🇮🇹 Maryland Italian Festival Returns This Weekend

Together With

Hello Friends—

Last Thursday, just hours after I sent out last week’s newsletter, our community was struck by a horrible tragedy. And I’d be remiss not to mention it and do what I can to help. We are grieving the loss of Blake Elliott, a 16 year old student at C. Milton Wright. And praying for a speedy recovery for Zach Griffin, also a student at C. Milton Wright, who as of writing this is in stable - but critical - condition.

Blake is remembered “as a bright light, a funny person and a great soccer player — beloved by everyone who knew her”.

To no surprise, our community is coming together to remember Blake & support Zach and both of their families. Below are a few ways I’ve found you can support them:

-Blake’s Family GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3f95895b3
-Zach’s Family GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7e6a4091b
-Tonight, at 4:45PM, Kaitlin’s Greyhound Tennis is hosting a donation based clinic for kids and adults to honor and remember the life of Blake. You can find more information here.
-Friday, Fallston Barrel House is hosting “Rock Out for Blake & Zach”, with a portion of all proceeds from open to close go directly to their families. You can find more information here.
-Monday, Sept 29th, all Conrad’s Crabs locations will host a Dine-In & Carry-Out Fundraiser to support both families. You can find more information here.

If you know of any additional ways to support, please reply to this email or click here and I will get them posted on our facebook page.

As always, thank you for being part of this community… Moments like these remind us how important community really is. With that in mind, here are some ways to connect, support local, and spend time with the people you care about this weekend.

Together With… Our Friends at Tar Heel Construction Group

The Risk-Free Way to Fix Your Bel Air Roof (or Siding)

Roof replacements and siding upgrades are stressful — but they don’t have to be.

Tar Heel Construction Group has been voted Bel Air’s best roofing contractor five years in a row because they make the process painless:

• Free, no-pressure inspection right here in Bel Air

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• Strong manufacturer warranties + workmanship guarantee

• Crew that shows up on time and cleans up your yard

They also handle gutters and solar installs, so you can cross every exterior project off your list with one call.

Join over 1,000+ Bel Air homeowners who trusted Joe Ayler and his team with their homes and see why your neighbors keep voting Tar Heel Construction #1 in Harford County.

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

Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas

Featured Event

🇮🇹 Maryland Italian Festival
📅 Friday–Sunday, September 26–28 | Fri 5-11PM, Sat 11AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-7PM
📍 Ripken Stadium Parking Lot, 873 Long Dr, Aberdeen, MD

Celebrate everything Italian over three full days at Maryland’s largest Italian Festival. Think carnival rides, a wine/beer & liquor piazza, bocce tournaments, glassblowing & chalk artists, character appearances, food & retail vendors, National entertainment, heritage village, fireworks, and cooking demos. Hosted by the Society of Italian American Businessmen, it’s all about food, fun, music, and culture—with something for families and festival lovers alike.

Tickets start at just $12. Children 12 & under are free.

Click Here Grab Your Tickets & Celebrate the Best of Italian Culture!

Food & Drink

🥤 Tropical Smoothie Café Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
📅 Friday, September 26th & Saturday, September 27th | Ribbon Cutting Friday 3PM
📍 Tropical Smoothie Café, 2590 Admiral Ln, Bel Air
Celebrate the new Belcamp location with a block party–style grand opening. Ribbon cutting Friday at 3PM, plus the first 25 customers each morning win free smoothies for a year.

🎃 PumpkinFest @ Falling Branch Brewery
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 11AM–6PM
📍 Falling Branch Brewery, 825 Highland Rd, Street
A full day of fall fun with pumpkin picking, corn maze, hayrides, live music, food trucks, and seasonal brews (including pumpkin beer, seltzer slushies, and ciders). Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and free admission.

🦐 Abingdon Fire Company Bull & Shrimp Roast
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 7–11:00PM
📍 Edgewood American Legion, 415 State Highway 755, Edgewood
All-you-can-eat buffet (pit beef, steamed shrimp, pasta, chicken, salad, sides, desserts) with drinks, raffles, DJ, door prizes, Big 6 Wheel, and more. Proceeds benefit Abingdon Fire Company for equipment, training & support.

