Annual Events in Frederick County

Every year thousands of visitors come to Frederick County for our popular annual events. Check our calendar of events for daily happenings throughout the year.



All Winter Long

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice | Carroll Creek Park

Every year Carroll Creek Park is filled with individually designed lighted sailboats. This floating light installation sets sail in November and is on display through March. 

Holiday Boats Social


February

Fire in Ice | Downtown Frederick

Enjoy late night shopping and dining along with beautiful ice sculptures, fire dancers, and an ice playground. Warm up with hot cocoa, s'mores and fire stations throughout Downtown Frederick.

Fire in Ice Ice Sculpture


March

Maple Syrup Festival | Cunningham Falls State Park 

A working demonstration of the traditional sap-to-syrup process is featured at the boiling shed. Interpretive talks, covering the process and history are given by Park Rangers on the hour. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and take home some of the syrup.

Maple Syrup Demonstration


May

Maryland Craft Beer FestivalCarroll Creek Park

Dozens of Maryland breweries sampling more than 200 unique, local beers with exclusive access to small-batch beers and one-of-a-kind casks. A family-friendly environment with live music featuring local bluegrass/Americana/folk music.

People Visiting Vendors at the Craft Beer Festival


Maryland Iron Festival | Catoctin Furnace 

Celebrate Frederick County's history as an early center for iron making at this festival in the historic village of Catoctin Furnace. The Maryland Iron Festival is hosted by the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society and features blacksmithing demonstrations, live music, vendors, food trucks, and much more. 

Maryland Iron Festival Demonstration


June

Frederick Pride  | Carroll Creek Park

Enjoy hundreds of local businesses and nonprofit vendors, delicious food and drinks, drag entertainment, local musical guests, a youth pride area with activities and more at the annual Frederick Pride Festival. 

Frederick Pride


July

National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race | Downtown Frederick

The only race of its in the nation, this high wheel (penny farthing) bike race features racers from all over the world speeding through the streets of Downtown Frederick. Watch these dare-devils riding antique or replica 19th century bikes as they compete for the national title. 

High Wheel Bike Race Header


September

The Great Frederick Fair | Frederick Fairgrounds

The 9-day fair includes a carnival midway, nightly grandstand entertainment, international award winning agricultural exhibits, activities, and events.

Frederick Fair Ferris Wheel


October

Brunswick Railroad Days | Downtown Brunswick

Brunswick Railroad Days is a unique festival which celebrates the city's railroad heritage as one of the largest rail yards in the nation. Visit the Brunswick Railroad Museum, enjoy entertainment, children's activities, artisans, food and of course, trains!

Front of Brunswick Train Station & Train


Catoctin Colorfest - Thurmont

Enjoy the fall foliage and hundreds of vendors at this nationally-recognized juried artisan and craft show held in scenic Thurmont, MD.

Colorfest Pretzel Vendor


December

Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship | Downtown Frederick

Visitors can tour many of Frederick’s famous clustered spires churches and other historic houses of worship by candlelight. Enjoy special programs, angelic choirs, and nativity scenes. 

Historic Houses of Worship Tour


Museums by Candlelight | Locations throughout Frederick County

Once a year, Frederick County’s numerous historic sites and museums provide visitors with a living reminder of this area's remarkable past. During Museums by Candlelight, special programming and hands-on fun will delight visitors of all ages, and special children's activities are featured at most locations. 

Museums by Candlelight