7 things to do in Howard County: Trick or treat for a cryptid crawl

Halloween is officially here. It’s time to put on your favorite costume and eat all the sweets you could ever dream of.

Whether you love the spooky season and want to watch all the scary movies this weekend, or prefer a milder version of the holiday, there are plenty of events for you this week in Howard County.

From trick or treating to a healthy bath, you can choose your level of horror for the week ending November 6.

Trick or Treat on the main street

Thursday 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Stroll the orange carpet on Old Ellicott City’s main street and collect all the free candy you can for a Halloween event. Make sure you dress up as your favorite movie character, superhero, ghost or goblin and enjoy the latest spooky season.

The event is free for everyone to join.

Halloween stories and a costume parade

Thursday 10:15-11:00 am

Take your kids dressed in their best Halloween costumes to Savage and listen to chilling stories in honor of the spooky day. After the stories are over, you can show off your costume at a parade.

The free event will take place in the Albert Einstein Classroom in the Savage Branch of the Howard County Public Library System. Tickets are required and will be available 15 minutes before the start of the event.

Howard County Crafts spectacular

Friday and Saturday from 9am – 5pm, Sunday from 9am – 4pm

A three-day one crafts spectacular is the perfect way to start and end the weekend. More than 375 artists will be on hand offering handmade crafts and toys, home decor, knitting and more.

The free event takes place at the fairgrounds in West Friendship, and there will be magic shows and DJs while you check out the booths. There are also free rides that will take you back to your car after a long day of shopping.

Cryptidcrawl

Friday 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Are you feeling brave? After sunset, head to Robinson Nature Park for a nighttime forest walk and hear stories of creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. You never know where these legendary cryptids lurk.

Tickets cost $15 and the event is for anyone 18 years or older.

Day of the dead

Saturday 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Black Eyed Suzies is playing at Backwater Books on Old Ellicott City’s main street to celebrate Day of the Dead. The evening will be filled with traditional murder ballads, a selection of Grateful Dead songs and some original songs as well.

Cocktails and canned spirits from Tenth Ward Distilling will also be available.

Tickets cost $21.05and the event is for people aged 21 and over.

Sloppy cooking

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Saturday

Never know what to do with all the leftover food in your refrigerator? This is the workshop for you. The Community Ecology Institute will guide you through ways to extend the shelf life of your food and give you ideas for storing and using your leftover bits and pieces.

In the workshop, which takes place at the Community Ecology Institute’s Freetown Farm in Columbia, you can sample scrap pesto, quick-pickled leftovers and vinaigrette.

Tickets cost $5 and the event is for ages 16 and older.

Soothing sound bath

Sunday 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

End your weekend with a soothing sound bath at Yoga Haven Howard County in Marriottsville. You listen to sounds of crystal singing bowls, gongs and other instruments as the vibrations wash away your stress and tension.

Tickets cost $60.54 and are available until the start of the event.