When you live or visit Maryland, there’s no shortage of activities and fun for you and your family. Throughout the year, Frederick County is home to a variety of family-friendly events. From ice sculptures to apple blasting and antique bicycle races, check out this comprehensive list of annual festivals in Frederick:
Fire In Ice
This annual festival in Downtown Frederick is every February. The event at Carroll Creek Park offers after-hours shopping and dining for visitors, as they pass hand-carved ice sculptures lining North Market Street. Fire In Ice boasts fire dancers, an ice playground for children, hot chocolate and s’mores (at designated locations), and fire stations.
Frederick Festival of the Arts
Held annually in June at Carroll Creek Park in Downtown Frederick, this event rings in the summer with “a juried, two-day regional celebration of the arts,” according to Visit Frederick. Guests are welcome to purchase from hundreds of vendors from more than 20 states across the spectrum of visual media, performing arts, and children’s crafts.
National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race
As the only high wheel bicycle (also known as penny farthing) race in the United States, this free event is held annually in August in Downtown Frederick thanks to Visit Frederick and Brewer’s Alley. Racers from around the world compete in two qualifying heats along a 0.4-mile route on antique or replica 19th Century bikes for a national title. Also known as the Tour de Frederick, the National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race is a three-day cycling weekend that ends with a History Ride to showcase all of the contestants and their rides.
The Great Frederick Fair
As the most anticipated event of the year, The Great Frederick Fair is held annually in September in Downtown Frederick. The nine-day carnival include the following: A midway with festival games and contests,Nightly grandstand entertainment that includes country music’s biggest acts like Thomas Rhett and Lee Brice,More than 18,000 award-winning agricultural exhibits, Events, including horse pulls, a horseshoeing demonstration, demolition derbies, and more
Brunswick Railroad Days
This two-day festival celebrates the railroad heritage of Brunswick, Maryland, as one of the largest in the country. In October, guests are welcome to visit the Brunswick Railroad Museum; enjoy musical entertainment, children’s activities, and train rides; and indulge in food and artisan crafts.
Catoctin Colorfest
Located in Thurmont, Maryland, “this nationally recognized juried artisan and craft show” highlights fall foliage and the nation’s best craftspeople, according to Visit Frederick. In October, guests are welcome to purchase art, jewelry, clothing, food, and more throughout this small town.
Fall Harvest Festival
Located at Summers Farm in Frederick, Maryland, this annual October festival celebrates all things autumn with a nationally recognized corn maze, pumpkin patch, campfire sites, more than 45 activities (including bull riding, an apple blaster, and pig races), fireworks, and more.