Howard County Hispanic Heritage Festival / Festival de la Herencia Hispana

About Howard County Hispanic Heritage Festival / Festival de la Herencia Hispana

A celebration of Hispanic heritage, community and culture! ¡Acompáñenos a celebrar la herencia, la comunidad y la cultura hispanas!

Join Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the Office of Human Rights & Equity, La Alianza Latina Commission and Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods as we celebrate the diverse and vibrant cultures of Latino and Hispanic heritage at the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Festival! This family-friendly event will showcase live music performances, vendors, delicious food trucks, and fun activities for all ages.

What to Expect Onsite
Seating
All seating will be on the lawn. Lawn chairs are available for rent ($5 each), or you may bring a blanket or a small lawn chair with no canopy.

Concessions
Concessions including alcoholic beverages available onsite. You may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages (no glass).

ASL Interpretation
American Sign Language interpreters are present at all community concerts and events.

Restrooms
Restrooms are available at the top of Chrysalis hill.

Accessibility Accommodations
Please email with any accessibility needs.

Food Vendors
We will update this page and other media with a full list of food vendors as they are confirmed.

About the Inner Arbor Trust

The Trust is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in Maryland. The mission of the Inner Arbor Trust is to promote and nurture a park in a unique natural setting for a variety of arts and culture experiences that enrich the entire community. The Trust works to develop Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods into a destination arts and culture park. In addition to operating the Chrysalis amphitheater, the Trust manages a substantial portion of the Park for recreational use.

About the La Alianza Latina Commission

Based on recommendations from the La Alianza Latina Workgroup (convened from September 2020-March 2022), the County Executive and the County Council voted to establish a permanent La Alianza Latina Commission in order to continue the work of advancing policy and systemic change for the uplift of Latino families, businesses, and residents in October 2022. La Alianza Latina aims to assist constituents and educate them on certain services and programs that may seem out of reach – such as accessing community resources, starting a business, or purchasing a home.

Festival Rules / Reglas del festival:
The following items are prohibited at the Festival:

Large coolers / any hard-sided coolers (small soft-sided lunch bags and similar are acceptable);
Wagons / dollies / carts (all strollers and mobility devices are welcomed);
Lawn chairs;
Balloons;
Inflatable balls;
Confetti;
Glitter;
Uncooked Rice;
Sparklers;
Open flames;
Lit Candles;
Fake flowers / flower petals;
Nails / screws / tacks / staples / tape;
Feathers / feather boas with feathers that fall off the boa;
Loose beads;
Outside alcohol;
Lawn chairs;
Weapons of any kind;
Toy weapons;
Frisbees or other throwing items;
Laser pointers;
Pets (service animals always welcome); and
And any other item deemed unsuitable for an outdoor venue.

Parking
Parking for the Hispanic Heritage Festival will be in Lot 2 (flat) and Lot 2 (garage).

DIRECTIONS TO LOT 2 (FLAT)

SURFACE LOT
WALKING TIME: 5 minutes

ADDRESS:
11000 Broken Land Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
GPS:
39.20969, -76.86635

From points North (Baltimore): Take I-95 South to Route 100 West towards Columbia. Continue on Route 100 West to Route 29 South towards Columbia. Continue on 29 South to Exit 18 towards Columbia Town Center, turn Left at the traffic light onto Broken Land Parkway. Turn right at next light onto Hickory Ridge Road. Follow signage, you will be directed to parking location upon arrival.

From points South (DC/VA): Take I-95 North to Route 32 West towards Columbia. Take Route 32 West to Route 29 North. Follow Route 29 North to Broken Land Parkway, Exit 18 towards Columbia Town Center, stay in the right lane. At the light, turn right onto Hickory Ridge Road. Follow signage, you will be directed to parking location upon arrival.

DIRECTIONS TO LOT 2 (GARAGE)

PARKING GARAGE, 6’ 8” max. clearance
WALKING TIME: 5 minutes


ADDRESS:
11000 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
GPS:
39.210653, -76.866819

DIRECTIONS:
From points North (Baltimore): Take I-95 South to Route 100 West towards Columbia. Continue on Route 100 West to Route 29 South towards Columbia. Continue on 29 South to Exit 18 towards Columbia Town Center, turn Left at the traffic light onto Broken Land Parkway. Turn right at next light onto Hickory Ridge Road. Follow signage, you will be directed to parking location upon arrival.

From points South (DC/VA): Take I-95 North to Route 32 West towards Columbia. Take Route 32 West to Route 29 North. Follow Route 29 North to Broken Land Parkway, Exit 18 towards Columbia Town Center, stay in the right lane. At the light, turn right onto Hickory Ridge Road. Follow signage, you will be directed to parking location upon arrival.

This celebration is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. To discover more about the Maryland State Arts Council and how they impact Maryland.