FAQ

Where is the event?

Symphony Woods (by Merriweather Post Pavilion)
10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia, MD 21044
Columbia, MD 21044

Saturday 11am-6pm

Sunday 11am-5pm

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets are now on sale.

What is included in a taster ticket purchase?

Entry, a wine glass and unlimited wine tasting. This doesn’t include the Explorer Village.

What does the Explorer Village ticket include?

The Maryland Wine Explorer Village wristband includes everything the Taster Ticket offers, but in a private setting. Featuring a curated selection of Maryland-grown wines, the Maryland Wine Explorer Village allows wine enthusiasts to enjoy fine, local wines in an exclusive section of the festival with a larger glass, music and separate bathrooms.

Can I bring chairs, coolers, small tables, etc. into the Explorer Village?

Yes, you can bring these items into the festival, however they can only be set up outside of the Explorer Village in the Merriweather lawn or in the main area of the festival grounds. There is not enough room in the physical Explorer Village area to set them up.

Can I buy a non-taster ticket for the Explorer Village?

No, the only tickets allowed in the Explorer Village are Explorer Village tickets.

Can tickets be purchased the day of on site?

Yes, when you approach the entry gates we will have QR codes posted for you to purchase tickets online via ActiveWorks. We do not accept cash payments at the entry gates. Credit cards can be utilized at most vendors in the festival.

Do tickets have to be printed or can they be scanned off a smartphone too?

Tickets can be printed off-site or scanned off a smartphone. Printing is not necessary if you have the ticket on your phone. There will be no printing available on-site. If you purchase tickets online in advance, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code which will be scanned when entering the event.

What if I cannot find my email with the code before the event?

The confirmation will be emailed again on Friday, May 17 with the QR code with a reminder the event is coming up. If you have additional questions about your ticket or want to confirm your purchase, please contact registration@howardcountymd.gov.

Can you exchange your ticket for a different day? Refund ticket?

The event is held rain or shine. Because of fire code regulations, we can only allow tickets purchased for that day to be used on that day. Tickets are non-refundable.

Can I use a ticket purchased by someone else that has their name on it?

Tickets can have a different name than the person using it. As long as the person has proper ID and the ticket has not already been scanned, it won't be an issue.

Do I have to bring my ID?

Yes, all Tasters’ ticket holders must show identification before being allowed to enter the festival.

What’s the earliest people can get in the festival?

You may enter at 10:30am with advanced tickets but wine samples do not begin until 11am.

Is re-entry permitted?

Yes, re-entry is permitted with current day wristbands.

Are rain ponchos for sale?

Yes, rain ponchos are for sale at event.

Can you bring picnic tables, small tables, fold up tables?

As long as they fold up, 6-foot or smaller tables are fine to bring.

Can you bring umbrellas, pop-up tents, covers with you?

Small umbrellas are permitted – not beach umbrellas. Pop-up tents (any size) are not permitted.

Are wagons allowed?

Little wagons to tote around chairs, picnic baskets, etc. are allowed.

Can you purchase wine glasses after the event?

Wine glasses can be purchased after the event for $5 each. Please contact Mike Blevins at mblevins@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-1668.

Can I bring pets?

No pets except service animals are permitted into the festival.

Are there tents for cover or only for vendors?

There are no tents for cover and we do not allow beach umbrellas. If the umbrella is small, it may be allowed. Tents are not allowed in the festival.

Is smoking permitted?

As per Howard County Law June 1, 2007 smoking (including e-cigarettes) is NOT permitted within the festival grounds.

Is this festival suitable for children?

The festival is geared for those aged 21 or older. There are no children’s activities and it would be difficult to maneuver a stroller through the busy festival grounds. That said, children are permitted, but require a non-tasters ticket for ages 2 and up.

Where can I park to go to the festival?

There are parking lots designated for this festival. Parking map can be found here.

Is the festival site accessible?

The site is in a natural environment with natural elements. To assist in access, there are temporary, concrete and woodchip pathways. Venue surfaces are dirt, grass and gravel with varied slopes. The Purple Entrance is the most accessible entrance. Accessible parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the parking garages and parking lot off intersection of Divided Sky Lane & Broken Land Parkway. Those needing assistance should notify parking staff upon arrival.

Can you bring coolers with food and water?

Yes, When coming through the gates, please plan on security staff checking items brought with you. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Glass containers/bottles are not permitted. All bags and coolers are subject to search upon entry. Guests have the right to refuse a bag/cooler search and the festival has the right to refuse entry. If you have any items that are not allowed into the festival, please return them to your vehicle.

Are there ATMs onsite?
Yes, there will be ATMs onsite. Please see site map for location (coming soon).

What does a non-taster ticket receive?
At our Designated driver tent offers 4 free drinks (water, soda, juice boxes) per one non taster ticket.

Is drinking water available onsite?
Guests are permitted to bring their own water bottles. There are water stations within the festival.

Where are the entrance gates located?
There are two main entrance gates Purple Gate off Merriweather Drive and Green Gate off Little Patuxent Parkway. Explorer tickets have their own entrance (map coming soon).

What are guest expectations?
Guests are expected to behave respectfully and in accordance with venue policy, state and local laws. Any guest that is acting in a manner that venue management deems unsafe can be subject to eviction. If a guest violates a state or local law, they will be subject to any tickets or action deemed necessary by local law enforcement.

Is lawn seating available?
Lawn seating and picnic tables are first come first served.

Is there a lost and found?
If you lose an item while at the festival, please visit the designated driver/information tent to see if it has been turned in. If you notice an item is lost after the festival, please contact Mike Blevins at mblevins@howardcountymd.gov to see if it has been turned in.

Is there a media relation or press contact?
Yes, all media inquiries need to be directed to Anna Hunter at ahunter@howardcountymd.gov.

Where is Medical Assistance located?
There are First aid locations onsite. We have trained medical personnel that are able to assist with any issue you encounter. We have ambulances on site throughout the duration of the event that can transport guests if needed.

Will festival merchandise be for sale?
Yes, festival merchandise will be available onsite. Click here for our merchandise catalog.

Is there recycling onsite?
The festival will have recycling bins located throughout the venue. Please recycle where possible.

Will there be restrooms onsite?
Restrooms are located throughout the festival.

Are sponsorship opportunities available?
Yes, if you would like to be a sponsor in the future please check out our website for details: https://www.wineinthewoods.com/sponsors

Where do volunteers enter the festival?
If you are a registered volunteer, please enter at the Little Patuxent Parkway entrance and show your volunteer email. If you would like to be a volunteer in the future, please visit www.wineinthewoods.com/volunteering.