The 29th annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 6–10 p.m. at the Peter & Elizabeth Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College.
This is the Howard County Arts Council’s signature event, and it begins with a reception where up to 20 local culinary stars will showcase their finest foods. Attendees can enjoy the array of dining options, then wander the Art Auction featuring work by local and regional artists.
At 8 p.m., everyone takes their seats for the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards.
The competition showcases performers aged 18-35 who live, work, train, or perform in Howard County. The audience votes for which of seven talented, local finalists will win the $5,000 Rising Star award.
Between performances, the 2026 Howie Awards will be presented to an Outstanding Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Supporter of the Arts (business or individual) in recognition of their contributions to the arts community in Howard County. Nominations are made by community members and nominees are judged on their contributions and the significant impact they’ve had on the artistic life of Howard County.
Christa Kerrigan, principal architect for Michael Graves, will be the event’s Honorary Chair. Terry N. Eberhart will return as event Emcee. Eberhart is a musician and music coordinator for Howard County Public School System.
Event tickets are $50 and $100, and will go on sale on Saturday, Aug. 1. For more information about the Celebration of the Arts and the Howard County Arts Council, please visit the Howard County Arts Council website.
