Together with

Hello Friends—

Welcome to the 208 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community!

Quick note before we dive in: after a few weeks of asking and a small early-access rollout, the Bel Air Bites Club is now officially open.

It’s a simple, members-only dining club for Bel Air Brief subscribers that delivers up to two exclusive restaurant deals each month by text, personally curated by me. No apps, no coupon books — just easy, worthwhile offers at local Bel Air and Harford County spots. Only 200 114 spots available!

If you dine out locally and want to save a little money while supporting great restaurants, you can learn more and join here: Join the Bel Air Bites Club

Now to this week… in case you missed it, the winter edition of Harford County Restaurant Week starts this Friday… Independent Brewing is hosting a New Year Floral Party (a creative, hands-on floral workshop)… and the Bel Air Rec Committee announced a $100K investment to improve several local sports fields.

Scroll down, make plans, and enjoy your weekend!

Since 1965, Carl’s Door Service has been the go-to name for garage door repairs and installations across Bel Air and Harford County.

Family-owned for three generations, licensed, insured, and known for honest, no-nonsense service — Carl’s handles everything from broken springs and stuck doors to new installations and opener repairs.

Just check out their recent glowing reviews:

“One of the best experiences I have had with any home improvement company/individual”… “They do great work and know everything there is to know about garage doors and their care and repair. I would never use anyone else.”

If you want a local team that shows up on time, does the job right, and treats you like a neighbor… this is the one.

Call 410-557-8700 or click here to schedule your free estimate with Carl’s Door Service today. 

P.S. Tell them “Matt from Bel Air Brief” sent you OR if you want me to personally connect you with their team, email me here.

Harford County Restaurant Week
January 16th–25th | Participating Harford County Restaurants
For 10 delicious days, restaurants across Harford County will offer special menus and discounts, making it the perfect time to explore new spots or revisit local favorites. With dozens of participating establishments—and more added daily—there’s no shortage of reasons to plan a few nights out and taste your way through the county.

8th Annual Fairy Tale & Superhero Festival (Free)
📅 Friday, January 16th | 8AM–4:45PM
📍 Abingdon Library, 2510 Tollgate Rd, Abingdon
Harford County Public Library’s 8th annual Fairy Tale & Superhero Festival returns with a full day of family-friendly fun, featuring guest readers, crafts, STEM activities, dance parties, scavenger hunts, and a prince, princess, and superhero parade.

Shadow Puppetry with Philip McKnight (Free)
📅 Friday, January 16th | 5PM–7PM
📍 Prigel Family Creamery, 4852 Long Green Rd, Glen Arm
Enjoy a magical evening of family-friendly storytelling as Philip McKnight performs Crankies—a unique shadow puppetry art form combining paper-cut silhouettes, live music, poetry, and scrolling panoramas, with food, sweets, and ramen available before the show.

🎵 Deep Space 90s at Barrel House Live ($)
📅 Friday, January 16th | 8PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Belair Road, Fallston
Travel back to the ’90s for a high-energy night of grunge, alternative, hip-hop, and pop as Deep Space 90s brings all the throwback hits—expect big sing-alongs, nostalgic vibes, and a packed dance floor.

Style Reset Event @ Bray & Em Boutique (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 17th | 10AM–4PM
📍 Bray & Em Boutique, 696 Bel Air Rd, Suite J14, Bel Air
Kick off the new year with mini styling sessions, curated wardrobe picks, a hands-on vision board activity, and a raffle for a free outfit at this inspiring boutique reset event.

K-Pop Demon Hunters Kids Aerial Yoga ($)
📅 Saturday, January 17th | 12PM–1PM
📍 Grounded in the Clouds, 728 Bel Air Rd, Unit 127, Bel Air
Kids ages 6–12 can flip, swing, and soar in this high-energy aerial yoga workshop inspired by K-Pop and heroic Demon Hunter themes, blending movement, creativity, and confidence-building fun in the air.

Winter Landscape Fiber Art Workshop ($)
📅 Saturday, January 17th | 1–3:30PM
📍 Harford Vineyard & Winery, 1311 W Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill
Create a cozy winter landscape using the kinusaiga fabric-tucking technique in this no-sew fiber art workshop, complete with all materials, a ready-to-hang framed piece, and a complimentary glass of wine.

Pete the Cat @ The Amoss Center ($)
📅 Saturday, January 17th | 4PM
📍 Amoss Center (Harford Technical High School), 401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air
Bring the family for a fun, feel-good stage adaptation of Pete the Cat, where music, imagination, and friendship take center stage in this lively TheaterWorks USA production designed for kids and parents alike.

