Together with
Bel Air’s Flooring Experts
Hello Friends—
Welcome to the 144 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community of 10,000+ readers!
Wow! 10,000 is not a number I would have imagined when I sent the first issue of the Bel Air Brief last May to… 52 people. So a sincere thank you to everyone who has read, shared, emailed, and most importantly engaged with things happening in the community.
**And another thank you goes out to everyone who filled out the Semi-Annual Reader Survery. There were so many great suggestions about what you wanted to see more of. I’ll get back to everyone in time, I’ve got 239 responses to get through so far. If you haven’t filled it out yet, there’s still time (plus I’m giving away $100 gift cards to 5 random people who filled out the survey). Click here to enter if you haven’t already.
🏠 For Sale: A 4-bed, 4.5-bath custom Colonial in Forest Hill — 9,500 sq ft of Southern-inspired charm set on a 5.12-acre estate w/ panoramic views, a quartzite-packed gourmet kitchen, and a main-level owner’s suite with its own sitting room and front porch access. Priced at $1,377,700.
🍹 Menu Item: The Local’s Island After Dark — a sultry little nightcap made with coconut fat-washed Fordham Lee Bourbon, sweet vermouth, orgeat, lemon, Angostura bitters, and vanilla.
🎟️ Hot Ticket: The Healing, Arts & Music Festival returns to Friendship Park in Abingdon on October 2–3 — expect live music, visual art, hands-on wellness experiences, healing spaces, workshops, and a family-friendly weekend built around slowing down and finding your rhythm.
Now to this weekend…
The Bel Air Garden Mart…
All Your Favorite Local Spots Have Mother’s Day Menus/Specials…
And The Belle Aire Market Returns!
Scroll down, make plans, and enjoy your weekend!
TOGETHER WITH CHESAPEAKE CARPET & FLOORING
Bel Air’s Flooring Experts — Quality, Convenience, Local Touch
Chesapeake Carpet & Flooring isn’t a big-box chain — they’re your neighbors, serving Bel Air and Harford County with flooring options built to last.
Whether you want to modernize a single room or refresh your entire home:
They bring samples to your door…
Provide honest guidance…
And install everything with the kind of care only a local family business delivers.
From hardwood to carpet to vinyl, they make your project feel simple, personal, and done right the first time. You can meet them in person too — visit their local showroom on Route 1 at 3321 Conowingo Rd, Street, MD.
Call 443-560-0915 or click here to schedule your free estimate with Chesapeake Carpet & Flooring today.
P.S. Tell them "Matt from Bel Air Brief" sent you or if you want me to personally connect you with the Chesapeake team, email me here.
Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas
Friday, May 8th
Bel Air Garden Mart (Free)
📅 Friday, May 8 | 8:30 AM
📍 Bel Air Armory, 37 N Main St, Bel Air
Shop plants and crafts from local garden clubs at this annual hometown favorite. The event is sponsored by the Town of Bel Air Appearance & Beautification Committee.
Mother's Day Craft Workshop ($)
📅 Friday, May 8 | 6 PM
📍 Made Me Mine, 3474 Emmorton Rd, Abingdon
Make a sweet, handmade gift for the mom, grandmother, Mimi, or Memaw in your life. Choose from a variety of craft options and leave with something more personal than a last-minute card aisle panic buy.
🎵 Twenty Dollar Prophet at Barrel House Live! Patio Stage! (Free)
📅 Friday, May 8 | 7 PM
📍 Barrel House Live, 2403 Belair Rd, Fallston
Twenty Dollar Prophet takes over the patio stage at Barrel House Live for a free Friday night set. Grab a drink, claim your spot, and let the weekend officially clock in.
🎵 Sunrise Highway Returns To The Main Street Tower (Free)
📅 Friday, May 8 | 7 PM
📍 Main Street Tower, 29 S Main St, Bel Air
Sunrise Highway returns to Main Street Tower for a night of classic rock. If your Friday needs a soundtrack, this is an easy Main Street move.
Saturday, May 9th
BMC Autocross I ($)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 7:30 AM
📍 Ripken Stadium, 873 Long Dr, Aberdeen
Brandywine Motorsport Club brings autocross action to Ripken Stadium with a capped field of 100 drivers. Preregistration is required, with first car off later in the morning.
Ranch Riding and Cow Working Clinic w/ Robin Stang ($)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 9 AM
📍 Rutledge Ridge Farm, 2301 Rutledge Rd, Fallston
Rutledge Ridge Farm hosts Robin Stang for a two-day ranch riding and cow working clinic. Riders can choose one or both days to sharpen their skills in the saddle.
