There are lots of family-friendly activities around Ellicott City’s historic district, now that school is out for summer, and many of them are free.

Come down on Saturday mornings and explore the large and varied farmers’ market in the expanded Tiber Park. They usually have some live music going on, and maybe you can score some free samples. Wander up Main Street and check out the action at the Little Market Café on Tonge Row. Visit their website at littlemarketcafe.com to see what bands are playing—they usually are making music in the courtyard at midday and early evening on Saturdays and Sundays.

And of course the Wine Bin across the street features a different free movie every Saturday night. On June 28 it’s “Dirty Dancing” and on July 5 it’s “National Treasure.” Admission to the B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station, is always free, but on Saturday and Sunday afternoons they are also offering free tours of the facility. Meet in the gift shop at 2 p.m. to take part. And be sure to check out the diorama in the freight house — it’s 50 years old this year and still going strong.

The Ellicott Distilling Company, at 8090 Main St., is offering a brunch distilling class today, starting at 10 a.m. Make your own bottle of flavored gin or vodka while enjoying bloody Marys, mimosas and a taco bar. Visit ellicottdistilling.com/distillery-class/ to sign up.

Historic Ellicott City, Inc. and the Howard County Historical Society are holding their next Milltown Tea on June 26 starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Museum of Howard County History, 8328 Court Ave. The theme this time is “Gardens Galore” and features a brief lecture on late spring gardens and garden clubs in Howard County. The cost is $45 for members, $55 for non-members. The Historical Society is also offering an evening presentation at the museum that day by the new executive director, Ann Bennett. Starting at 7 p.m. she will be discussing “The Power of Place,” about the Avalon area of the Patapsco State Park, which was once an ironworks.

Take the family to the Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, on June 26, at 6 p.m. for an evening of “Fiddlers and Fireflies.” Bring your supper, spread a blanket and listen to musician and storyteller Bill Wellington play traditional folk music on fiddle, banjo and guitar. The event is free but registration is required. Visit howardnature.org to sign up.

The 4th of July is just a few days away. I hope everyone has a safe and fun day. Turf Valley is celebrating all weekend, with a “Star-Spangled Spectacular.” Visit their website at turfvalley.com for event details. Also, you know that people are already putting their chairs out on Frederick Road for the wonderful parade in Catonsville, and saving a spot on the lawn by the lake in Columbia for the traditional fireworks. Lots of good choices.

Have an item to share for this column? Send information about Ellicott City people and events at least two weeks in advance to janetkusterer21042@gmail.com.