🎵 Back to 80’s Party @ J’Ville Grille (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 17th | 5PM
📍 J’Ville Grille, 3701 Federal Hill Rd, Jarrettsville
Break out your best ’80s-inspired outfit and hit the dance floor for a high-energy throwback party featuring DJ Zach, food and drink specials, and plenty of retro vibes.

Legion Speakeasy Night ($)
📅 Saturday, January 17th | 5:30PM–9PM
📍 Joseph L. Davis Post 47 American Legion, 501 St. John St, Havre de Grace
Step back in time for a roaring speakeasy-style evening featuring live music from Rosie Jack and the Bangtails, food and drinks available à la carte, and a big money wheel supporting the American Legion Building Fund.

🎵 Never Never & Lodi (CCR Tribute) at Barrel House Live ($)
📅 Saturday, January 17th | 8PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Belair Road, Fallston

Blooming into the New Year Floral Party ($)
📅 Sunday, January 18th | 1PM–4PM
📍 Independent Brewing Company, 418 N Main St, Bel Air
Kick off the new year with a creative, hands-on floral workshop featuring a playful musical-chairs–style flower game, drinks, charcuterie, desserts, raffles, and a beautiful vase arrangement you’ll design and take home—no experience required.

🎵 Rob Sebastian @ Hickory Lodge (Free)
📅 Sunday, January 18th | 3PM
📍 Hickory Lodge, 2119 Conowingo Rd, Hickory

Save the Dates:
Bad Romance Anti-Valentine Bingo, Feb 12th, Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen
Parent’s Night Out Valentines Day Drop-Off Event, Feb 14th, We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym
Double Groove Brewing 5th Annual Chili Cook-off, Feb 15th, Double Groove Brewing
The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour, Feb 17th, APG Federal Credit Union Arena
10th Annual Bel Air Downtown Alliance Chocolate, Brew & Wine Tour, March 7th, Downtown Bel Air

For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Harco Live Music Round Up” facebook group…

Basta Pasta Gears Up for Harford County Restaurant Week
Fallston favorite Basta Pasta was recently featured on local morning TV as excitement builds for Harford County Restaurant Week, running January 16–25. Diners can stop in during the event to enjoy special menus and see why the restaurant is getting so much buzz. Read more…

Bel Air Recreation Committee Invests $100,000 in Baseball Field Upgrades
The Bel Air Recreation Committee has announced a major $100,000 investment to repair and improve several local baseball diamonds, with work underway across parks and school fields ahead of the spring sports season. The project, supported by county, town, and school partners, aims to provide safer, higher-quality playing surfaces for youth athletes throughout the Bel Air area. Read more…

Harford Community College’s Chesapeake Welcome Center Opens in January
Harford Community College is set to open its newly renovated and expanded Chesapeake Welcome Center in late January, creating a central “front door” for students and the community that includes admissions services, a 10,000-square-foot conference center, gallery, and theater. A public open house is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, from 2–5 PM. Read more…

Give your pet the 5-star treatment & book a grooming session at Shannon’s Pretty Paws today. Your furry friend will thank you (and so will your furniture).

Click here to book an appointment with one of our experienced groomers!

This week’s reader submission is: Milo

“Meet Milo, our curious little troublemaker who never misses a chance to inspect what you’re doing — especially if snacks are involved.”

Have a furry, feathered, or scaly friend you’re proud of? Send a photo and a few fun facts, and we might feature them in an upcoming issue.

Are you a realtor (or know one) who is looking to expand your local visibility & feature your active listings in this section to 6,400+ locals? Click here to submit your interest.

📍 3720 Churchville Rd, Unit F, Aberdeen, MD 21001

This week’s date spot takes us to Route 22 Hatchet House — a high-energy, interactive option that’s perfect for couples looking to do something a little different than the usual dinner-and-drinks routine.

Start the night by stepping into the axe-throwing lanes, where friendly coaches walk you through the basics before you take turns aiming for the bullseye. It’s competitive in a fun way, easy for beginners, and a great icebreaker whether it’s a first date or a long-overdue night out.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, settle in with comfort food favorites like Hatchet Chicken Wings, pretzel bites with jalapeño cheddar, Route 22 nachos, or a fresh dough pizza that’s perfect for sharing. Pair it with a drink, recap your best throws, and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere that keeps things fun without feeling forced.

If you’re looking for a date night that’s memorable, interactive, and just a little adventurous, Route 22 Hatchet House delivers.

👉 Check out the menu and plan your visit: route22hatchethouse.com

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