Together with
Hello Friends—
Welcome to the 294 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community!
Snow Watch: What to Know This Weekend
As of writing this, we’ve got a pretty big snow event expected for Saturday night and Sunday. If you’ve lived in Maryland long enough, you know that you can never really trust a snow forecast. But this one seems pretty significant.
To help you prepare (without panic), I’ve pulled together a short list of reliable Bel Air and Harford County resources below covering road conditions, closures, weather updates, and local alerts.
Harford County Emergency & Snow Updates
Town of Bel Air Alerts Center
Harford County Emergency Preparedness Guide
Additional Information for Special Needs, Shelter, etc
Now to this weekend… Double Groove Brewing is hosting their 6-year anniversary celebration Friday… the Oriole Bird is coming to Weis Market… and the Amoss Center is hosting a Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute on Sunday. Plus the new THB Bagelry in Bel Air is opening January 29th.
Scroll down, make plans, and enjoy your weekend!
P.S. Be sure to check individual event pages and links for weather-related updates or cancellations before heading out.
TOGETHER WITH PAUL APPLEGATE
He Spent Years Protecting the Community — Now He Helps Protect Your Future
After a career in law enforcement, Paul Applegate saw firsthand how planning ahead leads to better outcomes.
Today, as a local Edward Jones financial advisor, he helps Harford County individuals and families become intentional with their money — whether that means sorting out an old 401(k), preparing for retirement, or gaining peace of mind after retirement.
His mission is simple: protect your future the way he once protected your community, with clarity, structure, and a plan you can trust.
Paul is offering Bel Air Brief readers a no-cost, no-pressure Retirement Check Up, plus lunch on him during your first meeting.
Call 410-939-5270 or click here to email Paul and schedule your No Cost No Pressure Retirement Check Up!
P.S. Tell him “Matt from Bel Air Brief” sent you OR if you want me to personally connect you with Paul, email me here.
Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas
Featured Event
Harford County Restaurant Week
January 16th–25th | Participating Harford County Restaurants
For 10 delicious days, restaurants across Harford County will offer special menus and discounts, making it the perfect time to explore new spots or revisit local favorites. With dozens of participating establishments—and more added daily—there’s no shortage of reasons to plan a few nights out and taste your way through the county.
Friday January 23rd
January Market 2026 @ The Tin Can (Free)
📅 Friday–Sunday, January 23rd–25th | 10AM–5PM
📍 The Tin Can, 1008 Main Street, Fallston
If your home feels a little empty after packing away the holiday décor, this three-day winter market is the perfect refresh. Shop dozens of local small businesses offering refurbished and new furniture, home décor, pottery, jewelry, wall art, vintage finds, lighting, Valentine’s Day gifts, handmade soaps and lotions, and plenty more to browse at your own pace.
Double Groove Brewing 6-Year Anniversary Celebration (Free)
📅 Friday, January 23rd | 12PM–10PM
📍 Double Groove Brewing, 1659 Robin Cir, Forest Hill
Celebrate six years of Double Groove Brewing with a full day of new beer releases, live music, food trucks, and anniversary merch. The first 50 customers to buy a beer on Friday will receive a commemorative 16oz anniversary glass while supplies last.
Oriole Bird Meet & Greet at Weis Markets (Free)
📅 Friday, January 23rd | 6–7PM
📍 Weis Markets, 550 W MacPhail Rd, Bel Air
Come meet the best mascots in all of baseball for a fun, family-friendly photo opportunity. No ticket required—photos only, first come, first served.
🎵 Ginger & The Protest Live at Main Street Tower (Free)
📅 Friday, January 23rd | 7PM–10:30PM
📍 Main Street Tower, 29 S Main Street, Bel Air
Catch Ginger & The Protest live for a high-energy night of rock, great vibes, and your favorite Main Street Tower food and drinks. No cover—just good music, good company, and a fun Friday night out.
🎵 Animal Magnetism & Madhouse Tribute Night at Barrel House Live ($)
📅 Friday, January 23rd | 8PM
📍 Barrel House Live, 2403 Bel Air Rd, Fallston
Saturday January 24th
Donation Collection Day with Fresh Start Furnishings (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 8AM–2PM
📍 Keene Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, 3707 Norrisville Rd, Jarrettsville
Help turn empty houses into homes by donating gently used housewares, home décor, and small furniture to support Fresh Start Furnishings. Every donation helps provide dignity, stability, and a fresh start for individuals and families overcoming homelessness in Harford County.
