Events in Howard County today

Form a team for a lively evening of trivia at The Common Kitchen. Friendly rivalry and plenty of laughs pair with a wide range of global eats, with savory bites and sweet treats available from the market’s vendors. Gift certificates go to the three highest scoring teams. Whether you are a seasoned quizzer or trying it for the first time, it offers a fun night out with good food and upbeat energy.

EC After Dark transforms dinner service with a zombie takeover as servers appear in undead style and fill the evening with creepy characters and Halloween surprises. The result is a spooky, unusual dining experience that trades the ordinary for something eerie and fun.

At the Museum of Howard County History, a returning presentation explores Maryland’s history of witchcraft accusations from the 1600s to today. It focuses on the twelve people charged with felony witchcraft in the state, sharing their stories and the fate of the four who died, while inviting a deeper look at the Free State’s liminal past. This is an indoor, seated program set within the museum’s haunted setting. Witchy hats and dramatic cloaks are welcome, and there is playful mention of plenty of broomstick parking on Mt. Misery. The program is known to fill quickly. There are no paper tickets, nothing is mailed, and there is nothing to download. If you are ill or have health concerns, contact ecrfpres@aol.com for a refund or exchange. Due to the subject matter, it may not be suitable for those under 16, and families can use their own judgment. If plans change, attendees are asked to get in touch at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund or to exchange for another date. Tickets should not be resold. A waiting list is maintained, and tickets are offered to those waiting before being made available more broadly. For questions, contact ecrfpres@aol.com.

This Puppy Social at The Coventry School, Inc. For Dogs and Their People in Columbia offers a safe place for puppies to interact while their people observe how the school operates. The event centers on early social experiences and provides a welcoming look at the school’s approach and environment.

From spring through fall, the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department hosts multiple food trucks in the station’s top lot every Friday afternoon. This season, the Elkridge Volunteers will be selling drinks to go with your food. The weekly lineup and vendor menus are posted on the station’s website. Parking in the upper lot is limited, with several handicap spaces available. Overflow and additional parking are available on nearby streets. Please park legally on the shoulder, as parking in turn lanes or the roadway may lead to a ticket. The station’s hall and restrooms will be open to the public, and station tours are not available during Food Truck Friday.

Night fishing at Centennial Lake offers after-hours access coordinated by Howard County Recreation and Parks. Anglers should bring their own fishing pole, bait, tackle, bug repellent, a flashlight or lantern, and a chair or a boat. The program is open to all ages, and participants younger than 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration is on-site only, and the fee is $5. Activities take place at the Centennial Park South Boat Launch.

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.

Get an early start on the season at a festive, holiday-themed craft market featuring local creators and small businesses. Browse handcrafted goods and one-of-a-kind gifts while enjoying a cheerful atmosphere. It is a friendly outing for families and friends, with plenty of chances to discover unique finds from local vendors and support talented crafters.

Browse and bid at a public auto auction featuring hundreds of vehicles, from cars, trucks, and SUVs to vans, motorcycles, and more. Inventory spans many types and price points, making it possible to find options that fit a variety of budgets. To register as a bidder, a valid photo ID and a $400 cash deposit are required. For more information, call 301-483-4888.

Presented by the Howard County Chinese Cultural Center, this cultural celebration leads visitors from the Tang capital of Chang’an to the Song capital of Bianjing, showcasing a millennium of Chinese history through performances, poetry, food, traditional arts, exhibits, and hands-on activities. Explore scenes inspired by Tang-era streets, try traditional Hanfu attire, and enjoy live shows alongside costumed characters from the period. Solve riddles, take on cultural challenges, and take part in family friendly games with opportunities to win prizes. Savor classic Chinese foods and browse artisan booths highlighting calligraphy, tea traditions, and handmade works. The event also marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, offering families, students, and community members a welcoming way to experience the heritage of ancient China in an interactive format. Groups purchasing five or more tickets receive a 20 percent discount.

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.

Celebrate a theme-to-be-announced skate night where you can dress up or simply roll in as you are. Everyone is welcome, and MNSkating keeps the rink a safe space as this gathering is treated as a private event. Expect limbo, games, Ghostbusters mayhem, conga lines, and plenty of chances to meet new people while sharing community fun. All ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and every kind of fashion are embraced. Love, community, and inclusiveness are always at the heart of MNSkating. Admission is $9, skate rental is $5, and Skate Mate rentals are $5 if needed, with a 4 percent surcharge on credit or debit transactions. Plans could shift depending on rink availability.

Enjoy a spirited bingo night at The Common Kitchen with friendly games and a wide mix of international dishes from on-site vendors in a single spot. Pick up favorite bites between rounds, bring friends to share the fun, and aim for prizes or simply play for the joy of it. It is an easygoing way to spend an evening in Clarksville, Maryland.