Looking for something to do this weekend in Ellicott City? You're in luck.

This weekend there are a few events that are not only family-friendly, but also raise awareness -- and money -- for charitable organizations:

Lanterns of Hope Parade: Join the community and create a sparkling river of light through beautiful Historic Ellicott City at sunset. Parade gathers at the historic Patapsco Female Institute overlooking Ellicott City and hundreds of people will march down Main Street with paper lanterns to raise awareness for Blossoms of Hope. 

Where: Parade starts at the Patapsco Female Institute and winds down to Main Street, ending at the B&O Railroad Station Museum.

When: Parade begins at 7 p.m.

Cost: Free

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Titus Andronicus: The Rude Mechanicals, Maryland's pioneering Shakespeare troupe, for the first time in their history tackle William Shakespeare's blood-soaked and most violent play: Titus Andronicus, a roller coaster of carnage, mayhem, betrayal and dark comedy, exploring the startling parallels between civilization and barbarism.  With a twisted humor only Shakespeare could dream up, this play will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to its gruesomely satisfying conclusion. Due to the mature content of this production, it is not considered appropriate for children.

Where: Howard County Arts Council

When: Friday, April 27, 8 p.m.

Cost: $15 Buy tickets online

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Ellicott City's CHERRYBRATION Spring Festival: THINK PINK for spring in historic Ellicott City as the town celebrates the blossoming season with family fun, music and entertainment.  Hands-on children's activities, outdoor wine "taste-ival" at The Wine Bin, Spring Blossom Ale at the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company and a colorful display of PINK PANES shop windows! 

Where: Ellicott City Historic District

When: Saturday, April 28 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Cost: Many free events, fees for some

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Ice Cream Cups for Cancer Research: Stop in to your Giant Food; give $1 and get a free single-serve ice cream cup. Give $3, and you also receive a limited edition Triple Winner keepsake. Giant Food will donate 100% of the proceeds raised during this event to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation for children’s cancer research and treatment.

Where: Giant Food, 9200 Baltimore National Pike

When: Saturday, April 28, all day

Price: $1

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Classic Car Show - Sponsored by VFW Post 7472: The Annual Spring Classic Car Show will again be held at the VFW Hall with a rain date of May 6.  There are two parts of this event, the first is for anyone interested in showing their car.   All cars will parade from the Outback to the VFW Post at 11:00 a.m. The show itself is open to the public and is free of charge.  There will be refreshments and food available as well as a whole range of beautiful classic, military, current cars and trucks. 

Where: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7372, 4225 VFW Lane, Ellicott City 

When: Sunday, April 29, noon - 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

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