🐾 Yappy Hour Fundraiser @ Independent Brewing Co
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 2–5PM
📍 Independent Brewing Company, 418 N Main St, Bel Air
Bring your pups for a dog-gone good time while supporting the American Cancer Society & Relay for Life. Enjoy live music from Rachel Hall, food from Slice is Right & Cowboy Eats, and a raffle basket worth $800.

🍷 Sip & Sauté: Field to Feast “Smoked”
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 6PM
📍 Grid Iron Farm, 600 Craig’s Corner Rd, Havre de Grace
The first in Maison Intimate Catering’s Field to Feast series — an open-air farm dinner featuring smoked meats, seafood, and vegetables slow-cooked over wood-fired flames. Enjoy a multi-course menu, live music, and a unique farm-to-table experience under the stars.

Family Fun

🛍️ September Monthly Market @ The Painted Mill
📅 September 26th–28th | 10AM–5PM Daily
📍 The Painted Mill, 1119 Main St, Fallston
Fall is in the air at this three-day market featuring seasonal home décor, apparel, and more. A cozy stop for anyone looking to refresh their space with autumn vibes.

🌙 Friday Night Lights at the Garden of Greenspring
📅 Friday, September 26th | 5–8PM
📍 Greenspring Nursery, 1608B Jarrettsville Rd, Jarrettsville
An evening under the lights with live music from Hula Pigs, food trucks (Loud Tacos + Crossroads Bistro), and drinks from Falling Branch Brewery. Plus, one-night-only: 50% off all plant material. Free, family-friendly, and the perfect Friday night vibe.

🚗 46th Annual “MGs on the Rocks” British Car Show
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 9:00AM–3:30PM
📍 Rocks State Park 4H Camp, 2 Cherry Hill Rd, Street
One of the longest-running British car shows in the U.S. — over 200 classic British cars on display, judged by the owners’ vote. Free admission, $5 parking. Local food trucks and classic music by Jammin’ Jefferson round out the experience.

🎬 HCSO’s Outdoor Movie Night – Dog Man
📅 Saturday, September 27th | Gates 5:45PM, Movie 7:05PM
📍 Friendship Wine & Liquor, 3520 Woodsdale Rd, Abingdon
Enjoy a free outdoor screening of DreamWorks’ Dog Man with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. Concessions and blankets available while supplies last — a family-friendly night under the stars.

🎸 Rock the Park – Benefit Concert for Cancer Can Rock
📅 Saturday, September 28th | 12–7PM
📍 Friendship Park, 3520 Woodsdale Rd, Abingdon
Seven hours of live, non-stop music to raise funds for Cancer Can Rock. Enjoy a full lineup of bands, food trucks (Box Hill Pizzeria & Crab Cakes, Kooper’s Chowhound Burger Wagon), drinks, raffles, a silent auction, a kids zone, and vendors ranging from jewelry and art to handmade cookies and hot sauce. A community celebration with purpose — all proceeds support musicians facing cancer.

🌸 Build Your Own Bouquet Bar
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 8AM–3PM
📍 CoffeeBar Bel Air, 5 N Main St, Bel Air
Create your own flower bouquet with Electric Daisy Florist, sip on your favorite coffee, and support shelter pets in need. 20% of flower sales benefit the Humane Society of Harford County — a beautiful way to give back.

🧘 Kids Yoga with Thumps Up Yoga
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 10:30AM
📍 Olivia's Nutrition & Fitness, 612 N Juniata St, Havre de Grace
A fun morning of yoga designed for kids — just $10 per child, with a drink and snack included after class.

🍓 Bel Air Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 8AM–12PM
📍 2 South Bond St, Bel Air
8AM: Harford Vineyard & Falling Branch Brewery … 9AM: Charlie Hittman, Live Music Guest… Shop fresh local produce, breads, meats, and crafts.

🥕 Havre de Grace Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 8:30AM–12PM
📍 700 Block of Pennington Ave, Havre de Grace
Support local vendors and pick up artisan eats and goods.

