Howard County Party Venues for 2026: Unique Event Spaces from HoCo Recreation & Parks
Looking for a new place to host your party in 2026? Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, wedding reception, baby shower, or family reunion, Howard County Recreation and Parks offers a wide variety of event venues across Howard County, Maryland—many of which locals don’t even realize are available to rent.
From elegant historic mansions to flexible community centers and scenic outdoor spaces, these venues are designed to accommodate events both big and small. Because availability fills quickly, especially for popular dates, planning ahead is strongly recommended.
Historic Event Venues in Howard County
If you’re dreaming of a timeless, elegant setting, Howard County Recreation and Parks’ historic properties are standout options for weddings, anniversaries, Quinceañeras, Sweet 16s, and milestone celebrations.
Historic Waverly Mansion (Marriottsville, MD)
Waverly offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces in a beautifully restored historic setting. Outdoor events under the tent (April–October) can accommodate up to 125 guests, while the indoor space is available year-round for gatherings of up to 50 guests.
Belmont Manor & Historic Park (Elkridge, MD)
Belmont is one of the most popular historic wedding and event venues in Howard County. The gardens and tent (April–October) can accommodate up to 250 guests, while indoor spaces are available year-round for up to 125 guests.
Community Centers for Flexible Party Rentals
Howard County’s community centers are a great option for families looking for versatile, budget-friendly venues with built-in amenities.
North Laurel Community Center
This location offers flexible indoor space for up to 120 guests, along with a commercial kitchen and outdoor courtyard. Guests also have access to on-site basketball courts, tennis courts, a skatepark, and walking trails.
Roger Carter Community Center (Ellicott City, MD)
Roger Carter is especially popular for active celebrations and kids’ parties. Available party packages include a Pool Party (2.5 hours), Gym Party (2 hours), and a Rock-Climbing Party. Roger Carter is currently accepting rental requests for February through August 2026.
Gary J. Arthur Community Center
Featuring a fitness room, multi-purpose spaces, a dance studio, gymnasium, ping pong tables, pickleball nets, a 50+ center, playground, and more, conveniently located next to Western Regional Park & the Library.
Nature-Inspired Events at Robinson Nature Center
Celebrate life’s big moments surrounded by nature at the Robinson Nature Center. This sustainably designed green building is set on 18 acres of gardens, forest, and trails, creating a unique and memorable backdrop for events.
Host an outdoor reception on the Mezzanine Patio with beautiful forest views or in one of the new pavilions surrounded by native meadows. Indoor celebrations can be held in the spacious auditorium, which is ideal for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, reunions, and celebrations of life. For smaller gatherings, classrooms offer an intimate setting for groups of up to 40 guests.
Optional add-ons like educator-led birthday packages, planetarium shows, and animal encounters make events at Robinson Nature Center especially memorable.
Park Pavilion Rentals Across Howard County
Another popular option is one of Howard County Recreation and Parks’ 28 park pavilions, located throughout the county. Pavilion rentals are available daily from 10 a.m. to dusk.
Rental costs range from $145 to $1,025, depending on the pavilion size, and can accommodate anywhere from 25 to 300 guests. These spaces are perfect for outdoor reunions, graduation parties, picnics, and casual celebrations.
How to Book Your Event
For more information about availability, pricing, or to reserve a space, you can contact individual facilities directly or call the Howard County Recreation and Parks main line at 410-313-4700.
If you’re planning a celebration in Howard County, MD, these Recreation and Parks venues offer convenient, well-maintained, and unique options for hosting an unforgettable event in 2026.