Havre de Grace Mother’s Day Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 10 AM
📍 Blue Heron Gifts & Boutique, 454 Franklin St, Havre de Grace
Browse local vendors and artisan finds at this Mother’s Day market on Franklin Street. Translation: a much better plan than pretending the grocery-store flowers were “thoughtful.”
2nd Annual Spring Fine Art Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 10 AM
📍 Bel Air Armory, 37 N Main St, Bel Air
Shop one-of-a-kind gifts from regional artists and artisans featuring paint, fiber, glass, wood, jewelry, and more. It’s perfectly timed for anyone still hunting for a Mother’s Day gift that says “thoughtful,” not “panic purchase.”
Mother's Day Weekend at Harford Vineyard & Winery (Free)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 11 AM
📍 Harford Vineyard & Winery, 1311 West Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill
Harford Vineyard celebrates Mother’s Day Weekend with live music, a food truck, Limonforte release, special pairing, raffles, and more. The tasting room is open to the public from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Lock House Beer & Wine Festival 2026 ($)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 11 AM
📍 Lock House Museum, 817 Conesteo St, Havre de Grace
Sip local beer and wine, grab food from vendors, and enjoy live music at the Lock House Museum. Early bird tickets are available through March 31, so don’t wait if this one is calling your name.
🎵 Monkton Music Festival ($)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 11 AM
📍 Camp Puh'tok, 17433 Big Falls Rd, Monkton
This all-day music festival brings local bands, food, drinks, and outdoor fun to Camp Puh’tok. Proceeds support the camp’s youth programs and summer camp scholarships.
Mother's Day Weekend at Boordy Vineyards (Free)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 12 PM
📍 Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes
Boordy Vineyards is celebrating Mother’s Day Weekend with wine, scenic views, and live music. No tickets are required, so this one is an easy “mom deserves better than errands” escape.
3rd Annual Havre de Grace Roper Romp ($)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 1 PM
📍 American Legion, 501 St John St, Havre de Grace
Caftans, cocktails, and 70s sitcom energy collide at the 3rd Annual Havre de Grace Roper Romp. The day kicks off at the American Legion before the crowd brings the Regal Beagle vibes to town.
Plant Bar at Black Forest Taphouse ($)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 2 PM
📍 Black Forest Tap House, 2410 Pleasantville Rd, Fallston
Build your own succulent planter during this hands-on Plant Bar workshop at Black Forest Taphouse. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward way to get creative and pretend you definitely won’t overwater it later.
P4P 50s Free Cruise Night (Free)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 5 PM
📍 Lorien, Bel Air, 1909 Emmorton Rd, Bel Air
Break out the 50s outfit or bring a classic ride for this free cruise night at Lorien Bel Air. Trophies are up for grabs for both the best 1950s clothing and vehicle.
🎵 Big Machine Rocks Looney's Pub Bel Air Sat May 9th! (Free)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 8 PM
📍 Looney's Pub, 312 S Main St, Bel Air
Big Machine brings a full night of live rock to Looney’s Pub in Bel Air. It’s loud, local, and conveniently located near your “just one more song” bad decisions.
🎵 Eclipse (Journey Tribute) at Barrel House Live! ($)
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 8 PM
📍 Barrel House Live, 2403 Belair Rd, Fallston
Eclipse brings the Journey hits to Barrel House Live for a Saturday night singalong. Expect the big ones, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Lights.”
Sunday, May 10th
The Belle Aire Market (Free)
📅 Sunday, May 10 | 9 AM
📍 Downtown Bel Air, 121 S Main St, Bel Air
The Belle Aire Market returns with finely crafted artisan goods in downtown Bel Air. It’s a laid-back Sunday stroll with strong “I found this from a local maker” energy.
Mothers Day Yoga at Falling Branch Brewery ($)
📅 Sunday, May 10 | 10:30 AM
📍 Falling Branch Brewery, 825 Highland Rd, Street
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxing yoga session at Falling Branch Brewery. Your ticket includes yoga plus a refreshing beer or non-alcoholic drink afterward.
Preakness Festival Maryland Horse Farm Tour (Free)
📅 Sunday, May 10 | 11 AM
📍 Country Life and Merryland Farms, 319 Old Joppa Rd, Fallston
Meet Maryland horses up close during this Preakness Festival farm tour in Fallston. It’s a scenic, family-friendly way to see where local horses are raised, trained, and cared for.
