Central Maryland’s Late January–Early February Highlights

Written By Keith Walsh

Baltimore City: Harbor Point Ice Fest, Baltimore Restaurant Week & Arena Shows

Baltimore Restaurant Week — Jan. 23–Feb. 1, 2026
Baltimore’s largest winter dining event returns with ~100 participating restaurants offering prix-fixe lunch, brunch & dinner deals downtown and beyond. Highlights often include themed pairings and chef pop-ups — perfect for foodies.

Harbor Point Ice Festival — Jan. 24, 2026
A free winter celebration on Harbor Point with impressive ice sculptures, carvings, live performances, music & fire pits, bringing winter energy to the Inner Harbor’s waterfront.

Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto — Feb. 5–8, 2026
At CFG Bank Arena, this touring family-friendly show blends two blockbuster worlds in a dynamic skating experience — expect lots of singalongs and dazzling choreography.

Concert Spotlight — G. Love & Special Sauce (Anne Arundel)
While technically an Anne Arundel County highlight (below), fans in the region won’t want to miss these blues/hip-hop/rock fusion performances on Feb. 3 & 4 at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis.

Hidden Gem — Arts & Live Music Hangouts:

  • Highwire Improv in Highlandtown has weekend weekly shows.

  • Shakespeare and contemporary productions run through late January at local theaters.

Anne Arundel County: Annapolis Restaurant Week & Live Music

Annapolis Restaurant Week — February 2026
This month-long celebration showcases historic Annapolis’s famed waterfront dining with many prix-fixe and curated menus — ideal for couples or food-centric weekend plans.

G. Love & Special Sauce — Feb. 3 & 4, 2026
Don’t miss this two-night run of soulful, genre-blending live music at Rams Head On Stage — a local favorite for great acoustics and an intimate experience.

Hidden Gems Around Annapolis:

  • Baltimore & Annapolis Trail — A scenic 13.3-mile rail trail perfect for brisk winter walks, runs, or bike rides connecting B&A communities.

  • Historic Downtown Annapolis — Stroll the Colonial streets, stop in cafés, or take in maritime history along City Dock.

Baltimore County: Winter Restaurant Week & Local Culture

Baltimore County Restaurant Week — Jan. 16–25, 2026
Local favorites from Towson to Catonsville offer prix-fixe menus highlighting everything from classic Italian to inventive gastropub fare.

Hidden Gems & Local Spots:

  • Towson Town Center & Downtown Towson — After dinner, catch local improv shows or comedy at The Highwire Center.

  • Gwynns Falls Trail — A network of trails for year-round walking and biking through natural settings.

  • Catonsville Brewing Company & Waverly Brewing Co. — Taproom events, live music nights, and special tastings are community favorites in winter.

Harford County: Restaurant Week & Seasonal Experiences

Harford County Restaurant Week — Jan. 16–25, 2026
Explore Harford’s diverse lineup of restaurants with seasonal menus and local favorites.

Live Shows & Markets

  • The STAR Centre Presents: Magical Mystery Doors (Beatles/Zeppelin/Doors tribute) — Great for rock music fans.

  • Piano Men starring Jim Witter — A classic music night for piano rock lovers.

  • Bel Air Harvest Winter Market (multiple Saturdays) — Local foods, artisan eats & community vibe.

Hidden Gems:

  • Havre de Grace Winter Farmers Market — Fresh produce and craft vendors on select weekends.

  • Harford Vineyard & Winery’s Valentine offerings — Wine tastings paired with music and food trucks around mid-February.

Howard County: Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks

Howard County Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks — Jan. 19 to Feb. 1, 2026
This extended culinary celebration spotlights both high-end dining and local breweries, distilleries, and cider houses.

Hidden Gems:

  • Historic Ellicott City — Quaint streets with boutique shops and cozy cafes, especially nice post-dinner for dessert or drinks.

  • Local Craft Breweries & Distilleries — Many offer winter tasting events or special pairing dinners during the beverage weeks.

Bonus Winter Highlight Near Maryland

Polar Bear Plunge — Jan. 23, 2026 (Sandy Point State Park)
An annual favorite challenging participants (and spectators!) to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland with a chilly jump into the Chesapeake Bay.

Quick Planner Tips

Make reservations early for restaurant weeks — many spots fill fast.
Check official event pages for updates on times, tickets, and parking details.
Consider pairing your food experiences with local breweries, markets, or scenic walks to turn each highlight into a full day adventure.

Keith Walsh
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