Walktober 2026
Join the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) and local partners for a month of walk and move events called Howard County Walktober. Walking is Maryland's official exercise, so let's get moving! Find more information about the LHIC.
If you plan to host a walk event and would like to add it to the Howard County Walktober Calendar Events page, please fill out the Walktober 2026 Interest Form.
Please note that the LHIC will not be hosting these events, but is promoting partner walk/move events to the community. If you are interested in collaborating with the organizers of one or more of the events on HoCo’s Walktober page, please reach out to the organizers directly.
Walk, Roll, Ride, Move! Howard County, MD.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 1, 11:00am (Bain 50+ Center) Falls Prevention Field Day
- Join us for a fun, interactive Falls Prevention Field Day. This event will focus on improving balance, strength, mobility, and confidence through a variety of balance challenging stations and functional fitness activities to help reduce fall risk. Whether you are looking to stay active, improve your balance, or learn practical tips for preventing falls, this event will be supportive and enjoyable event for all fitness levels. Find more information on the event webpage.
Saturday, October 3, 9:00am (Centennial Park) Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run
- In 2026, AUSOM is celebrating 20 years of making Every Step Count. To mark this very special milestone, we’re bringing back the AUSOM Superheroes theme for this family-friendly event. You’re invited to join the autism community’s universe of AUSOM superheroes for a 5K Run, 4K Walk or 1K Stroll and other super-powered fun and entertainment on October 3rd. Register here.
Saturday, October 3, 9:00am (Centennial Park) Walk with a Doc
- Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance. This program was started in Columbus, OH in April of 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir and has now expanded throughout the world. You don’t need any special gear and there are no special rules. Our walking groups are a safe, fun, and FREE place to get some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends. Learn more about joining this walking group.
Saturday, October 3, 9:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi) Sneakers and Coffee with the Village in Howard
Saturday, October 3, 11:00am (Oakland Mills Village Center) Oakland Mills Community Fall Festival
- Community Fall Festival with live performances outside in the courtyard, dance classes at The Barn, and a "Let's Walk Around Oakland Mills" information table. More information is available on the Oakland Mills website.
Monday, October 5, 9:00am (Lake Elkhorn) Monday Morning Meanderings with the Village in Howard
Monday, October 5, 9:00am (East Columbia 50+ Center) Walktober Kickoff
- Step into Fall with us! Join our regular walking group on Monday, October 5, at 9am for a special Walktober Kickoff Walk and start the month moving, connecting, and having fun.
- Participants will receive a Walktober Tracker to record their walks throughout October. Whether you walk with our group, with a friend, around your neighborhood, or on your own, every walk and step counts! The goal is simple - keep moving and make walking a part of your October routine.
- All fitness levels and walking paces are welcome. Grab your comfortable shoes, bring some water, and let's walk our way through October together.
- More information available online.
Monday, October 5, 10:00am (Hawthorn Center) Hickory Ridge Community Walk
- Join community members for a Community Walk! Get some exercise and meet new people. Afterwards, have a cup of coffee on us. No RSVP required.
Tuesday, October 6, 11:00am (Blandair Regional Park North) Encore Showcase
- It’s Active Aging Week. Come celebrate with free activities geared toward keeping your mind and body active! Enjoy mini fitness sessions, quick art projects, and giveaways. You’ll also have a chance to try your hand at bocce and archery. Join us at Blandair Regional Park North (near the croquet lawn). Find more information on the event webpage.
Thursday, October 8, 10:00am (North Laurel 50+ Center) Intergenerational Walk
- Let’s get moving and celebrate Active Aging Week in the most heartwarming way—by teaming up with our adorable preschoolers for a fun and energizing Walktober stroll! Join us for a joyful intergenerational walk where laughter, connection, and light exercise come together. Whether we’re soaking up the fresh air outside or taking laps on North Laurel’s indoor track (weather permitting), this will be a feel-good event you won’t want to miss! Let’s walk, talk, and make memories, one step at a time! For more information, please call the 50+ Center Front Desk regarding availability at 410-313-0380 or visit the event webpage.
