Together With

Hello Friends—

Welcome to the 151 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community… And a big milestone to celebrate together: our community just crossed 5,000 subscribers(!)

It still blows my mind how quickly this has grown. We were at 4,000 on October 16th. And believe it or not, I sent the very first edition way back in May to 55 people. Every share, every reply, every recommendation to a friend… that’s what built this.

I’ve said from the very beginning that this newsletter is yours as much as it is mine, and the best part of writing it each week is hearing from you. If there’s a story you want covered, a business you love, or something happening in your neighborhood, hit reply and let me know — you’re truly shaping where this goes next.

Next stop: 10,000 subscribers next year! Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

This week: Sixx Cool Moms Holiday Market is happening at the Fallston Barrel House… Bel Air Sports Cards is hosting a Card Show & Trade Night… and our very own Natalie Davis highlights AfroKouture, a new addition to the Bel Air Armory Marketplace.

Scroll down, make plans, and enjoy your weekend!

The Bel Air Contractor Homeowners Recommend Before They Need One

Most contractors get called when something goes wrong.

Tar Heel Construction Group gets recommended long before that.

With 1,000+ Bel Air projects, 700+ 5-star Google reviews, and five straight Best of Harford wins, they’ve become the go-to team families trust before the leaks, cracks, and surprises show up.

From roofing to siding, gutters, and solar — every job comes with manufacturer warranty coverage + their workmanship guarantee.

Want a real opinion on your home’s exterior? They’ll come out for a free, no-pressure inspection right here in Bel Air.

Call (410) 638-7021 or click here to schedule your inspection with Tar Heel Construction Group today.

P.S. Tell them “Matt from Bel Air Brief” sent you!

Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas

Food & Drink

🎄 Christmas Market @ The Tin Can (Free)
📅 Friday-Sunday, November 21-23 | 10AM–5PM
📍 The Tin Can, 1008 Main St, Fallston
Kick off the weekend with a festive sip-and-shop featuring holiday décor, handmade gifts, refurbished furniture, pottery, jewelry, vintage finds, and more. A cozy, local market packed with unique items for everyone on your Christmas list.

🍁 Level VFC Ladies Auxiliary Fall Festival (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 9AM–2PM
📍 Level Volunteer Fire Company, 3633 Level Village Rd, Havre de Grace
Kick off the holiday season with local vendors, festive treats, and homemade pies and cookies perfect for Thanksgiving. A great chance to shop small while supporting the Level VFC Ladies Auxiliary.

🎄 Sixx Cool Moms Holiday Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 23rd | 10 AM–3 PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Bel Air Rd, Fallston
Shop local crafters, browse vendors, and enjoy festive food and drinks as you tackle your holiday list early. A family-friendly event hosted by Sixx Cool Moms with raffles and more.

🍷 Autumn Trucks ’n’ Tunes @ Boordy Vineyards (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 11AM–6PM
📍 Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes
Sip seasonal wines, enjoy live music, and take in the fall scenery at Boordy’s harvest celebration with local food and cozy firepits.

🍻 Momsgiving Happy Hour (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 2–5 PM
📍 Slate Farm Brewery, 2128 Whiteford Rd, Whiteford
Take a breather before the holiday rush and enjoy an afternoon just for moms — seasonal beers, raffles, and time to unwind with friends. Hosted by Teller Ro & Co., it’s a fun, low-key way to connect and recharge.

Family Fun

🎄 Holiday Market @ The Painted Mill (Free)
📅 Thursday-Sunday, November 20-23 | 5–8 PM
📍 The Painted Mill, 1119 Main St, Fallston
Kick off the season with an evening of festive shopping, unique holiday vendors, and gift inspiration inside one of Fallston’s coziest markets.

🎄 Holiday Craft Bazaar @ St. Francis de Sales (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 8 AM–2 PM
📍 St. Francis de Sales Church, 1450 Abingdon Rd, Abingdon
Shop talented local crafters, enjoy the K of C Ladies Bake Sale, and grab pit beef, ham, or turkey sandwiches while you browse.

🎁 Holly Jolly Holiday Bazaar (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 9 AM–2 PM
📍 Fallston United Methodist Church, 1509 Fallston Rd, Fallston
Browse 50+ crafters and vendors, grab lunch or baked goods, and let the kids enjoy a Winter Wonderland with gingerbread decorating, face painting, and visits with Santa (10 AM–1 PM).

🎅 Sensory Santa Photo Experience ($)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 10 AM–1 PM
📍 Harford Academy, 100 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air
A quieter, sensory-friendly visit with Santa featuring hot cocoa, cookies, and a relaxed photo opportunity. Entry includes treats and one family photo, with Venmo, PayPal, and cash accepted.

