Fridays in February
20th Annual Foreign Film Festival
showings at 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Every February, the Carroll Arts Council group Film Lovers in Carroll County (FLICC) selects four international films that broaden our view of cinema. This year’s films immerse audiences in new cultures and locales, from a rehearsal room in Hiroshima, to an Israeli soundstage, to London’s National Gallery, to a remote Himalayan village. Cost is $7 for adults and $6 for ages 60+ and under 25. Information: Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster, CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org.
February 3
Drive My Car (Japan)
A special bond develops between an aging widowed actor and his young chauffeur.
February 10
Tel Aviv on Fire (Israel)
A Palestinian writer on a popular Israeli soap opera gets ideas for the show from an Israeli checkpoint commander.
February 17
The Duke (United Kingdom)
In 1961, a 60-year-old taxi driver steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.
February 24
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan)
A young man finds himself teaching a classroom of eager children — and a yak — in a remote Bhutanese village.
February 11
Hot Chocolate Crawl in Downtown Mt. Airy
Bundle up and head to Downtown Mount Airy’s Main Street to sample warm chocolate drinks and sweet treats from our local businesses as you stroll, dine, and shop.
4-6 p.m. 110 S. Main St., Mt. Airy. Information: www.MountAiryMD.gov
February 18
Comedian Franqi French
Franqi French is the authentic comedic voice we need. She holds nothing back when telling the vibrant true stories from her life. In 2020 Variety Magazine named her one of the 10 comics to watch, and she’s currently the reigning champ of NBC’s national stand up comedy competition. Part of the BrewHaHa Comedy Series — pre-show happy hour from Pipe the Side Brewing Company starts at 6:45 p.m. For ages 21+ only; IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets $10-$18.
8 p.m. Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Information: CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
February 18
8th Annual Tanner’s Touch Casino Night
The Tanner’s Touch Foundation is a nonprofit organization developed to raise money for pediatric cancer research and families of children with cancer. Tickets are $150/person and include dinner, open bar, funny money for casino games, unlimited photo booth, DJ, dancing, silent auction, prizes and more.
7-11 p.m. Martin’s Westminster, 505 Jermor Lane, Westminster. Information: TannersTouch.org
February 19
11th Annual Sykesville Shiver Shuffle 5K
Come out and “Kill the Hill” as you enjoy a mid-day 5K through downtown Sykesville. Registered runners will receive a $5 coupon to use at any of the participating stores, pubs, or restaurants on Main Street. Enjoy street music and listen for race results as you shop. Hosted by the Eldersburg Rogue Runners, the race will start and finish in downtown Sykesville. Online registration ends Feb. 16 at midnight, no race day registration.
11:30 a.m. race start. Main Street Sykesville. Information: errun.org
February 19
Stop, Swap and Save
Don’t miss the 26th annual STOP SWAP AND SAVE, the East Coast’s largest indoor bicycle swap meet and consumer bike expo. More than 4,000 people are expected to attend. Whether you’re looking for road bikes, mountain bikes, triathlon bikes, BMX bikes, clothing, bike parts, cycling accessories, vintage, new or used, there’s something for everyone, all for sale at discounted prices! $10 entry fee.
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Carroll County Ag Center, Shipley Arena, 706 Agricultural Center Dr., Westminster. Information: StopSwapAndSave.com
February 20
Underground Railroad, Not a Subway (free kids show)
In this puppet performance, experience the story of a young boy who decides to escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. On his bold journey, the boy encounters free blacks, whites who are willing to help, and slave catchers. Featuring a variety of puppets — rod puppets, hand puppets, and wood cut-outs — constructed by Schroeder Cherry, young audiences will learn the true definition of the Underground Railroad and how it got its name. Presented with Arts for Learning Maryland. The event is free to attend, with no tickets required. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
2 p.m. Carroll Arts Center 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Information: CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
February 25
MAGIC Hackathon
MAGIC’s Hackathon is a single-day pitch competition where students work in teams to design and pitch a brand new app idea! Industry mentors provide workshops and insight on business plan development, marketing, and graphic design. At the end of the day, teams pitch their ideas to a team of judges. Not only is this a great resume booster, but each member of the winning team will receive a $200 cash prize! Open to both college and high school students.
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Carroll Community College. Information: magicinc.org.
February 21
Ask a Master Gardener
Bring your questions about winter gardening to a Carroll County Master Gardener and pick up tips, handouts, and more at this library event.