Harford’s Harvest Winter Market: Grab & Go Edition (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 10AM–12PM
📍 Harford’s Harvest Winter Market, 2 S Bond St, Downtown Bel Air
Harford’s Harvest Winter Market is going Grab & Go this Saturday, making it easy to stock up from local vendors without lingering in the cold. Swing by for fresh, local favorites and enjoy a free small hot coffee or hot chocolate.
Interactive Ice Cream Tour @ Prigel Family Creamery ($)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 11AM–3PM
📍 Prigel Family Creamery, 4852 Long Green Rd, Glen Arm
Meet the farmer and the cows, then head into the creamery to create your own custom ice cream flavor and finish with a flight of four scoops. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.
Grey Matter Counseling & Consulting Open House (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 12PM–3PM
📍 Grey Matter Counseling & Consulting, 221 Maitland St., Suite 200, Bel Air
Stop by for a relaxed, pressure-free open house to meet the Grey Matter team, learn about therapy and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and explore new wellness options. Light refreshments and exclusive service specials will be available throughout the afternoon.
Hummingbird Stained Glass Workshop ($)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 1PM–4PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Bel Air Rd, Fallston
Create your own hummingbird stained glass suncatcher in this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop using pre-cut glass pieces. You’ll learn the basics of assembly and leave with a finished piece of window art to take home.
Early Night Party with DJ Nick Paros (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 6PM–9PM
📍 Chris Doughs Pizzeria & Bar, 1517 Rock Spring Rd, Forest Hill
Kick off your Saturday with an all-ages early night party featuring DJ Nick Paros, great drinks, and a fun, high-energy atmosphere. Grab some pizza or cheesesteaks, hit the dance floor, and enjoy a lively night out close to home.
🎵 Whisky Train Acoustic Duo at Independent Brewing Company (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 6PM–9PM
📍 Independent Brewing Company, 418 N Main St, Bel Air
🎵 One Step Down Live at Pairings Bistro (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 6PM–10PM
📍 Pairings Bistro, 2105 Laurel Bush Rd, Bel Air
The Piano Men: A Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute ($)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 7PM
📍 Amoss Center at Harford Technical High School, 401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air
Travel through the 1970s hit by hit as Jim Witter and his band bring the music of Billy Joel and Elton John to life in this high-energy, nostalgia-filled concert experience. Expect iconic songs, big visuals, and a night designed for anyone who grew up with these timeless classics.
🎵 Red Dirt Revolution Live at Looney’s Pub (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 24th | 8PM
📍 Looney’s Pub Bel Air, 312 S Main St, Bel Air
Catch Red Dirt Revolution live for a high-energy night of rock and country-infused favorites at Looney’s Pub North. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy a no-cover Saturday night show in Bel Air.
Sunday January 25th
A Soft Start: Yoga, Breathwork, Art & Sunset Walk ($)
📅 Sunday, January 25th | 2PM–5:30PM
📍 Star Bright Farm, 2950 Garrett Rd, White Hall
Ease into the new year with a gentle afternoon of yoga, guided breathwork, creative expression, and a reflective sunset walk in a farm setting. This slow, intentional gathering is designed to help you unwind, reconnect, and welcome what’s next at your own pace.
Conference Championship Watch Party (Free)
📅 Sunday, January 25th | 3PM
📍 Looney’s Pub Bel Air, 312 S Main St, Bel Air
Watch the Conference Championship games with fellow fans on the big screens and a lively game-day crowd. The game-day menu will be available all day, making it an easy spot to settle in for playoff football.
Save the Dates:
Bad Romance Anti-Valentine Bingo, Feb 12th, Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen
Parent’s Night Out Valentines Day Drop-Off Event, Feb 14th, We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym
10th Annual Bel Air Downtown Alliance Chocolate, Brew & Wine Tour, March 7th, Downtown Bel Air
For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Harco Live Music Round Up” facebook group…
Locals Know Best
Each week, we feature a few local Bel Air & Harford County experts sharing quick, practical advice to make your life a little easier — straight from the people who know this community best.