Saturday, October 10, 9:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi) Sneakers and Coffee with the Village in Howard
Monday, October 12, 9:00am (Lake Elkhorn) Monday Morning Meanderings with the Village in Howard
Monday, October 12, 10:00am (Hawthorn Center) Hickory Ridge Community Walk
- Join community members for a Community Walk! Get some exercise and meet new people. Afterwards, have a cup of coffee on us. No RSVP required.
Wednesday, October 14, 9:00am (Elkridge 50+ Center) Wednesday Walking Group
- Enjoy the beauty of autumn with a refreshing walk alongside friends! Join Shelly for our annual Walk Maryland Day and celebrate the season while staying active. Walking is a wonderful way to improve your health, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors. After the walk, return to the Center to relax and enjoy light refreshments with fellow participants. For information/register please call the Elkridge 50+ Center at 410-313-5192 or visit the event webpage.
Saturday, October 17, 9:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi) Sneakers and Coffee with the Village in Howard
Saturday, October 17, 10:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi) Coffee and Conversation with Ohana Howard County
Saturday, October 17, 3:00pm (Enjoui Farm) Harvest Festival
Monday, October 19, 9:00am (Lake Elkhorn) Monday Morning Meanderings with the Village in Howard
Monday, October 19, 10:00am (Hawthorn Center) Hickory Ridge Community Walk
- Join community members for a Community Walk! Get some exercise and meet new people. Afterwards, have a cup of coffee on us. No RSVP required.
Tuesday, October 20, 10:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi) Walk the Lake with Neighbor Ride!
- Come get your steps in while walking around beautiful Lake Kittamaqundi and learn more about volunteering for Neighbor Ride, Howard County's premiere senior transportation organization.
Tuesday, October 20, 5:00pm (Athol Manor) Walk and Talk with the Community Foundation of Howard County
- Join the Community Foundation of Howard County for an afternoon at Athol Manor as we celebrate Howard County's Walktober! We'll begin with a relaxed stroll along the scenic trail surrounding Athol Manor before returning to enjoy local cider, healthy snacks, and conversation. It's a great opportunity to get outdoors, connect with others, and experience one of Howard County's special gathering places. Learn more and register.
Wednesday, October 21, 9:00am (Glenwood 50+ Center) Walk-tober
- Each October the 50+ centers join AARP to focus on the benefits of walking. Please join Glenwood 50+ for a friendly mid-level walk in the near-by Western Regional Park. More information available online.
Wednesday, October 21, 1:00pm (Ellicott City 50+ Center) Walktober Walk
Saturday, October 24, 9:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi) Sneakers and Coffee with the Village in Howard
Sunday, October 25, 8:00am (Carroll Baldwin Hall) Savage 7K Run/1 Mile Historic Walk
- Please come for an autumn run or walk through our lovely community, and enjoy music and homemade baked goods afterward! Registration is limited to 250, so sign up early! Sign up by October 12 to reserve a race t-shirt. Costumes encouraged! Register here.
Monday, October 26, 9:00am (Lake Elkhorn) Monday Morning Meanderings with the Village in Howard
Monday, October 26, 10:00am (Hawthorn Center) Hickory Ridge Community Walk
- Join community members for a Community Walk! Get some exercise and meet new people. Afterwards, have a cup of coffee on us. No RSVP required.
Thursday, October 29, 11:00am (Bain 50+ Center/Harper's Choice Middle) Intergenerational Walk
- 50+ participants will join middle school students for a walk together and intergenerational conversations. In the event of rain, there will be a "Movement Party" in the gym at Harper's Choice Middle.
Saturday, October 31, 9:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi) Sneakers and Coffee with the Village in Howard
Cedar Lane-West
Centennial Park
High Ridge Park
Meadowbrook Park
North Laurel Park
Robinson Nature Center
Rockburn Branch Park
Schooley Mill Park
Warfield Pond Park
Western Regional Park
Wilde Lake Park
* Created by HCHD in collaboration with HC Dept. of Recreation and Parks in August 2021
Take advantage of Columbia Association's pathways during the month of Walktober (October 2023): All month long, the community is encouraged to explore over 95 miles of pathways. You can access more than 170 tot lots, nearly 300 footbridges, three lakes and more. Whether you walk, bike, jog or roll, CA's pathways are open to everyone! So what are you waiting for? Walk. Breathe. Explore.