9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. North Carroll Branch Library, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead. Information: library.carr.org
February 21
Box Lunch Talk — The Autobiography of John Baptist Snowden
Author Diane Boettcher has contributed to the restoration of the Ellsworth Cemetery in Westminster. As part of this important project, Diane annotated the 1900 edition of the Rev. John Baptist Snowden’s autobiography for modern audiences. She will share history about Snowden’s journey from enslavement to ministry and fatherhood, as well as share other stories of the people of Ellsworth Cemetery. $3 for Historical Society of Carroll County members; $7 for non-members.
Noon-1 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll St., Westminster. Information: hsccmd.org
February 25
Classical Sitar from Alif Laila
Maestro Alif Laila is a Bangladeshi-American who will share, through her sitar, the ever-blooming beauty of the rich heritage of South Asian Indian classical music. She will be performing Indian classical raags (ragas) accompanied by tabla (Indian classical double drums). Playing her instrument with a backdrop of her own watercolor paintings, this multimedia concert is an immersive sight and sound experience.
Tickets $22-$25.
7:30 p.m. Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Information: CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
February 25 & March 4
Bull Riding by International Bull Riders
Watch as the top bull riders battle for final standings. Located indoors at the Ag Center. Tickets sold at the door only, doors open 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Bring your children out for the Little Wranglers Rodeo prior to the start of the show. Food and drink available for purchase and bleacher seating is available. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, and children under 6 are free.
7-10 p.m. Carroll County Ag Center, Shipley Arena, 706 Agriculture Center Drive, Westminster. Information: GoIBR.com or call 301-748-0617
February 27
Mad River Theatre Works presents Freedom Flight
This original one-act play with music revolves around the most famous incident in the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio: the story of Addison White, an escaped slave, and his rescue by the citizens of the town of Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Tickets $27-$30.
7 p.m. Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Information: CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
March 7
100 Years of the American Musical
Join the Historical Society of Carroll County for wine and cheese, and a delightful talk on the history of the musical theater in America. Dr. James Lightner is a lifelong enthusiast of musical theater and a longtime member of the McDaniel College Choir and Masterworks Choral, which often performed the iconic music of Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Jerome Hart and others.
The event is free to attend; registration is required, as seating is limited.
4-6 p.m. Event will be held at Kohn Creative (in the historic Westminster Post Office building), 83 E. Main St., Westminster. Information: hsccmd.org
March 11
Downtown Westminster Irish Festival & Celtic Canter 5K
Main Street goes green; featuring Irish-themed food vendors, live entertainment, art and craft vendors, a series of races, activities for the little ones, free trolley transportation and a pub crawl.
8 a.m.-5 p.m. 15 E. Main Street, Historic Downtown Westminster. Information: CelticCanter.org
March 18
Drag BINGO
Come out with friends, enjoy a night of laughs and tons of fun, and support the Manchester Volunteer Fire Company. Seat reservations include a Drag Queen show with multiple Queens, 10 games of bingo, winning baskets of Pure Romance products, door prizes, special games raffles, and more laughs than you can imagine. No outside food or alcohol permitted; both will be available for purchase from the VFD. Bring ID’s as they do verify age for anyone under 50. Must be 18+ to enter and play due to the nature of the prizes. Proceeds will benefit the Manchester VFD.
7 p.m. Manchester Activities Building, 3297 York St., Manchester. Tickets: SimplySinfulEvents.com
March 30
Drug and Violence Awareness Expo
The Drug and Violence Awareness Expo provides the community an opportunity to learn about issues plaguing the county and the resources available to combat them. The event is for all ages but targets today’s youth affected by opioid addiction, bullying, domestic violence and sexual assaults.
8 a.m.-2 p.m. Carroll County Agriculture Center, 706 Agriculture Center Drive, Westminster. Information: CarrollCountyChamber.org
March 31-April 10
16th Annual PEEPshow
This sweet fundraising event features marshmallow masterpieces, including sculptures, dioramas, mosaics and even videos, all crafted from or inspired by PEEPS®, those colorful marshmallow treats made by the Just Born company in Bethlehem, PA. You can view the entries for free and buy votes for your favorites, with all proceeds benefiting the Arts Council! Free Admission.
Hours Vary, TownMall of Westminster, 400 N. Center St., Westminster. Information: CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
