Watching “Freaky Friday,” going on a pirate treasure hunt, or riding on a bike tour — oh my! There is plenty to do around Howard County this week.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, this week’s lineup has quite a few. From seeing Vance Joy at Merriweather Post Pavilion to the Main Street Music Festival, here are some things to do for the week ending Sept. 25.
‘Freaky Friday’ at Color Burst Park
Dance party starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, movie starts at 7:15 p.m.
This Thursday is Girls’ Night Out at Color Burst Park. Grab your best friends and spend the night watching an early 2000s classic under the stars.
Every Thursday for the next few weeks, the free fall film series “And Action: Dance and Movie Nights” is taking over the park. The movie series kicks off Thursday with the 2003 Disney hit “Freaky Friday,” starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan and Chad Michael Murray.
Before the movie begins, there’s a dance party, trivia and “a special BFF edition of the shoe game.” The game, popular at bridal showers, tests the couple-to-be’s knowledge of each other.
The first 100 guests, who show their RSVP at the guest services tent, will receive a free portable lounge chair.
Race 4 the World 5K Run
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday
Luminus, a nonprofit organization that has supported immigrants in the county for over four decades, is hosting the Race 4 the World 5K Run Saturday morning at the Columbia Gateway neighborhood.
The 5K is an international event that celebrates immigrants from all over the world and also showcases the cultural diversity of what it means to be an American.
Participants are encouraged to represent their countries with flags, T-shirts, face paint and more.
HoCo Pirate Adventures
Starts Saturday Sept. 21, runs for 10 days
Arr, Matey! The next installment of HoCo Pirate Adventures, a monthly outdoor scavenger hunt from April to December, starts Saturday in Sewell’s Orchard in Columbia.
Capt. Evie and First Mate Sawyer leave behind clues on a 1-mile trail for all the little pirates to find.
There are two sets of clues: the little mates who swab the deck — ages 3 to 7 — and the ones who square the sails and trim the sheets — all kids 8 years old and older.
To start the hunt, print out the map and follow the directions. To solve the clues on the trail, pirates must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to find the secret treasure chest at the end.
The hunt is $8 per family and $30 per group of up to 20 pirates.
Main Street Music Fest
Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday in Old Ellicott City
Ellicott City’s Main Street Music Fest, featuring over 40 musical acts across indoor and outdoor stages, is back this weekend.
The music festival will also have libations, food and artisan vendors.
Food vendors include La Palapa, 3 Jay’s Seafood & Chicken and Nyjah’s Concessions. Local favorites Manor Hill Brewing and Jailbreak Brewing Co. will be at various stages on Saturday.
Musical acts include Sweet Leda, Bootleggers and Baptists and Oella River Band. At Manor Hill Tavern, Johnny Strum and Token Entertainment will spend a few hours setting sail on a musical adventure. The late afternoon set will feature storytelling, music and a lively atmosphere.
Vance Joy at Merriweather
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m. Saturday
Vance Joy, an Australian singer-songwriter, is bringing his “dream your life away” anniversary show to Merriweather Post Pavilion on Saturday night.
In 2013, Joy broke into the American music scene with the release of the song “Riptide.” In September 2014, Joy released his debut album, “Dream Your Life Away,” in Australia and then the United States. Now a decade later, he’s celebrating his first album, which features popular songs such as “Georgia” and “Mess Is Mine,” on tour.
Supporting acts are the Local Natives and Tiny Habits.
Tickets are currently available for all sections of Merriweather on Ticketmaster, from $58.35 for lawn seating to $112.45. Prices include fees.
BikeAround Downtown Columbia Block Party
9 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday
Calling all biking enthusiasts — head to Color Burst Park this weekend to enjoy a bike ride along the trails and pathways of Downtown Columbia, Oakland Mills and Owen Brown.
The course is just over 7 miles long. Bikers can ride it more than once. The course starts and ends at Color Burst Park.
Take your ride first or after celebrating the annual bike weekend with a block party in the Merriweather District from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Youth Fishing Club
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., every Tuesday until Oct. 1
Youth county residents interested in fishing can learn the ropes all fall long at Centennial Park on Tuesday evenings. The co-ed fishing club, for ages 6 to 14, meets in the south area of the park weekly.
New and experienced youth anglers can join the club, where they can swap fish stories and make friends. Each week different fishing topics will be introduced. The anglers will either be taught or practice how to rig a pole, cast it, tie knots, identify different types of fish and more.
Interested families can contact Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 or mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov or Kristen Coffee, 410-313-1754 or kcoffee@howardcountymd.gov.
