October 3 – 24
3rd Annual Black American Film Festival
Downtown, Westminster
Thursdays 7:30PM
Sankofa Stories: You’ve got to know where you’ve been, to know where you’re going. More Information at CarrollArtsCenter.org
October 5
Carroll County Farmer’s Market: Celebrating Fall
Carroll County Agricultural Center, Westminster
8AM-1PM
Sixty-five regular vendors will be on hand selling all local produce, and plant vendors will have mums of every color. Fall decorations include wreaths, table centerpieces, Indian corn, bunched corn stalks, gourds, small and large pumpkins, and more.The food stands provide home-baked goods, jams, jellies, honey, nuts, gourmet coffee, dips, farm-fresh eggs and farm-raised beef, pork, lamb and emu products. CarrollCountyFarmersMarket.com
October 5
Mount Airy Oktoberfest
Downtown Mount Airy
12-6PM
Presented by The Hampstead Train Station. Visit downtown Mount Airy for shopping, dining and delicious beer. Participants will enjoy dozens of vendors, live music, food from local restaurants and beer from Liquidity Aleworks. MountAiryMainStreet.org
October 5 – November 10 (Weekends)
All Aboard Rails & Tales
Taneytown History Museum
1-4PM
The railroad came to Taneytown in 1872. A new exhibit shares information about the railroad, its lines and stories, and displays railroad artifacts. A model railroad is on display. Participate in the new scavenger hunt with prizes. Handicap accessible; parking in back of museum. TaneytownHH.org
Westminster Oyster Stroll
Saturday, Oct. 12
Downtown Westminster
12-4PM
The Westminster Oyster Stroll raises awareness about the importance of oyster aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay. Attendees will have a chance to meet oyster farmers and taste the varying flavors of oysters from throughout the region. This event directly supports CCA Maryland’s Living Reef Action Campaign. General admission tickets are $15, available only on the day of the event. Information: WestminsterMD.gov
Carroll County Tourism Events
Fall Harvest Celebration
Carroll County Farm Museum
Oct. 12, 11AM-4PM
Christkindlemarkt
Union Mills Homestead
Nov. 23, 11AM-4PM
& More
Discover our beautiful view, charming hospitality, delicious food and rich history. Stop by our Visitor Center at Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 South Center Street to get information on Fall events – and to say “Hi!” We would love to meet you and show you our new location. For more information visit us at CarrollCountyTourism.org or call 800-272-1933. Barn Quilt Trail and Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries Trail – CarrollCountyTourism.org/tours-trails/
October 12
Hampstead Fall Festival
War Memorial Park, Hampstead
10AM-3PM
Enjoy food and drinks, vendors, a beer garden, music and activities for all ages.
October 12
Piney Run Park Fall Festival
Piney Run Park and Nature Center, Eldersburg
10AM-4PM
Don’t miss this fall celebration featuring live entertainment, food and craft vendors, wagon rides and fun family activities. The event is free, but the park’s entrance fee applies. Some for-fee activities will accept cash only (an ATM will be on-site). The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 13.
October 12
Fall Harvest Celebration
Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster
11AM-4PM
Enjoy fun, fall-themed kids activities, artisan demos, entertainment and live music from Dodson Creek, plus delicious food and more. The event is rain or shine. Many activities are under cover. Admission is free. CarrollCountyFarmMuseum.org
October 15
Box Lunch Talk: Taverns Along the Turnpike
Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster
12-1PM
Hosted by The Historical Society of Carroll County, historian and scholar Sam Riley will share his research on local turnpikes with a focus on the 18th- and 19th-century taverns that played an important role in the region’s development. Admission is $3 for HSCC members and $7 for non-members. HSCCMd.org
The Rocky Horror Show
Coppermine Panther Plex, Hampstead
Oct 18-19, 7:30-10PM
Oct 25-26, 7:30-10PM
Oct. 25 show runs from 12-2AM
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.” That “Sweet Transvestite” and his motley crew did the “Time Warp” on Broadway in a 25th-anniversary revival. Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever. Tickets $20-$25. Information: GoCoppermine.com/Players-On-Air
October 19
Sykesville Fall Fun Festival
Downtown Sykesville
12-4PM
The Fall Fun Festival is a community event that draws families to downtown Sykesville and features crafts, games, demonstrations, food vendors and live entertainment. The Downtown Sykesville Partnership is partnered with Friendship Baptist Church, which hosts complimentary activities at Millard Cooper Park on the same day. The event is rain or shine; no pets allowed. DowntownSykesville.com
October 19 – December 14
Art Exhibit: “Retired Carroll County Art Teachers”
Gribs Gallery & Studio, New Windsor
Fridays, 4-6PM
Saturdays, 12-4PM
Gribs Gallery presents “Retired Carroll County Art Teachers,” featuring the work of six fabulous art teachers who touched the lives of thousands of children during their teaching careers. For years, they displayed the works of their students throughout their schools and in county exhibits. Now, you have the chance to see the beautiful work they are creating on exhibit at Gribs Gallery. Come and meet your former teacher at the opening on Oct. 19 from noon-4 p.m. The work will be on exhibit through Dec. 14.
