Merriweather saved its biggest weekend of the year for the very end of the month. But that’s not all we’re stoked about. Here’s what we circled this month.
🎪 All Things Go – September 25–27
Photo: Merriweather Arts and Culture Center
The biggest music weekend of Columbia’s year: three days and 40+ artists at Merriweather, with Mitski and Ethel Cain headlining Friday, Hayley Williams Saturday, and Brandi Carlile Sunday. Expect the town to be pleasantly overrun.
🎸 Merriweather’s September warm-ups
Before the festival takes over: Empire of the Sun brings the Afterlife tour on Friday, September 4, and Mt. Joy celebrates 10 years as a band on Friday, September 18.
🎸 Main Street Music Fest – Saturday, September 19
Old Ellicott City’s music festival is back after skipping 2025, filling Main Street’s indoor and outdoor stages starting at noon. The Ellicott City Partnership hasn’t posted this year’s lineup yet.
🎺 Jazz in the Mills turns 20 – Sunday, September 13
Oakland Mills celebrates two decades of its jazz series with a hometown headliner: Lavenia Nesmith, Oakland Mills’ very own. The 5 PM show sold well enough that organizers added a second date, Sunday, September 20.
🎤 Making Movies at the Lakefront – Saturday, September 12
Merriweather Arts and Culture Center produces a special afternoon performance from Making Movies, the Kansas City band that blends Latin rhythms with psych rock.
📚 Patapsco Literary Festival – Saturday, September 26
Backwater Books hosts the second annual festival in Ellicott City: a full day of author talks, signings, and book browsing on Main Street.
💎 Atlantic Coast Gem, Mineral, Jewelry & Fossil Show – September 26–27
The Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore brings the 61st annual show to the Howard County Fairgrounds. Rocks, fossils, jewelry, and people who can tell you the difference between all three.
🏃 Police Pace 5K/10K – Sunday, September 20
Centennial Park hosts the race benefiting the Howard County Police Foundation, with a 1-miler for the kids.
🎭 Summer – The Donna Summer Musical at Toby’s – all month
Hot stuff, indeed. The disco queen’s story runs all month at Toby’s, with dinner served buffet-style before every show.
SEE YOU OUT THERE