Sip, Shop & Celebrate Mom at Belle Patri (Free)
📅 Sunday, May 10 | 12 PM
📍 Belle Patri - Jarrettsville, 3725 Federal Hill Rd, Jarrettsville
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Belle Patri with a relaxed sip-and-shop outing. Bring mom, your daughter, or your favorite shopping partner and call it quality time with receipts.
Save the Dates:
Harford Community College Music Students in Recital, May 13th, Joppa Hall
Aberdeen PorchFest 2026, May 16th, Aberdeen B&O Train Station
Bel Air Town Derby, May 17th, Main Street Bel Air
Fallston Lions Club Scholarship Bingo, May 17th, Fallston Fire Co
Free Community Food Truck Night, May 30th, St Mary’s Pylesville
Hope Center of MD Spring Bingo, June 6th, 3633 Level Village Rd
Tea with a Twist: an Afternoon Murder Mystery, June 7th, Deer Creek Overlook
For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Harco Live Music Round Up” facebook group…
TOGETHER WITH TOTAL PLAY SPORTS
Get Ready To Have A Blast At The Total Play Sports Summer Camp!
Are you looking for something fun and active for your kids this summer?
Total Play Sports is a multi-sport summer camp built right here in Harford County, and they're open for registration with limited spots available…
Kids entering 1st through 8th grade can sign up for a week of soccer, basketball, flag football, and more at Harford Day School in Bel Air — June 29 through July 3, 9am to 3pm.
Headlines in the Community…
Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen in Fallston is turning its one-year anniversary into a month-long May party with live music, themed nights, and special events stacked across the calendar. Read more…
CoffeeBar Bel Air’s May pop-up calendar is giving locals fresh reasons to linger, with authors, baked goods, bouquet bars, local makers, and caffeine-fueled shopping from 9 AM–2 PM. Read more…
Bel Air baseball just got a six-figure glow-up, with more than $100,000 in field renovations now complete at Tollgate Park, Rockfield Park, Kelly Fields, Bel Air Elementary, Southampton Middle, Red Pump Elementary, and Bel Air Middle. Read more…
Harford County drivers are getting a spring detour season as bridge work closes Glenville Road in Churchville, Bridge Drive near Joppatowne Canal, and Love Road near Peddler’s Run. Read more…
Harford County’s new America 250 Celebration Trail turns 63 museums, historic homes, and landmarks into a self-guided local history hunt through the Let’s Rallie app. Read more…
The Amanda Hichkad CCA Celebration Walk returns to John Carroll on May 9 with a $125,000 goal for Cancer LifeNet’s free local support services for cancer patients and families. Read more…
Jarrettsville Library’s Essence Alchemy program is already full as locals line up to play perfumer and craft their own signature scents on May 16. Read more…
Bel Air is looking for its next Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year, with nominations due June 8 for locals who help make the town tick. Read more…
Freedom Truck 250 rolls into American Legion Post 39 in Bel Air May 11–13 with a free interactive America 250 museum featuring George Washington, founding documents, and food trucks. 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: Koda
“This is Koda, our 6-year-old Shepherd mix who’s happiest lounging after a good walk and soaking up every bit of attention he can get. He’s gentle, easygoing, loves meeting new people.”
Rufus, big pup cup fan!
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.
✔️ Roofing: Tar Heel Construction Group has 750+ five-star Google reviews, an A+ BBB rating, and has won “Best of Harford” six years in a row—Bel Air's go-to contractor since 2004 for roof replacements, repairs, siding, gutters, and solar.
✔️ Concrete Coatings: Platinum Concrete Coatings has 1,000+ 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 10,000+ locals each week? Learn more here.
Date Spot Of The Week
Magerk’s Pub & Grill (Bel Air)
📍 120 S Bond St, Bel Air
If your date night sweet spot is less “white tablecloth whispering” and more “good food, cold drinks, zero pressure,” MaGerk’s is an easy win. It’s a lively neighborhood pub known for Philly-style cheesesteaks, big shareables, and the kind of casual energy that makes the first drink turn into “should we split one more thing?”
What to order: Start with the Crab Pretzel or Crabby Tots — both bring the proper Maryland-meets-bar-food magic. For dinner, go classic with the 9th & Passyunk cheesesteak with steak and Whiz, or split the Chicken Chesapeake if you want something a little more date-night polished. And if you’re drinking, the fresh-squeezed crushes are the move — because nothing says romance like arguing over who picked the better flavor.
The vibe: Casual, upbeat, and very Bel Air in the best way. Great for a low-pressure dinner, a patio drink, or a “let’s just grab something quick” date that accidentally becomes a full night out.
Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today. Share it with someone has yet to book their Mother’s Day brunch reservation.
Matt | Bel Air Brief
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