Local Mental Health Events
There are tons of events around Howard County that can help support the mental health of you and others. Here are some upcoming events that are worth checking out. None of these programs are sponsored by or affiliated with hocomonumental.
~Fundraisers and Awareness Events~
Walking is good for mental health and worth implementing in your routine. There are a lot of local walking events to help yourself and others.
During National Mental Health Awareness week, October 6th-12th, there is a virtual walking event to help raise awareness for mental health. 20 percent of the proceeds go to the National Association on Mental Illness. More details here: https://www.runsforapurpose.com/races/break-the-stigma-mental-illness-awareness-run-walk
On October 5th, the Maryland Society of Autism is partnering with Howard County and other counties to raise money for autism support and awareness. They will have a timed 5k, a 4k walk and a 1k stroll. More details here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/EllicottCity/EveryStepCountsAutismWalk5K
~Free and Accessible Events~
There are many free, sensory friendly and accessible events to help support yourself and your peers. Mental health activities are not always easily available or accessible for people, so we would like to highlight some that are.
Howard County Library System has many free events for all ages. There are social events, tutoring and workshops. Each branch has unique offerings, and some events are available at all branches. More details here: https://howardcounty.librarycalendar.com/
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods offers free yoga classes in their park on Mondays, which is a great way to get fresh air and get moving. More details here: https://innerarbortrust.org/events
The Robinson Nature Center is a very gorgeous place for people to connect with nature. They offer many events for mental wellness. Specifically, I would like the highlight their “Sensory Friendly Sunday” on Novemeber 17th, which has a variety of activities and accommodations. More details here: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Sensory-Friendly-Sunday-All-ages
The National Aquarium is a beautiful and educational place for all things marine. On the first Saturday and the first Sunday of the month, they allow people with disabilities and their guests to enter 30 minutes early, so that they can have a better experience. The next ones are October 5th and 6th. More details here: https://aqua.org/visit/special-events/830am-first-saturday?for=2024-10-05
The Chesapeake Bay is a big part of Maryland culture, with many finding peace being on/near the water. CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating) works to create water experiences for disabled people, veterans and underserved communities. More details here: https://crabsailing.org/#
Howard County has a page about different free events in the county. More details here: https://www.visithowardcounty.com/things-to-do/free-or-almost-free/?view=list&sort=qualityScore
The Autism Society of Maryland has listed some of the sensory friendly experiences in Maryland. More details here: https://autismsocietymd.org/resources/sensory-friendly-activities-events-businesses/
The Maryland Office of Tourism has a list of some accessible landmarks in Maryland: https://www.visitmaryland.org/article/boundless-maryland
~Other Interesting Events~
Do you love dogs? Do you love yoga? Well, how about dog yoga! On Sunday October 6th, there will be dog yoga at Red Shedman Farm Brewery in Mt. Airy. More details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/doggy-noses-yoga-poses-at-red-shedman-farm-brewery-tickets-948538342717
Painting is a great way to unwind. It’s even more enjoyable with milkshakes involved! Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Ellicott City is having some upcoming painting classes where you can paint and enjoy a milkshakes. They often host similar activities like candle making. More details here: https://visitoldellicottcity.com/events/paint-and-shake/
Many people participate in sound baths which is when they use things like bowls and chimes to make calming noises. Nourishing Journey Wellness Center in Columbia offers sound baths on different dates. More details here: https://mjvibrations.com/scheduling#4fef3cd6-0855-46ff-b3cb-33600763085b
Comments