Music & Entertainment

The 1974
📅 Friday, September 26th | 5-9PM
📍 Flying Point Marina, 324 Flying Point Road, Edgewood

Groovalicious – The Ultimate Disco Revival
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 8–11:30PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Belair Rd, Fallston, MD

The Two Gingers Reunion Show
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 6PM
📍Independent Brewing Company, 418 N. Main St, Bel Air

Kristen & The Noise
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 9PM
📍Looney’s Pub, 312 S Main St, Bel Air

For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Live Music In Harford County” facebook group…

This Week in the Community…

Looney’s Pub Launches Fall Menu
This week, Looney’s is rolling out a brand-new fall menu packed with cozy comfort food and seasonal drinks. Think Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Beef, Shrimp & Scallop Skewers, and a Poached Apple Sundae — plus cocktails like the Maple Cinnamon Whiskey Sour and Pumpkin Pie Martini. Read more…

Ravens Game Day Specials at Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen
Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen is making Sundays worth cheering for with all-day game day deals. Sip $6 crushes, $4 rail drinks, and $5 Ravens Bombs, or grab a bucket or pitcher special with combo deals like 1 lb. of steamed shrimp, oysters, or wings paired with beer for $36. Select apps are just $12 — yes, including the wings — and one lucky fan will win Ravens tickets at halftime of the 4PM games. Read more…

Volunteers Beautify Bel Air with Art & Plantings
The Queen Anne’s Lace sculpture at Hickory & Pennsylvania Aveneue has become a vibrant landmark thanks to the Cultural Arts Commission, which commissioned the piece, and the Appearance & Beautification Committee, which surrounds it with seasonal plantings. Together, these volunteers bring color, joy, and a sense of pride to the heart of Bel Air. Read more…

New Adventure Park Coming to Edgewood
Fun City Adventure Park will be opening in Edgewood, transforming a former grocery store into a 55,000-square-foot indoor playground with trampolines, climbing walls, ninja warrior courses, and foam pits. The opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but this is one to watch for anyone looking for fun year-round options. 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).

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

This week’s reader submission is: Chase

“This is Chase! His favorite activities are camping and being in daddy’s lap, not necessarily in that order!”

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. It’s a fun way to share smiles with the community and discover local pet resources along the way.

Bel Air Bulletin

Want to spotlight your business to 3,300+ locals? Reply to this email or click the button below to book an ad for your business in the next Bel Air Bulletin.

☕ The Screaming Bean
A local business committed to making a difference where it matters most, always donating a percentage of its monthly profits to local charities that serve veterans, families in need, and underserved residents of Harford County. Every cup poured supports not just a customer, but a cause—proving that great coffee can build a stronger community. We also provide catering. Located at 3700 Churchville Road in Aberdeen & 6617 Aberdeen Blvd @ Aberdeen Proving Ground. Check out the menu here: ScreamingBeanCafe.com, or call 443-286-6821. Click here to download the Screaming Bean mobile app.

🍊 Craft Crushes - Maryland’s #1 Cocktail (My personal favorite, too!)
Local, family-owned & made in Baltimore. Craft Crushes delivers all-natural, gluten-free Crush cocktails in a can—6% ABV, only 200 cals, vodka distilled 6x. Perfect for beach days, BBQs, or beating the heat inside. Available at local liquor stores—check the site for locations! craftcrushes.com

👟 Charm City Run – Bel Air’s Running Hub
Your local source for expert-fitted running shoes, apparel, and gear. Charm City Run offers complimentary gait analysis to find your perfect fit, plus training programs, race events, and group runs to keep you motivated. Whether you’re a marathoner or a casual walker, their team is ready to get you moving. Open daily— click here for store hours and upcoming events.

Date Spot Of The Week

Independent Brewing Co (Bel Air)

📍 418 N Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014

This week we’re heading downtown to Independent Brewing Co — the perfect spot for a laid-back date with a local vibe. Start with a flight of their rotating craft beers (seasonals, sours, hazy IPAs, and more), then settle in on the patio with a pint while enjoying food truck fare from the weekly lineup. With live music most weekends and a dog-friendly beer garden, it’s casual, fun, and made for relaxing together.

Pro Tip: Check their event calendar & facebook page before you go — new small-batch brews drop often, and catching one fresh on tap makes date night feel even more special.

👉 See what’s on tap & plan your visit…

Real Estate Corner

Each week, this spot could connect you with a trusted local realtor—someone who knows the market, shares insights, and keeps you in the loop on what’s happening in our neighborhoods. If you’re a realtor (or know one) who is looking to expand their local visibility, email me here.

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