Early November is the quiet season between fall color and ski season, and that's when Garrett County turns out for its own causes. Saturday is the big day: a fundraiser at the Oakland firehouse, a holiday tea and boutique from the Civic Club, and an evening gala at Wisp for homeless pets. Thursday brings live music and a pressed-flower craft night, and Sunday is wide open for the trails. Here are the picks for November 6–8.
Some events require tickets or registration. Check each listing before you go.
Don't Miss: Saturday, November 7
Black Tie & Tails Gala · 6:30–11:30 PM · $150
HART for Animals dresses up The Lodge at Wisp for its gala benefiting homeless pets: dinner with a bottle of wine at every table, dancing, roaming comedians, a silent and live auction, and a few adoptable guests of honor working the room. Black tie is optional. Tickets are $150, with reserved tables of eight available.
Thursday, November 5
Pumpkins in Bloom · 6–7:30 PM · $20
Joyful Journeys Wellness in Oakland hosts a cozy craft night: decorate two pumpkins with pressed flowers, one to keep and one to give away. All supplies are included and no experience is needed. Ages 7 and up; only 16 spots, so register ahead.
Live Music: Andrew Tuck · 6:30–9 PM
Andrew Tuck plays Harvest House on Friendsville Road.
Friday, November 6
Entrepreneurial Road Show · 9–11 AM
Own a small business or thinking about starting one? The Western Maryland Entrepreneurship Ecosystem stops at Garrett College to hear what local businesses need, try out new support tools and build the region's action plan. Free, with light refreshments; pre-registration required.
Saturday, November 7
Oakland VFD Fall Bash · 11 AM–4:30 PM · $25
The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department's annual fundraiser: doors open at 11, with prize drawings every ten minutes from noon. Your $25 ticket includes food and drinks, and you don't have to be there to win.
Tea & Holiday Boutique · 1–3:30 PM · $50
The Civic Club of Oakland's fifth annual tea fills the lower level of Ace's Run with soup, sandwiches, scones and sweets (gluten-free and vegetarian options too), plus a holiday boutique auction of jewelry, art, wine and gift cards from local merchants. Reserve through the Civic Club.
Sunday, November 8: Get Outside
Nothing's on the calendar Sunday, which makes it a good day for the falls. At Swallow Falls State Park, the loop trail passes Muddy Creek Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Maryland, and runs along the Youghiogheny under old hemlocks. The leaves are mostly down by now, which opens up the views. It's hunting season in the surrounding state forests, so wear something bright if you head off the main trails.