Together with
Hello Friends—
Welcome to the 235 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community!
Well, I can finally see the grass in my yard after a few days of this “heat wave”. Now I’m hearing rumors of more snow this weekend. I give up. Anyways.
Let’s get to this weekend… Falling Branch Brewery is hosting their 5th Annual StoutFest… if you’re up for a drive, the Havre de Grace Ice Festival is on Saturday… and a few local spots are celebrating National Margarita Day on Sunday.
Scroll down, make plans, and enjoy your weekend!
P.S. I’m always trying to make the Bel Air Brief more useful for you — so your feedback matters. Hit reply (or click here) & tell me: what do you want to see more (or less) of?
TOGETHER WITH PAUL APPLEGATE, EDWARD JONES
When’s the Last Time Someone Bought You Lunch to Talk About Retirement?
Probably never.
Paul Applegate is a local Edward Jones financial advisor who helps Harford County families, small business owners, blue-collar professionals, and first responders build clear, practical financial strategies.
Before entering financial services, Paul spent years in law enforcement — where planning ahead and protecting people wasn’t optional. That same disciplined, no-nonsense approach now guides how he works with clients: straightforward advice, zero pressure, and a plan you actually understand.
Many of his clients start with the same thought: “I just want to know if I’m on track.”
Bel Air Brief readers get a No Cost, No Pressure consultation — and lunch or coffee is on Paul during your first meeting.
Call 410-939-5270 or email [email protected] and mention “Bel Air Brief” to schedule.
P.S. If you want me to personally connect you with Paul, email me here.
Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas
Friday February 20th
February Market at The Painted Mill (Free)
📅 February 19th–22nd | Thursday 5–8PM; Friday–Sunday 10AM–5PM
📍 The Painted Mill, 1119 Main Street, Fallston
Shop home décor, apparel, and accessories during this three-day February Market, plus enjoy a Sip & Shop kickoff on Thursday evening from 5–8PM.
Designer Bag Bingo at St. Margaret School ($)
📅 Friday, February 20th | 7PM
📍 St. Margaret School, 205 N Hickory Ave, Bel Air
Grab your crew for a high-energy night of bingo featuring designer handbag prizes, large raffle baskets, drinks, and plenty of chances to yell “BINGO!”—tickets go on sale January 27th at 10AM and this event typically sells out fast.
A Touch of Tuscany: Pasta Making & Wine Pairing Class ($)
📅 Friday, February 20th | 7–10PM
📍 Evolved Catering & Event Center, 2315 Belair Road, Fallston
Enjoy a hands-on pasta-making class with World Food Championship finalist Chef Jeremy Wright, paired with guided Italian wine tastings, Tuscan-inspired food displays, and handcrafted specialty pizzas—all included in the ticket price
🎵 Back In Black – An AC/DC Tribute at Barrel House Live ($)
📅 Friday, February 20th | 8PM
📍 Barrel House Live, 2403 Belair Rd, Fallston
Rock out to AC/DC classics like “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell” when Back In Black takes the stage, with Electric Love (The Music of The Cult) opening the show—doors open at 6PM; tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Saturday February 21st
Galentine’s Tattoo Pop-Up at Lavish Salon & Spa (Free)
📅 Saturday, February 21st | 9AM–4PM
📍 Lavish Salon & Spa, 2739 Fallston Rd, Fallston
Grab your girls and stop by for tiny tattoos with Looney Luna & Sarahann Borreson, permanent jewelry, a bouquet bar with Electric Daisy Florist, tarot readings, Valentine’s Day nails, shopping with KatesThrifty, hair tinsel, refreshments, and more.
Topps Rip Night Fundraiser at Bel Air Sports Cards (Free)
📅 Saturday, February 21st | 10AM–5PM
📍 Bel Air Sports Cards, 1401 Conowingo Rd Unit C, Bel Air
Stop by for an all-day Topps Rip Party supporting the Forest Hill Express 12U team’s trip to Cooperstown, featuring giveaways, door prizes, memorabilia raffles, mystery bags, a 50/50 raffle, bake sale, and special discounts on Topps products.
5th Annual StoutFest at Falling Branch Brewery (Free)
📅 February 21st–22nd | Saturday 12–9PM; Sunday 12–7PM
📍 Falling Branch Brewery, 825 Highland Rd, Street
Celebrate two days of dark beer at StoutFest with guest brews from 15+ local breweries, live music, and food trucks including Black Tie Oyster, Bmore Greek, Hawks Hill Grill, and Moe Slice of Life (Sat only), plus plenty of indoor seating and additional bar space—no tickets required, just show up and sip.
Havre de Grace Ice Festival (Free)
📅 Saturday, February 21 | 2–7PM
📍 Downtown Havre de Grace & The STAR Centre
Over 50 ice sculptures, live carving demos, chili cook-off, hot toddy garden, fire pits, s’mores station, performances, and ice games downtown, plus kids’ activities, Extreme Raptors, and Wizard of Oz on Ice at The STAR with free trolley service; free to attend, but select activities require tickets.
The All New Wizard of Oz on Ice ($)
📅 Saturday, February 21st | 7:30–9PM
📍 The STAR Centre of Havre de Grace, 700 Congress Avenue, Havre de Grace
This reimagined ice skating stage show brings Dorothy, Toto, and the magical land of Oz to life with dazzling costumes, theatrical storytelling, and high-energy choreography—perfect for families and anyone who loves a fresh take on a classic tale.
90s & 2000’s Pajama Night Featuring DJ Zach (Free)
📅 Saturday, February 21st | 8PM
📍 J’Ville Grille, 3701 Federal Hill Rd., Jarrettsville
Throw on your best throwback PJs and hit the dance floor for a 90s & 2000s party with DJ Zach, plus food and drink specials and prizes for best dressed.