October 20
Pianist Vladimir Stoupel
Downtown, Westminster
Sun., Oct. 20: 2PM
Sunday Classics Concert Series. Intimate Sunday afternoon concerts from acclaimed musicians. Visit here for more information: CarrollArtsCenter.org
Carroll County Haunted Home Show
Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster
Sat., Oct. 26: 10AM-7PM
Sun., Oct. 27: 11AM-4PM
The Carroll County Haunted Home Show kicks off your home project needs with a scary good time. Children are welcome to trick or treat on Saturday and there will be a costume parade from 1-2 p.m. Free admission and parking. Information: 410-688-4117
October 26
Kids Spooky Saturday
Downtown Westminster
3-6PM
Calling all ghouls, goblins, pirates, and princesses! Experience a Spooky Saturday in downtown Westminster! This event commences with the 1-mile Spooky Sprint with an exciting downtown course that runs through the streets of Westminster. Businesses and street vendors open up to trick-or-treaters. Parents and children can delight in games, crafts and live entertainment from Mr. Jon on the Locust Lane Stage. WestminsterMd.gov
November 1-2
Christmas in the Country Bazaar
Oakland United Methodist Church Hall, Eldersburg
Nov 1, 9AM-7:30PM
Nov 2, 9AM-2PM
Shop for crafts, pinecone and gift baskets and wreaths. Enjoy cakes, cookies, turkey noodle and vegetable soups, chili, turkey salad sandwiches, Italian sausages, cheesesteak and meatball subs, hot dogs, barbecue and delicious desserts. No entrance fee. OaklandUMC.org
November 1-3
Everybody’s Quilt Guild “Fall Harvest of Quilts”
Pleasant Valley Fire Co., Westminster
Nov 1-2, 10AM-5PM
Nov 3, 10AM-3PM
Attendees are invited to explore vendors, a raffle quilt, raffle baskets, silent auction and quilted items, demonstrations with refreshments and light fare available for purchase. Admission is $10 per person; children younger than 10 are free. Search Facebook for Everybody’s Quilt Guild Events for more details.
Sykesville Craft Beer Festival
Sykesville Main Street
Nov 2, 12-4PM
One of Sykesville Main Street’s most popular events is back, the Sykesville Craft Beer Festival, featuring local microbreweries, food trucks and more. A free shuttle service will pick up at Freedom Park and Sykesville Middle School, looping through the nearby “Park and Ride” and dropping guests off at beautiful Main Street. The event is rain or shine; no pets allowed. Information: DowntownSykesville.com
November 2
Carroll Hospital Auxiliary 65th Auxiliary Ball
Shipley Arena, Carroll County Agricultural Center, Westminster
6:30PM-12AM
Explore the greatest show on earth with this year’s theme, Rio Carnaval Ball. The evening will include a formal dinner, open bar, raffle, music and more. Proceeds from this event will support the Auxiliary’s current pledge to Kahlert Foundation Simulation Center at Carroll Hospital. Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing. Black-tie attire. Tickets $195. LifebridgeHealth.org/Locations/Carroll-Hospital/Auxiliary
November 3
CCVIP “Operation SOS”
Masonic Lodge, Westminster
Three seatings available – 11AM, 12:30PM and 2PM
The Carroll County Veterans Independence Project invites you to join them for a “mess hall” meal experience with food from local restaurants. Proceeds from the event will benefit veterans in our county. Tickets $40 per person. CCVIP.vet
November 7-9
50th Annual Mistletoe Mart
23 N. Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157
Thurs. & Fri., 10AM-7PM
Sat., 10AM-4:30PM
Come see 48 artisans who feature pottery, stained glass, baskets, jewelry, gifts, soaps, holiday themes, textiles, wooden ware, handbags, art & tinware. Visit mistletoemart.com or call 410-848-3251 for more information.
November 10
Sunday in the Park Car Show
Hampstead Lions Club Park, Hampstead
10AM-3PM
Registration begins at 10 a.m. and awards will be given at 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per vehicle and free for spectators. The Lineboro-Manchester Lions Club will be selling food and beverages. During the event, the Lions will collect nonperishable food items for the NESAP food pantry and pet food items for MCQE Mobile Pet Pantry.
November 15-16
North Carroll Community School
401 Stone Road Westminster, MD 21158
Fri. Nov. 15: 8AM-11AM
Sat. Nov. 16: 9AM-12PM
Join us for our Fall Open House dates. For more information visit us at NCCS.school or call us at 410-386-0655.
