enchanted Flower Farm, The Fairy Greens, Norma’s Pro Penn Farm, North Acres Farm, and Singh Sugar Maple Farm. Food and drink selections include Bitty Bread Bakers, Cane Collective, Dangerous Pies, Dear Globe Coffee, Great Harvest Bread Co., La Table DMV, Pierogi & Dough, RoOted, Tasty Empanadas, and The Crepe Shoppe.

Explore HazzyT’s curated mix of stationery, bookish finds, lifestyle goods, and jewelry at a special pop-up in the designated events area at The Mall in Columbia, hosted by Empower Me Events. Discover cozy, creative items that encourage a love of reading, journaling, and creative pursuits, along with mindful daily living. The showcase pairs original boutique collections with handpicked offerings from Unicorn Eclipse and Emily Cromwell Designs, plus select jewelry from The Gilded Witch and beaded bracelets from Elegance by Eileen.

Crossroads hosts its annual Trunk or Treat with trunks to explore, candy, games, an inflatable obstacle course, free food, crafts, face painting, pony rides, and more. Registration is free. Families who pre-register their children can check in faster by using the online registration line.

The Joy Luck Collective hosts a friendly Mah Jongg gathering at The Common Kitchen. New players can choose a two-hour American Mah Jongg lesson for $60, which comes with a $5 gift card to The Common Kitchen. Experienced players can instead reserve a complimentary spot for open play. To register or hold a seat, email joyluckcollective@gmail.com.