📚 Holiday Book Fair & Food Drive (Food Donation)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 12–4 PM
📍 Independent Brewing Company, Bel Air
Odd Bird Bookshop is popping up at Independent Brewing Co. with holiday reads, gifts, and festive cheer. Donate two or more non-perishable food items to support local families and enjoy 10% off your purchase.

🃏 After Hours Card Show & Trade Night (Toy Donation for Entry)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 6–10 PM
📍 Bel Air Sports Cards, 1401 Conowingo Rd, Unit C, Bel Air
Bring a new unwrapped toy to support the Empty Stocking Toy Drive and enjoy an evening of buying, selling, and trading sports and Pokémon cards. With vendors, trading tables, mystery bags, prizes, and free food and drinks, it’s a great night for collectors of all ages (kids under 15 must attend with an adult).

🎬 “Wicked: For Good” Opening Week
📅 Thursday, November 20th–Sunday, November 23rd | Times vary
📍 Horizon Cinemas Aberdeen, 1012 Beards Hill Rd, Aberdeen
Catch the epic conclusion of Wicked with special opening-week perks — a themed selfie station, exclusive concession items, and fun contests.

🍓 Bel Air Farmers Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 8AM–12PM
📍 2 South Bond St, Bel Air
8AM: Harford Vineyard & Slate Farm Brewery… Shop fresh local produce, breads, meats, and crafts.

🥕 Havre de Grace Farmers Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 8:30AM–12PM
📍 700 Block of Pennington Ave, Havre de Grace
Support local vendors and pick up artisan eats and goods.

Music & Entertainment

Comotto & Bell
📅 Friday, November 21st | 6PM
📍 Hickory Lodge, 2119 Conowingo Rd, Hickory

Stray Cats In The County
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 7-11PM
📍Main Street Tower, 29 S Main St, Bel Air

Rock Against Addiction Fundraiser ($)
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 1–6 PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Bel Air Rd, Fallston

Under the Covers @ Looney’s Pub
📅 Saturday, November 22nd | 8PM-12AM
📍 Looney’s Pub, 312 S Main St, Bel Air

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

Save the dates:
Thanksgiving Eve Party @ Looney’s Pub, Nov 26th, Bel Air
Opening Night of Winter Wonderland Bel Air, Nov 29th, Bel Air
Mistletoe Mayhem Happy Hour & Toy Drive, Dec 2nd, Fallston Barrel House
Harford Holidays @ Ripken Stadium, Dec 4-6 & 12-13, Aberdeen

This Week in the Community…

AfroKouture, a new artisan-run boutique in the Bel Air Armory Marketplace, is bringing handmade Kenyan fashion, jewelry, home décor, and locally crafted goods to Main Street. A portion of every sale supports HopeWorks Global, a Harford County nonprofit focused on human trafficking prevention and survivor support, founded by shop owner Linda Aluoch. AfroKouture partners with more than 40 Kenyan families to create economic opportunities abroad while strengthening awareness and education efforts here at home. Read more…

Small Business Saturday Returns to Downtown Bel Air
Downtown Bel Air is inviting the community to shop local on November 29 for Small Business Saturday. From clothing and décor to baked goods and pet supplies, local shops will be stocked with unique gifts for everyone on your list. It’s a perfect way to support small businesses while getting a head start on holiday shopping. Read more…

Aberdeen High School Launches “Adulting 101” Program
Aberdeen High School has launched a new after-school initiative called “Adulting 101,” giving students hands-on lessons in practical, real-world skills like vehicle maintenance, professional correspondence, and budgeting. The flexible program serves as an engaging alternative to traditional detention and allows students to build confidence before graduation. 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: Remy

“Remy on move in day! He (and his sister, Grace) are adjusting to the new sounds and love our new home in Abingdon.”

Remy, a very brave boy!

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

Are you a realtor (or know one) who is looking to expand your local visibility & feature your active listings in this section to 5,000+ locals? Click here to submit your interest.

Date Spot Of The Week

📍 540 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air, MD 21014

This week’s date night pick takes us to Bubbakoo’s Burritos — Bel Air’s newest fast-casual spot, freshly opened this past October and owned by a Harford County local. It’s relaxed, affordable, and perfect for couples who want an easygoing night with customizable, flavor-packed food. Build your own burrito, bowl, or tacos with everything from grilled steak to crispy fried chicken, then pile on the queso, guac, or hibachi-style veggies.

Split an order of loaded curly fries, wings, or their southwest potstickers, and end the night with churro bites if you’re feeling sweet. A fun, no-stress date — and a great way to support a brand-new local business.

Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today! Share this with the person you know who hasn’t subscribed to this newsletter!

Matt | Bel Air Brief

Our Community Partners are local businesses and organizations that have committed to growing with us in the Bel Air community. If you’re interested in what it looks like to be a Community Partner, let’s talk.

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