2025 Foreign Film Festival
at the Carroll Arts Center
Every February, Film Lovers in Carroll County (FLICC) selects four international films that broaden the community’s view of cinema. This year’s films immerse audiences in new cultures and stories, from a toilet cleaner in Tokyo who reflects on finding beauty in the world to a man who embarks on an emotional journey to find his first love. Screenings for each film begin at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, with both screenings captioned.
February 7: Perfect Days
February 14: Touch
February 21: Run Lola Run
February 28: Driving Madeleine
Location: Carroll Arts Center, Downtown Westminster
Information: CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
Screenings: Fridays in February, 1PM and 7:30PM
Cost: $8 Adults/$6 for ages 60+ and younger than 25
February 8
Cabin Fever Book Sale
Eldersburg Branch, Carroll County Public Library, Eldersburg
9AM-5PM
Shop a large selection of materials at reduced prices. CCPL.LibraryMarket.com/event/cabin-fever-book-sale-223922
February 8
Valentine’s Dance at VFW Post 467 Auxiliary
VFW Post 467,519 Poole Road, Westminster
7PM-11PM
Tickets available for a $25 donation. Attendees must be 21 years old. Performance by Smokin’ Crow; ticket includes beer, soda, pretzels and chips. Cash bar available; no outside containers allowed. Light food will be available for sale, along with door prizes and raffles. Proceeds benefit veteran projects. Snow date is Feb. 15. VFWPost467.org/ladies-upcoming-events
February 10-April 5
The Art of Detail: Birds, Landscapes and Beyond Art Exhibit
Carroll Community College, Babylon Great Hall, Westminster
Opening Reception on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 3PM-6PM
A solo exhibition features works in multiple mediums by Karin Johnsson. CarrollCC.edu
February 12
Braver Angels of Central Maryland
Brightview Westminster Ridge, Westminster
2PM-4PM
Central Maryland Braver Angels is dedicated to bringing Americans together to bridge the divide and strengthen our democratic republic. Braver Angels offers in-person programs and workshops through its community-based alliances like Central Maryland Braver Angels Alliance connecting Howard, Carroll and Frederick counties as well as virtual programs. CentralMaryland.BraverAngels.org
February 15
Carroll County Jazz Ensemble: Glenn Patterson’s Farewell Concert
South Carroll High School, Sykesville
7:30PM-9:30PM
This event honors more than 60 years of arts advocacy in Carroll County. Celebrate the legacy of Glenn Patterson: teacher, mentor, musician and leader. This concert will benefit the Carroll Arts Center. Cost: $15 adults, $10 ages 18 and younger. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
February 16
Stop, Swap and Save: Bike Swap & Consumer Expo
Carroll County Ag Center, Shipley Arena, Westminster
9AM-2PM
Don’t miss the 28th annual Stop, Swap and Save, the East Coast’s largest indoor bicycle swap and consumer expo. Whether you’re looking for road bikes, mountain bikes, triathlon bikes, BMX bikes, clothing, bike parts, cycling accessories, vintage or new or used, there’s something for everyone, all for sale at discounted prices. Tickets are $10. StopSwapAndSave.com
February 18
Box Lunch Talk: Six Decades of Entrepreneurship with Bill Brown
Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster
12PM-1PM
Hosted by the Historical Society of Carroll County and presented by William “Bill” Brown. Brown has spent his life first as an apartment contractor, then as owner and rebuilder of Cascade Lake (1983-1989). For the past 30 years, he has been the owner and developer of Quantum Internet & Telephone. Brown will share stories of his 60 years as a builder and developer and talk about the changing nature of the internet. Brown serves on the Board of Trustees for the Historical Society of Carroll County. $3 for Historical Society members and $7 for nonmembers. HSCCMD.org
February 20
Carroll 250 Speaker Series: Victoria Christopher Murray
Exploration Commons at 50 East, Westminster
6:30PM-7:30PM
Victoria Christopher Murray is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including “The Personal Librarian,” a “Good Morning America” book club pick, and “The First Ladies,” Target’s 2023 Book of the Year, both of which Murray co-authored with Marie Benedict. She is a NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work for her novel “Stand Your Ground.” Her latest, “Harlem Rhapsody,” tells the extraordinary story of the woman who ignited the Harlem Renaissance. Books will be available for signing and purchase. This event is free to attend, and while it is in Westminster, it is not necessarily about Westminster. HSCCMD.org
February 22-March 1
Bull Riding by International Bull Riders (Indoors)
Carroll County Ag Center, Shipley Arena, Westminster
5PM-10PM
Tickets are sold at the door only. Watch as the top bull riders battle for final standings. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.
Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children 3-12; children younger than 3 are free. Kids will enjoy the Little Wranglers Rodeo before the show’s start. Food, drink and bleacher seating are available; please bring blankets. Cash sales only; an on-site ATM is available. No alcohol allowed. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. GoIBR.com
March 1
Professor Louie & the Crowmatix
Carroll Arts Center, Westminster
7:30PM
Grammy Nominated Professor Louie & The Crowmatix from Woodstock, New York, have been expanding the borders of the Americana, roots and blues genres since the early 2000s with Professor Louie’s stories, keyboard playing, singing and accordion playing. The repertoire continually expands, with Crowmatix songs from their 17 albums of originals, blues and Americana music — and the songs Louie learned and helped create directly with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame group “The Band,” when Professor Louie collaborated with them for more than 15 years. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for young adults (ages 25 and younger) and seniors 65 and older. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
March 3-21
Annual Youth Art Month Exhibition
Carroll Community College, Langdon Family Gallery, Westminster
5PM-7:30PM
This annual exhibition showcases the visual artworks from Carroll County Public Schools high school students curated by their art teachers. An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 7, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CarrollCC.edu
March 8
Downtown Westminster Irish Festival & Celtic Canter 5K
Downtown Westminster
8AM-5PM
Don’t miss this annual festival that turns Main Street green. The event features Irish-themed food vendors, live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, a series of races, activities for the lil’ ones, free trolley transportation and a pub crawl.
The Celtic Canter 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. The Irish Festival runs from 8 a.m. to noon with live music, vendors and children’s activities. Then hop on the trolley for a fabulously fun pub crawl from noon to 4 p.m. Trolley transportation is free and runs from noon to 5 p.m. CelticCanter.org
March 8-9
Mid Atlantic Alpaca Association’s Alpaca Jubilee Show
Carroll County Ag Center, Shipley Arena, Westminster
Saturday, March 8: 9AM-5PM
Sunday, March 9: 9AM-2PM
Explore one of the largest alpaca shows in the country. The weekend hosts two halter shows, a fleece show and a walking fleece show. See these unique animals at their best and shop for alpaca products in our vendor area. Don’t miss the youth performance classes in showmanship, obstacles and costume classes. Food will be available. MAPACA.org
March 12
Carroll 250 Community Forum
Eldersburg Branch, Carroll County Public Library, Eldersburg
2PM-3:30PM
Join the Carroll 250 Advisory Committee for an open session to meet task force members, hear updates on progress and offer input on 250 activities and initiatives. This free event is in Eldersburg. Discussions will be about events in all of Carroll County regarding the United States’ 250th birthday. HSCCMD.org
March 13
Duo Brennan-Keretses Guitar Concert
Carroll Community College, Scott Center Theater, Westminster
7PM
Duo Brennan-Keretses presents a diverse program of duo guitar music that explores the beauty and versatility of the instrument. Free admission. CarrollCC.edu
March 18
Box Lunch Talk: The Gettysburg Campaign in Carroll County
Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster
12PM-1PM
Hosted by the Historical Society of Carroll County and presented by Kyle Wichtendahl. Gen. George Meade’s plan to encounter the Confederate army along the banks of Pipe Creek did not materialize because Gen. Robert E. Lee did not cooperate. However, the movement to Gettysburg had a profound impact on Carroll County communities. Wichtendahl will recount the experiences of civilians and soldiers as Confederate and Union armies invaded and occupied Carroll County during the weeks surrounding the Gettysburg battle. Wichtendahl is the Historical Society’s archivist and library assistant. $3 for Historical Society members and $7 for nonmembers. HSCCMD.org
March 18
Carroll 250 Speaker Series Presented by Travis Shaw
Mount Airy Branch, Carroll County Public Library, Mount Airy
6:30PM-7:30PM
On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the formation of several independent companies of riflemen to reinforce the New Englanders then besieging British-occupied Boston. Among the first to answer the call were four companies of men, two from western Maryland and two from Virginia, who made a remarkable journey to reach Washington’s army that has gone down in legend as the Bee Line March. Upon their arrival, they made an immediate impact. Travis Shaw is the director of education for the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area. Registration is requested for this free event. HSCCMD.org
March 21-22
Sugarloaf Mountain Region AACA Parts & Swap Meet
Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster
Friday, March 21: 8AM-4PM
Saturday, March 22: 8AM-2PM
Enjoy everything automotive at this parts and swap meet hosted by the Sugarloaf Mountain Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Deadline for vendors and exhibitors is March 20. Vendors will sell antique auto parts, car care products, signs, toy and model cars, tools, hardware (nuts, bolts, electrical parts, tires and rims) and services such as restorations and auto detailing. SugarloafMountain.AACA.com
April 3
History: Shaken & Stirred – Untold Stories of McDaniel College
Covalent Spirits, Westminster
6PM-8PM
The Historical Society of Carroll County continues their series History: Shaken and Stirred. There will be five speakers telling three 5-minute, untold, local history stories shared with the crowd in a fun, relaxed setting. This quarter, Untold Stories of McDaniel College will be told. A special history-themed drink will be developed by Covalent Spirit. Light refreshments provided by Collision Course. No RSVP or reservation required. HSCCMD.org
April 9
Carroll 250 Speaker Series: Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Exploration Commons at 50 East, Westminster
6:30PM-7:30PM
Dolen Perkins-Valdez is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of “Balm”, “Wench”, and “Take My Hand”. In “Happy Land”, she widens her scope to uncover the true story of an entire kingdom that existed in history and very few know about. Hidden in the hills of Appalachia, there was once The Kingdom of the Happy Land, a territory ruled and owned by formerly enslaved people.
Inspired by stories of African royals, they reclaimed their freedom on American soil. For a while they thrived… until the kingdom suddenly disappeared. Happy Land, shares a fictionalized account of the real Kingdom of the Happy Land, a historical moment which has barely been explored until now. Books will be available for purchase and signing. HSCCMD.org