Sunday February 22nd
A Giant Vinyl Record Sale! The Bel Air Record Riot ($)
📅 Sunday, February 22nd | 10AM–4PM
📍 Bel Air Armory, 37 North Main Street, Bel Air
Dig through 10,000+ LPs plus CDs, 45s, and cassettes from 35+ dealer tables spanning punk, funk, rock, hip hop, oldies, disco and more—early admission starts at 9AM ($15) with regular admission at 10AM ($5).
Yoga On Tap at Watchtower Brewing Co. ($)
📅 Sunday, February 22nd | 10:30–11:30AM
📍 Watchtower Brewing Co., 22 Howard Street, Aberdeen
Start your Sunday with a guided all-levels yoga session in the taproom led by Gabi, then stick around for a well-earned pint after class.
National Margarita Day at Mucho Gusto (Free)
📅 Sunday, February 22nd | 11AM–9PM
📍 Mucho Gusto, 1209A Baltimore Pike Rd, Bel Air
Celebrate National Margarita Day with handcrafted margaritas made with fresh ingredients and intention—perfect for pairing with your favorite dish and settling in for a relaxed Sunday with friends.
National Margarita Day at Conrad’s Seafood (Free)
📅 Sunday, February 22nd | 11AM
📍 Conrad’s Seafood Restaurant, 3414 Merchant Boulevard, Abingdon
Celebrate National Margarita Day with $6 classic margaritas and $4 tacos—an easy Sunday excuse to grab friends, post up at the bar, and keep it casual with crowd-favorite seafood and drink specials.
Save the Dates:
February Barn Dance, Feb 28th, Deer Creek Overlook
The Texas Tenors, Feb 28th, AMOSS Center
10th Annual Bel Air Downtown Alliance Chocolate, Brew & Wine Tour, March 7th, Downtown Bel Air
Spring into Wellness Community Fair, March 21, Harford Day School
Rage Against Addiction’s Annual Memory Walk / Recovery Run, April 11th, Bel Air
For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Harco Live Music Round Up” facebook group…
Bel Air Community Partners
Our Community Partners are local businesses and organizations that have committed to growing with us in the Bel Air community.
These businesses make this newsletter possible so please consider supporting them!
Carl’s Garage Door Service — A third-generation, family-owned garage door company serving Harford and surrounding counties since 1965, specializing in residential and commercial installation, repair, and maintenance.
Paul Applegate, Edward Jones — A local financial advisor with Edward Jones helping Harford County residents plan confidently for retirement, career changes, and long-term financial goals.
Chesapeake Carpet & Flooring — Local flooring specialists offering carpet, hardwood, vinyl, tile, and custom flooring solutions with full installation and shop-at-home estimates.
Shannon’s Pretty Paws Pet Grooming — A calm, caring pet grooming studio in Edgewood providing gentle grooming services for dogs and cats, from full grooms to walk-in nail trims.
Fresh Start Furnishings — Harford County’s only furniture bank, providing free furniture and household essentials to families transitioning out of crisis.
Hardiman Marketing — A Bel Air–based marketing studio helping local businesses grow through branding, social media management, photography, and video storytelling.
The Screaming Bean Cafe — A locally owned café that donates a portion of monthly profits to Harford County charities while serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch in Aberdeen.
*Interested in having your business become a Community Partner?, click here to submit your interest
This Week in the Community…
Cozy Cookies Opening New Bel Air Bakery This Spring
Cozy Cookies announced it’s building its own bakery at 804 Conowingo Rd in Bel Air’s Del Plaza, with plans to open in late spring or early summer. The new space will feature 12+ cookie flavors, cinnamon rolls, ice cream, and coffee — plus expanded hours and no more selling out. Read more…
Tickets On Sale for Ma & Pa Railroad History Lecture in Bel Air
Learn about the legacy of the Ma & Pa Railroad — including its Bel Air stop — during “The Ma & Pa Comes to Harford” at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 21 at The Historical Society of Harford County Inc. The $15 lecture will be led by Walter Holloway, a fifth-generation Ma & Pa Railroad family member with deep knowledge of its history. Read more…
Behavioral Innovations Celebrates Grand Opening in Forest Hill
Behavioral Innovations marked its grand opening and ribbon cutting last week for its new Forest Hill location. The center provides personalized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and resources for children on the autism spectrum in a supportive, skill-building environment. 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: Maple
Meet Maple! Our curious little explorer. Those are her typical eyes that look like they’re permanently asking, “What are we getting into today?”
Maple, a great explorer!
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
Date Spot Of The Week
Boards By Dana - The Grazing Room (Bel Air)
📍 15 E Churchville Rd #109, Bel Air, MD 21014
Open Wed–Sat, 10am–3pm (closed Sun–Tues)
If you're lining up a lunch date that feels thoughtful without being formal, The Grazing Room hits that sweet spot. It’s cozy, polished, and intentionally small — the kind of place where you can actually hear each other talk. Think coffee shop comfort meets boutique café.
The menu is built perfectly for midday. The Figgy Turkey (Brie + fig jam always wins), Smoked Cherry Bomb with crispy prosciutto, and the Melty Roast Beef on ciabatta are standouts. Not super hungry? Split a Soup & Sandwich Combo or grab a small charcuterie graze box to share — cheeses, meats, fruit, nuts, the works. The Harvest Salad and Strawberry Goat Salad are both solid if you’re keeping it lighter.
Why it works for a date: it’s easy. Light enough that you won’t need a nap after. Interesting enough to share a few bites. And it feels a little elevated without any pressure.
Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today. Share it with someone who could sit at a coffee shop for hours.
Matt | Bel Air Brief
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