April 9
Carroll 250 Speaker Series: Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Exploration Commons, Westminster
6:30PM-7:30PM
Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a New York Times best-selling and award-winning author. She is known for reaching into the archives of American history and excavating the stories of long-forgotten Black men and women. In “Happy Land,” she widens her scope to uncover the true story of an entire kingdom that existed in history and one that very few know about. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required for this free event. The Carroll Voices 250 speaker series celebrates the United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. HSCCMD.org
18th Annual Peepshow
April 11-21
TownMall of Westminster
This sweet fundraising event features marshmallow masterpieces, including sculptures, dioramas, mosaics and videos, all crafted from or inspired by PEEPS, those colorful marshmallow treats made by the Just Born company in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. You can view the entries for free and buy votes for your favorites. All proceeds benefit the Carroll County Arts Council. Information at: CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
April 12
Egg-citing Bunny Trail and Egg Hunt
Wakefield Valley Park, Westminster
1PM-3PM
Enjoy this free Easter-themed activity at Wakefield Valley Park featuring children’s activities, crafts and an egg hunt for ages 1-4 (1:30 p.m.) and ages 5-8 (2:30 p.m.). Each age group will have one golden egg ticket hidden among the eggs and various other prize eggs. Don’t forget to bring a basket to collect all the eggs. The 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Club will feature a bunny petting zoo. WestminsterMD.gov
April 15
Box Lunch Talk Girlhood Embroidery: The History of Samplers
Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster
12PM-1PM
Cynthia Steinhoff, from the Anne Arundel Genealogical Society, will showcase her collection of antique samplers. The sampler was a rite of passage for young girls to establish a skill and find their place in society. An accomplished needle crafter and member of the Annapolis Historic Sampler Guild and Loudoun Sampler Guild, Steinhoff co-authored “Delaware Discoveries: Girlhood Embroidery, 1750-1980,” published by the Biggs Museum of American Art in 2019. Registration is not required. Bring your own lunch; drinks and desserts are provided. $3 for HSCC members and $7 for nonmembers. HSCCMD.org
April 17
Carroll County Workforce Development Day
Carroll County Public Library Taneytown Branch, Taneytown
10AM-2PM
Explore invaluable career resources at Carroll County Workforce Development’s pop-up event. Discover free training opportunities, learn how to connect with employers and receive personalized support to revamp your resume. CCPL.LibraryMarket.com
April 17
Legislative Wrap-up Lunch
Carroll Community College, Westminster
12PM-1:30PM
Carroll’s Delegation reports on the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session. Danna Blum, chair of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee, will moderate the event. Cost is $30 for Chamber members, $50 for nonmembers. Learn more and register at CarrollCountyChamber.org.
April 24
Student African Drum Show
Baker Memorial Chapel at McDaniel College, Westminster
7PM
Enjoy this performance by McDaniel’s student African drum ensembles under the direction of Senior Adjunct Lecturer Pape Demba “Paco” Samb. McDaniel.edu
April 25 & 26
Buckwild Truck & Tractor Classic
Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster
Friday, April 25: Gates Open 4PM
Saturday, April 26: Gates Open for Spectators at 9AM
Enjoy a weekend of trucks, tractors and dirt. The Tractor Pull takes place on Friday, April 25. Gates open at 4 p.m. On Saturday, April 26, guests can watch the Truck Show, Dirt & Semi Drags, and Truck Pull. Gates open for spectators at 9 a.m. All tickets are sold at the gate. Admission is $15 per day and $25 for a weekend pass. Kids 8 and younger are free. Parking is free; a food and beer garden will offer food and beverages for sale. No pets are allowed except for service dogs. Proceeds support the Carroll County Agriculture Center & Carroll County 4-H FFA Fair. CarrollCountyFair.com
April 26
Family Fun Fest at Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College, Westminster
10AM-2PM
Join us for this fun-filled, free-admission, family-friendly event featuring outdoor activities, free children’s books from Penguin Random House, concessions and more. Monies raised support scholarships for Kids@Carroll and the Carroll Food Locker. The rain date is May 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. CarrollCC.edu/FamilyFunFest
April 26
Westminster Wine Stroll
Historic Downtown Westminster, Westminster
12PM-4PM
Enjoy a tasting of local wines at this Sip, Shop & Stroll event as Main Street transforms into a wine mart with local wineries, wine-related vendors and delectable bites from food vendors and local establishments. Live entertainment will feature The Reagan Years. General admission tickets are $15, with VIP tickets for $40. WestminsterMD.gov
April 26-27
2025 Living History Reenactments: Five Forks
Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster
Saturday, April 26: 10AM-4PM (Battle Reenactment at 1 PM)
Sunday, April 27: 10AM-3PM (Battle Reenactment at 1 PM)
Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with battle reenactments at 1 p.m. each day. Throughout the day, living historians in full costume will demonstrate infantry drilling, artillery firing and camp life. Food is available for purchase. Event entry is $10 per family, $5 per adult and $4 per senior (60 and older). CarrollCountyFarmMuseum.org
