Together with
Paul Applegate, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Hello Friends—
Welcome to the 235 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community.
Finally some warm weather. And just like that May is right around the corner. Which means First Fridays (starting May 1st) & The Belle Aire Market (starting May 10th) are back!
🏠 For Sale: A European-inspired stone estate on 5.32 wooded acres bordering Rocks State Park — fireplace library, turret cathedral ceiling, and cobblestone gardens. Listed at $1,500,000 in Street, MD.
🍹 Menu Item: The Mango Peach Crush at Natalie's Seafood Kitchen — peach vodka, fresh mango, lemon, and Sprite. A part of their new menu drop this week.
🏆 Local Spotlight: Platinum Concrete Coatings is turning Harford County garages into something you'll actually want to show off — floors, cabinets, slat wall, and overhead storage, all done in a day. Click here for a free garage transformation design.
Now to this weekend…
Bel Air's oldest boutique, The Pink Silhouette, celebrates 20 years…
Lagerfest 2026 @ Hopkins Farm Brewery…
And the Harford Glen Annual Spring Celebration…
Scroll down, make plans, and enjoy your weekend!
P.S. Quick favor (takes 2 seconds)…
Have you ever tried a restaurant, gone to an event, or used a local business because of something you saw in this newsletter?
TOGETHER WITH PAUL APPLEGATE, EDWARD JONES
Why So Many Bel Air Residents Are Booking This 1-Hour ‘Retirement Check-Up’
Over the past few months, more local families, business owners, and first responders have been sitting down with Paul Applegate to answer one simple question:
“Am I actually on track?”
Most people come in unsure… And leave with a clear answer (often a few surprises) and lunch on Paul!
You can start with a quick 60-second check before booking anything:
P.S. If you’d rather not fill out forms, just reply or click here and I’ll personally connect you with Paul.
Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas
Thursday April 16th/Friday, April 17th
Second Annual Zero K Run ($)
📅 Thursday, April 16 | 6 PM – 8 PM
📍 Independent Brewing Company, 418 N Main St, Bel Air
The only race where participants stand up... then sit right back down. No sweating, no sprinting, no training required — just maximum participation.
20th Anniversary Event – The Pink Silhouette (Free)
📅 Friday, April 17 | 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 The Pink Silhouette, 54 North Main Street, Bel Air
Bel Air's oldest boutique celebrates 20 years with a multi-day anniversary event — enjoy 20% off storewide and a free necklace set for the first customers each day.
🎵 Live Music: Jason Melani (Free)
📅 Friday, April 17 | 5 PM – 9 PM
📍 Watchtower Brewing Co., 22 Howard St, Aberdeen
Jason Melani blends '90s influence and Americana with a soulful edge — roots rock, folk, and groove — at Aberdeen's Watchtower Brewing Co. No cover.
Cash Bingo ($)
📅 Friday, April 17 | 7 PM (Doors 5:30 PM)
📍 Abingdon Fire Company, 3306 Abingdon Rd, Abingdon
Support the Abingdon Fire Company at their Cash Bingo night — tickets are $25 each, doors open at 5:30 PM, and games begin promptly at 7 PM.
Saturday, April 18th
Annual Outdoor Estate Sale (Free)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 8 AM – 5 PM
📍 F & L Jewelers, Inc., 1805 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air
F & L Jewelers hosts their Annual Outdoor Estate Sale — a full day of browsing unique finds in Bel Air. Note: date may change depending on weather.
Jarrettsville VFW Post 8672 Craft Show (Free)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 Jarrettsville VFW Post 8672, 1714 Morse Rd, Forest Hill
Browse unique local crafters at the Jarrettsville VFW Craft Show — a great way to support local makers and the VFW community.
🎵 Maker's Valley Spring Festival ($)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 11 AM – 6 PM
📍 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes
Shop 35+ local vendors, live music, 5 food vendors, & delicious Boordy wine all day! FREE admission & open to all ages, $10 parking pass required.
Aberdeen Earth Day Celebration (Free)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 11 AM – 3 PM
📍 Aberdeen Festival Park, 60 N. Parke St, Aberdeen
The Xi Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority invites the community to a day of sustainability, celebration, and connection at Aberdeen Festival Park.
