Howard County’s Summer Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks Return

Mark your calendars – the much‑anticipated Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks are back, kicking off on July 27 and running straight through August 9. Sponsored by Visit Howard County, the two‑week showcase gives diners a chance to sample expanded menus, limited‑edition drinks, and a handful of surprises along the way.

“Howard County’s vibrant restaurant and craft‑beverage community is an essential part of what makes our county such a special place to live, work and visit,” County Executive Calvin Ball said at the kickoff press conference. He went on to note that the festival not only puts a spotlight on the talent of local chefs, brewers, distillers and winemakers, but also fuels the local economy, creates jobs, and stitches the community together over shared flavors.

Among the first to weigh in was Nathan Sowers, chef‑owner of River House on Main in historic Ellicott City. He explained that Restaurant Weeks line up perfectly with the restaurant’s return to its historic home, and that guests can now expect handcrafted pizzas, French‑Italian bistro dishes, and a weekend brunch menu that “feels like a celebration of the building itself.”

For the tech‑savvy foodie, there’s a new perk: participants in the Local HoCo Open Rewards app will earn a 10 percent cash‑back rebate at participating venues – double the usual rate. New sign‑ups even snag a $5 bonus credit, making the first bite feel a little sweeter.

“Open Rewards builds on the Local HoCo campaign by creating a simple, accessible way for residents and visitors to support locally owned businesses,” explained Amanda Hof, executive director of Visit Howard County. The app works by linking a credit or debit card; eligible purchases at any business bearing the Local HoCo seal automatically trigger the reward.

And if you love a good contest, you’ll be pleased to hear that Visit Howard County has teamed up with iHeartRadio. Listeners of Baltimore’s Z104.3, WPOC and JACK‑FM can enter online drawings for restaurant gift cards, while one grand prize bundles an overnight stay in Howard County with more than $1,000 worth of dining and attraction experiences.

So whether you’re a longtime fan of the county’s eateries or a curious newcomer, the Summer Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks offer a low‑pressure excuse to try something different, earn a little cash back, and maybe win a getaway while you’re at it. Just download the Open Rewards app, browse the participating list, and let the flavors guide you.