May 2-4
55th Annual Flower & Plant Market
Union Mills Homestead, Westminster
Enjoy the opening of the 2025 Union Mills Homestead season with the 55th Annual Flower & Plant Market. Peruse a selection of your favorite regionally grown native plants, hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, herbs, shrubs, heirloom vegetables and more. Visit the Gardener’s Corner for gently used books, pots, containers and other garden-related bargains. Browse the booths of craft and garden-related vendors. UnionMills.org
May 3
Sykesville Art and Wine Festival
Sykesville Main Street, Sykesville
12PM-4PM
Explore and sample diverse wines alongside live entertainment, local artists and food in this vibrant local business community. DowntownSykesville.com
May 4
Fourth Annual Veterans Celebration of Carroll County
Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster
12PM-4PM
The Fourth Annual Veterans Celebration of Carroll County offers free admission to an afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, food, displays and exhibits, artisans, craft vendors, beer garden and more. Musical Entertainment will be provided by the United States Navy Band and Midnite Run. Join Carroll Countians in thanking our veterans and their families for their service. CarrollCountyMD.gov
May 10
Westminster Flower & Jazz Festival
Downtown Westminster
10AM-4PM
Enjoy this family-friendly annual event held in downtown Westminster during the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Main Street will be filled with vendors, food, flowers and herbs. WestminsterMD.gov
May 10
Carroll 250 Speaker Series: Ellsworth Cemetery
Stories & Tour
Ellsworth Cemetery, Westminster
2PM-3:30PM
Local researcher Diane Boettcher will provide a free tour of this historic African American cemetery. Ellsworth Cemetery was created on December 21, 1876, when seven prominent members of the Westminster community, including Black Union Army veterans, filed Maryland Articles of Incorporation to provide a burial place “for the Colored residents of Westminster, Maryland.” More than 700 individuals from all walks of life rest in the cemetery. Learn about the veterans from the Civil War and both World Wars, ministers, midwives, educators and farmers. The cemetery is located on Leidy Road near Westminster. HSCCMD.org
May 10
Westminster Symphony Orchestra Concert
Theater in the Scott Center at Carroll Community College, Westminster
3PM
McDaniel College Senior Lecturer Linda Kirkpatrick directs the orchestra, composed of McDaniel and Carroll Community College students, as well as music faculty and community musicians. Free. CarrollCC.edu
May 10
Gospel Choir Concert
WMC, Alumni Hall, Mainstage at McDaniel College, Westminster
7PM
Traditional and contemporary gospel music, as well as spirituals, are directed by Senior Adjunct Lecturer Shelley Ensor and accompanied by Alice Dorsey. McDaniel.edu
May 10
John Waters’ The Naked Truth
Carroll Arts Council, Westminster
8PM
John Waters is finally coming clean, so to speak, and his all-new, secret-sharing, one-man crackpot comedy show dares to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the filthy truth. Tickets $85-$145. CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org
May 16
The Carroll Garden Club
Finksburg Branch
1PM-4PM
The Carroll Garden Club is a Federated Garden Club and the oldest garden club in Maryland. The club sponsors and conducts civic improvements, including conservation, environment and historic preservation, as well as hosts educational forums at monthly meetings. The group proudly maintains the Carroll County Historical Society gardens in Westminster. Youth gardening programs and garden therapy are also a part of the many outreach activities that club members provide to the community.
The Carroll Garden Club presents Painting with Flowers, a National Garden Clubs, Inc. Standard Flower Show, in partnership with Carroll County Public Library. Visit the Finksburg Branch on May 16 from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free.
May 17
Carroll County Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Market
Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster
8AM-12PM
The 12th annual Carroll County Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Market features plants for sale, including perennials, native plants, herbs, annuals, vegetables, houseplants and some shrubs. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and provide advice. The garden market will offer gently used garden-related items. Cash or check only. CarrollCountyAgCenter.com
May 20
Box Lunch Talk: The Snowdens, the Shellmans and St. John Roman Catholic Church
Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster
12PM-1PM
Dr. Melanie Nilsson, a top-notch researcher and associate professor of chemistry at McDaniel College, also has a growing interest in local history. She will share her in-depth research on the Snowden and Shellman families. Registration is not required. Bring your own lunch; the Historical Society of Carroll County provides the drinks and desserts. The cost is $3 for HSCC members and $7 for nonmembers. HSCCMD.org
June 7
Taneytown Wine, Art & Music Festival
Taneytown Memorial Park, Taneytown
11AM-4PM
Enjoy beverages, crafts, artisan and food vendors, raffles and a musical performance by The Tribe Band. Free general admission (does not include tastings). Regular admission is $25 ($20 in advance), and VIP Admission is $40 ($35 in advance). Only cash will be accepted at the gate. Must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Taneytown.org