Lagerfest 2026 (Free)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 12 PM
📍 Hopkins Farm Brewery, 3833 Rider Lane, Havre de Grace
Hopkins Farm Brewery's annual Lagerfest features their HFB lagers alongside guest taps from Maryland's best breweries — a perfect afternoon at the farm.
Paint the Town Periwinkle – Esophageal Cancer Fundraiser (Free)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 12 PM – 9 PM
📍 Falling Branch Brewery, 825 Highland Rd, Street
The 3rd Annual Paint the Town Periwinkle fundraiser supports the Esophageal Cancer Action Network at Falling Branch Brewery — free to attend and open to the public.
Wine and Pottery Workshop ($)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 1 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Harford Vineyard & Winery, 1311 West Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill
Join Harford Vineyard & Winery for a Wine and Pottery Workshop hosted by Amazing Glaze — a perfect 21+ afternoon of creativity and sipping. Tickets available online.
🎵 Bluegrass Bull and Oyster Feast ($)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 1 PM – 11 PM
📍 Joseph L Davis Post 47 American Legion, 501 Saint John St, Havre de Grace
Live bluegrass by Bobby Dixon & Jeff Dillard, pit meats, and oysters done 3 ways — doors at 1 PM, food service 3–9 PM. Tickets are $65 and include food.
Sip & Wic Experience ($)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 6 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Bel Air Rd, Fallston
Come create your own candle at the Fallston Barrel House — your first drink is on the house and the full menu is available for purchase.
🎵 MIGGS at Barrel House Live! Patio Stage! ($)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 7 PM
📍 Barrel House Live, 2403 Belair Rd, Fallston
Air Force veteran turned Nashville country artist MIGGS takes the Barrel House Live Patio Stage for a full band show — expect rowdy anthems and feel-good country vibes.
🎵 Get The Led Out ($)
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 8 PM
📍 APGFCU Arena, 401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air
Philadelphia's premier Led Zeppelin tribute brings the full studio catalog to life on the big stage at APGFCU Arena — two 60-minute sets of pure rock glory. Tickets from $38.
Sunday, April 19th
Harford Glen Spring Celebration (Free)
📅 Sunday, April 19 | 9 AM – 12 PM
📍 Harford Glen Park, 502 W Wheel Rd, Bel Air
Head out to Harford Glen Park for the annual Spring Celebration — a family-friendly outdoor event hosted by the Harford Glen Foundation celebrating environmental awareness.
Fallston Lions Club Scholarship Bingo ($)
📅 Sunday, April 19 | 1 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Co., 2201 Carrs Mill Rd, Fallston
The Fallston Lions Club hosts their Scholarship Bingo fundraiser — no pre-registration or advance tickets needed, just show up and play. Open seating.
Modern Calligraphy for Beginners ($)
📅 Sunday, April 19 | 2 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Harford Vineyard & Winery, 1311 West Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill
Join Sip & Script for a Modern Calligraphy workshop at Harford Vineyard & Winery — perfect for stationery nerds, DIY brides-to-be, or anyone who wants to learn pretty lettering.
🎵 Chasing Friday at Looney's Pub, Bel Air! (Free)
📅 Sunday, April 19 | 2 PM – 6 PM
📍 Looney's Pub – Bel Air, 312 S Main St, Bel Air
Chasing Friday — a dynamic variety band covering hits from the '60s through today — plays inside and on the beautiful deck at Looney's Pub in downtown Bel Air. No cover charge!
Save the Dates:
Bikes & Beers Festival 2026, April 25th, Hopkins Farm Brewery
ArtFest, April 25th, Prigel Family Creamery
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, April 25th, Blackbox Theater
Spring Craft Fair, April 26th, Slate Farm Brewery
Bel Air Town Derby, May 17th, Main Street Bel Air
For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Harco Live Music Round Up” facebook group…
It’s Not Just a Floor, It’s a Platinum Floor™
The Garage Transformation Everyone in Harford County Is Talking About
From Cluttered Catch-All to Clean, Organized & Built to Impress
For over 25 years, Platinum Concrete Coatings has helped Harford County homeowners turn ordinary garages into clean, functional extensions of their home.
Now, we’re taking it even further with complete Garage Transformations:
Durable, one-day installed floor coatings
Custom-fit garage cabinets
Slat wall & overhead storage systems
Clean, modern finishes that actually last
And yes . . . Piper approves.
Because your garage should work as hard as you do – handling tools, storage, cars, claws, and real life – while still looking incredible.