Local Nonprofit
Alicia Hamilton | Executive Director
Fresh Start Furnishings — Harford County’s Only Furniture Bank
How One Saturday Can Help Turn Empty Houses Into Real Homes
Most people don’t realize it, but furniture poverty — living without basic household furniture — affects nearly 1 in 3 Americans, and thousands right here in Harford County. Families moving out of homelessness, domestic violence, foster care, or sober-living often receive housing… but no beds, tables, or dressers. Many end up sleeping and eating on the floor.
Fresh Start Furnishings is Harford County’s only furniture bank, and demand is soaring. Last year, 574 households applied, but limited space and staffing meant only 269 could be served. Yet the impact is undeniable:
95% of clients say their quality of life improved
90% feel more stable at home
Nearly 80% report better mental and physical health
Fresh Start Furnishings is hosting a Donation Collection Day this Saturday January 24th (from 8am to 12pm at Keene Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Jarrettsville) giving Harford County residents a simple way to make a meaningful local impact. Their mission is straightforward but powerful: take gently used furniture and household items and place them directly into homes for individuals and families rebuilding their lives.
For many people moving out of homelessness or unsafe living situations, securing housing is only the first step. An empty apartment still feels temporary. A furnished one feels like home.
Why This Donation Day Matters:
It turns housing into a home
Beds, dressers, tables, and lamps help create stability, comfort, and dignity during a major life transition.
It removes a hidden barrier to staying housed
Furniture is expensive, and without it, settling in can feel overwhelming — Fresh Start helps bridge that gap.
It keeps good items local and useful
Donations collected stay right here in Harford County, directly supporting neighbors in need.
It’s an easy way to help — without writing a check
This Saturday’s collection day makes donating simple, organized, and immediately impactful.
Local Tip: If you’ve been meaning to clear out a spare room, basement, or garage, this is the perfect opportunity. Gently used furniture and household items you no longer need could be exactly what someone else is hoping for.
Fresh Start Furnishings’ Donation Collection Day is happening this Saturday January 24th (from 8am to 12pm at Keene Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Jarrettsville), and it’s one of the easiest ways to create a real fresh start for a local family — one piece of furniture at a time.
This Week in the Community…
THB Bagelry Sets Opening Date for New Bel Air Location
THB Bagelry and Deli has confirmed it will open its new Bel Air shop at 119 N. Tollgate Road on January 29, with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting planned to welcome customers. The Bel Air location marks the popular Maryland bagel brand’s eighth store in the state and brings its breakfast and deli offerings to Harford County. Read more…
Conrad’s in Abingdon Announces Super Bowl Block Party
Conrad’s Seafood Restaurant in Abingdon has announced a ticketed Super Bowl Block Party set for Sunday, February 8, featuring all-you-can-eat food and drinks, block picks with cash prizes, and halftime games. The $100 event includes a full buffet, drink package, and multiple chances to win throughout the night. Read more…
February Barn Dance Announced at Deer Creek Overlook
Deer Creek Overlook has announced its February Barn Dance, set for Saturday, February 28, featuring live music from Great Train Robbery, dancing, raffles, and a full night of food and drinks. The 21-and-over event offers discounted presale tickets and is expected to sell out, continuing the venue’s popular barn dance tradition. 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: Fluffy
“Hi! My name is Fluffy, and I’m a 6-year-old Australian Shepherd with lots of personality. You might notice the unique spots on my nose—that’s my vitiligo, and it makes me extra special! I love chewing on bones, getting all the pets I can, and taking cozy naps under the bed. That’s my favorite place to dream.”
Fluffy, always up for a good nap!
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 6,700+ locals? Click here to submit your interest.
Date Spot Of The Week
One Eleven Main (Bel Air)
📍 111 S Main St, Bel Air
If you’re looking to impress (or just escape your usual routine), One Eleven Main on Main Street is the kind of spot that turns a simple dinner into an occasion. With intimate lighting, locally sourced ingredients, and a chef who clearly knows what they’re doing, it’s no surprise one recent guest called it a “must-visit culinary gem,” praising the warm service and standout dishes like the crispy soft shell crab and rotating chef specials. The cocktail program also shines — from the fresh, herbaceous Garden Gimlet to the bold Café Old Fashioned.
Looking for a midweek excuse to go? Tuesdays and Wednesdays feature their Dinner Special with 2 courses for $54 or 3 courses for $62, using regular menu selections. Pair it with Happy Hour from 4:45–6:30 PM for a relaxed start to the evening.
Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today. Share it with someone who is always prepared for a big snow storm.
Matt | Bel Air Brief
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