November 16
Wordsmith
Downtown, Westminster
Sat. Nov. 16: 8PM
Headliner concert series. A unique hip-hop experience with award-winning Wordsmith — a songwriter, poet, recording artist, actor, and playwright, from Baltimore, MD. Wordsmith is a Grammy Voting Member and is currently working on a House music EP called “Free House” and teaming up for a jazz poetry album called “Nothing but Change Stays the Same” with Grammy winning pianist and composer Alex Brown. Tickets are $10-25. CarrollArtsCenter.org
November 16
Holiday Delights Sale
VFW Post 467, Westminster
9AM-4PM
Visit this holiday sale presented by VFW Post 467 Auxiliary and Carroll Lutheran Village (CLV). Professionally designed wreaths and floral pieces and food are available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Benevolent Care Fund at CLV and veterans projects of the VFW Post 467 Auxiliary.
November 19
Box Lunch Talk: The Early History of Mount Airy
Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster
12-1PM
Hosted by the Historical Society of Carroll County, Larry Valett, vice president of the Historical Society of Mount Airy, will discuss his recently written book on the early history of Mount Airy, published by the Mount Airy Historical Society. Admission is $3 for HSCC members and $7 for non-members. HSCCMd.org
November 22 – December 21
16th Annual Gallery of Gifts
The Tevis Gallery at the Carroll Arts Center, Westminster
The Carroll County Arts Council is transformed into the “Gallery of Gifts” during the holiday shopping season. This special cash-and-carry exhibit resembles a boutique rather than a traditional gallery exhibit, where dozens of artists will display their festive wares. The show features the same level of artistic quality that Arts Center gallery visitors have come to expect and encourages the commitment to support local and regional artists in the “shop local and buy handmade” movement.
November 23
The Seldom Scene
Downtown, Westminster
Sat. Nov. 23: 7:30PM
Common Ground Downtown Concert Series. Presented with Common Ground on the Hill. Tickets are $35 no discounts. For more information visit CarrollArtsCenter.org
November 23
Union Mills Homestead Christkindlmarkt
Union Mills Homestead, Westminster
11AM-4PM
This annual German-style Christmas market will have you enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season at Union Mills, celebrating our German heritage! Food and drinks will be available to purchase, along with a variety of hand-crafted and unique gifts from vendors in the Grist Mill and Tannery. Our gift shop will be open for your holiday shopping as will the blacksmith and woodworking shops. $10 per car. UnionMills.org
November 24
Great Westminster Train Show
Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster
10AM-3PM
Find what you need for your Christmas train garden or add to your collection. The event, hosted by the Deer Park Lions, features a large operating train display sponsored by The Baltimore American Flyer Club. Enjoy 190 tables of toy trains and related items for sale, including Lionel, American Flyer, Bing, Ives, Ho, N, Standard Gauge and others. Refreshments provided by the Deer Park Lions Club. Admission is $5 for adults; children younger than 12 are free.
Turkey Trot Charity 5K
The Hill Y, 1719 Sykesville Rd., Westminster
Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving Morning
Looking for a guaranteed way to get a healthy start to your Thanksgiving morning and do something good for your community? The Trot is for people of all ages and abilities. We have first-time runners, walkers and seasoned athletes too … everyone is welcome (even your pup!) Walk or run starting at the Hill Y in Westminster, progressing on streets around the Career & Tech Building and Westminster High School and finishing at the Carroll Community College. Parking available at Carroll Community College. Information: YMDTurkeytrot.org
November 29 – December 8
27th Annual Festival of Wreaths
Carroll County Arts Council, Westminster
12-7PM
This annual holiday event features more than 100 unique handmade wreaths and holiday art that range from whimsical to wacky and wonderful. The pieces are sold through an online auction that benefits the Arts Council. Now in its 27th year, the Festival of Wreaths at the Carroll Arts Center has traditionally been one of the most eagerly awaited holiday events in the county. While all the bidding is done online, the Arts Center still hosts a cheery display of all the entries for patrons to visit. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
November 30
Miracle on Main Street
Downtown, Westminster
12-9PM
Festivities begin at Noon at Westminster Family Fitness Center, 11 Longwell Ave., for Santa’s Treat! Santa’s Treat is a free children’s event filled with games, crafts, face painting and visits with Santa. At 5 p.m., guests can enjoy the annual Holiday Electric Parade down Main Street followed immediately by the annual tree-lighting ceremony in Locust Lane. WestminsterMD.gov
November 30
11th Annual Sykesville Holiday Marketplace
Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster
9-3PM
Shop with over 150 carefully selected vendors featuring handmade crafts and items from your favorite direct sale companies. From home décor to holiday decorations, paper crafts to jewelry, ceramics to wood crafts, candles to glassware, children’s items to specialty foods & drinks, there is something for everyone! Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place! No entrance fees. SykesvilleHolidayMarketplace.com