Don’t settle for a garage that wastes space. Start your transformation today.
Get Your Free Garage Design & Estimate: Call 443-903-2999 or visit PlatinumConcreteCoatings.net
Headlines in the Community…
The 9th Annual Harford Senior 50+ Expo Returns May 20–21 at Ripken Stadium — 70 Exhibitor Booths, Live Entertainment & Free Seminars, and Spots Are Already Filling Up. Read more…
The Grazing Room at Boards by Dana Is Ending Lunch Service After April 18th — But Don't Panic, the Local Charcuterie Spot Is Going All-In on Catering, Classes & Events. Read more…
Aberdeen Is Getting Its First-Ever Porchfest on May 16th — Live Music Along Historic W. Bel Air Avenue from the B&O Train Station to Ray Avenue, and It's Completely Free. Read more…
Cozy Cookies Drops Its April Lineup — Lemon Cupcake, Carrot Cake & Dirt Cake Brownie Cookies Are Here, Plus FREE Delivery All Month with Code BUNNY. Read more…
Bel Air Armory Hosts a Two-Part Lecture Series on How Rock & Roll Killed the American Songbook — "Leaving the American Songbook" Runs May 12 & 19 and Is Open to the Public. Read more…
Harford County Farm Fair 2026 Vendor Applications Are Now Open — Join One of the County's Biggest Summer Traditions July 18–25 and Get Your Spot Before They Fill Up. Read more…
Pet Of The Week: Presented by Our Friends at Shannon’s Pretty Paws Pet Grooming
We are more than just groomers, we’re a family!
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).
This week’s reader submission is: Winnie
“This is Winnie. She is 5 years old and the BESTEST yellow lab in Forest Hill!! She’s big on her fetch game and doesn’t miss a bedtime bone, ever!!”
Winnie, never turned down a game of fetch!
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.
Real Estate Corner
Bel Air’s Trusted Local Businesses (Vetted & Community-Backed)
When you need something done right the first time, you don’t want to guess.
These are local businesses that Bel Air Brief readers rely on—trusted, proven, and part of the community.
Reach out and tell them Matt from the Bel Air Brief sent you.
✔️ Garage Doors: Carl’s Door Service has 150+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—trusted locally since 1965 for fast, reliable garage door repair and installation.
✔️ Financial Planning: Paul Applegate — Edward Jones helps Harford County families and business owners build clear, no-pressure retirement and financial plans that actually make sense.
✔️ Flooring: Chesapeake Carpet & Flooring brings 40+ years of local experience—offering shop-at-home estimates and full-service installation for carpet, hardwood, tile, and more.
✔️ Concrete Coatings: Platinum Concrete Coatings has 750+ five-star Google reviews—one-day installs with a lifetime warranty for garage floors, patios, and basements.
✔️ Pet Grooming: Shannon’s Pretty Paws is 4.7-star rated—calm, certified grooming for dogs and cats with walk-in nail trims available.
✔️ Community Resource: Fresh Start Furnishings at Inner County Outreach has helped furnish 2,000+ homes—providing free furniture to local families transitioning out of crisis.
✔️ Marketing: Hardiman Marketing helps local businesses grow through social media, photography, and video—built for brands that want more visibility.
✔️ Coffee & Community: The Screaming Bean Café has 500+ reviews and a 4.6-star rating—locally owned coffee shop that gives back to Harford County charities.
Want to be featured here and seen by 9,600+ local readers each week? Apply to become a Community Partner here.
Date Spot Of The Week
Black Forest Taphouse (Fallston)
📍2410 Pleasantville Rd, Fallston
If your ideal date night involves pints, pretzels, and a cozy pub vibe, Black Forest Taphouse in Fallston nails it. This local favorite blends German comfort food with classic pub fare—and the beer list is no joke.
Start with the Bavarian pretzel or share a plate of crispy Brussels sprouts. For mains, the schnitzel or beer-braised bratwurst hits the spot, especially with a side of house-made spätzle. Not feeling German tonight? Go for the Black Forest burger or fish & chips.
There are 20+ rotating taps (local and imported), plus cocktails and wine if beer’s not your thing. The vibe? Rustic, warm, and welcoming—with live music on weekends and a dog-friendly patio when the weather’s nice.
Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today. Share it with someone who reluctantly turned on their AC this week.
Matt | Bel Air Brief
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