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Enjoy Diwali, the Festival of Lights with the Indian Cultural Association! Free Entertainment: Music, Dance, Garba, festive fun, and more! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2026, 2PM - 7PM COLOR BURST PARK 6000 MERRIWEATHER DR, COLUMBIA, MD 21044 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free Admission and Free Parking! Experience the Indian culture with Music, Dance, Shopping, Food, Henna, and more. Sponsors and Vendors, Email: [email protected] Ph. (410) 567-6599 Diwali is the Festival of Lights. In other words, Diwali is the celebration of the victory of Lord Rama over the evil king Ravana. It’s the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. Hindu people worldwide celebrate this beautiful night by lighting up Diyas (clay lamps), fireworks, delicious food, and good cheer. Everyone decorates their houses and neighborhoods with Diyas and Rangolis, and gifts are exchanged. Sending you warm Diwali wishes to brighten up your life. Have a great Diwali with friends and family! Indian Cultural Association

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.

A one-day Christian women's conference created to help you deepen your faith, receive practical tools for victory, and build connections. There are seasons when God isn't asking us to strive harder; He's inviting us to remain close. Abide is more than the theme of this year's Queen Standard Conference. It's a call to return to the presence of God, to remain rooted in Him, and to discover the strength that comes from staying connected to the True Vine. Join women from across the region for a powerful day of worship, biblical teaching, authentic sisterhood, and personal renewal. Whether you're flourishing, feeling weary, navigating transition, or simply longing for more of God's presence, this gathering was designed with you in mind. Come expecting encouragement. Come expecting community. Come expecting to hear God's voice. You'll leave refreshed, equipped, and reminded that fruitfulness isn't produced through pressure: it's produced through abiding. "Whoever abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit." — John 15:5

For over fifty years, PFLAG Columbia-Howard County has served as the extended family of the LGBTQ+ community, connecting parents, families, friends, and allies with those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+. Based in Columbia, MD, this all-volunteer chapter embodies PFLAG's founding mission: to build loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another while advocating until all hearts and minds respect, value, and affirm LGBTQ+ people. What began as a single letter of support has grown into a movement of millions, and PFLAG Columbia-Howard County carries forward this legacy by fostering dialogue, providing resources, and creating spaces where diverse families thrive. The chapter's leadership team, guided by values of integrity, pride, and community, believes that diversity is gained through mutual respect and trust. Members work together across generations to address critical issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, from safe and welcoming schools to workplace equality, family rights, and marriage equality. In the Columbia, MD area, PFLAG volunteers dedicate themselves to continuous learning, community engagement, and coalition-building to advance policy and systemic change. The organization measures itself by its words and actions, actively reaching out to build inclusive relationships with diverse communities. For families navigating questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, or for individuals seeking to become advocates for change, PFLAG Columbia-Howard County represents a compassionate, long-standing community presence rooted in the belief that all people deserve to be respected, valued, and affirmed.

Serving the Korean American community in Columbia, Maryland, the Korean American Community Association of Howard County is a nonprofit organization rooted in the values of mutual support, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. The organization strives to honor the contributions of first-generation Korean Americans while supporting younger generations through programs that address education, mental health, senior care, and youth development. With a focus on intergenerational connection, the association organizes community events, including cultural celebrations and senior recognition gatherings that bring together families and foster appreciation for Korean heritage. The organization operates CareLine, a youth volunteer program that combines community service with educational workshops on mental health awareness and personal development. By maintaining active partnerships with local institutions including Howard County schools, hospitals, and law enforcement, the Korean American Community Association of Howard County demonstrates its commitment to being an integral part of the broader Columbia community. The organization's work reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Korean American families while celebrating their resilience, achievements, and cultural contributions to Howard County.

Rooted in a rich heritage of service and collective action, the Columbia, MD Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated carries forward the vision of its founders while adapting to meet contemporary community needs. The chapter's mothers are united by the legacy of those before them and a shared commitment to leveraging collective power to transform lives. Operating under the principle of "We Can do More," the Columbia Chapter has built a legacy of meaningful engagement with local youth and families throughout Howard County. The organization recognizes that true community change requires sustained commitment and active participation across multiple generations. Through decades of consistent service, the chapter has woven itself into the fabric of Columbia by addressing real community needs—from providing books on African American culture to public schools, to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, to ensuring Howard County students have access to essential school supplies. The annual "Giving Tree" initiative during holiday celebrations demonstrates the chapter's year-round dedication to supporting vulnerable populations. By instilling values of service and community responsibility in young people, the Columbia, MD Chapter ensures that the next generation understands their potential to make a difference. This intergenerational approach to community building has made the chapter a trusted institution in Columbia, Maryland, where tradition meets purpose and collective effort creates lasting positive change.