Frederick MD Festivals (2026 Guide): Dates, Events & Local Favorites

Last updated on August 25th, 2026

Looking for the best Frederick MD festivals in 2026 to add to your calendar? From Downtown Frederick traditions to beloved festivals throughout Frederick County, there’s something happening in almost every season.

From food and craft beer festivals to art shows, cultural celebrations, historic traditions and some wonderfully quirky Frederick favorites, here are the annual events worth putting on your calendar.

If you’re looking for something happening this weekend, check out my updated guide to the top things to do in Frederick this weekend (events, festivals, and local picks).

Frederick MD Festivals Calendar 2026

• February: Fire in Ice, February 6–7
• March: Maple Syrup Festival, March 14–15 & March 21–22
• May: Frederick Greek Festival, May 7–10; Maryland Craft Beer Festival, May 9; Maryland Iron Festival, May 16–17
• June: Frederick Festival of the Arts, June 13–14; Frederick Pride Festival, June 27
• July: Frederick’s 4th, July 4
• August: Black Frederick Festival, August 22
• September: In The Streets, September 12; The Great Frederick Fair, September 18–26
• October: Frederick Oktoberfest, October 2–3; Brunswick Railroad Days, October 3–4; Catoctin Colorfest, October 10–11
• December: Kris Kringle Procession, December 11

My Frederick Festival Quick Picks

If I had to pick a few can’t-miss Frederick festivals, these would be at the top of my list:

Best big Frederick tradition: In The Streets
Best for art lovers: Frederick Festival of the Arts
Best fall festival: Catoctin Colorfest
Best food & beer festival: Frederick Oktoberfest
Most uniquely Frederick: National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race
Best winter event: Fire in Ice
Worth the short drive: Maple Syrup Festival

These are the Frederick festivals I’d put at the top of the list for locals and visitors who want to experience some of the best of the county.

Winter & Early Spring Festivals in Frederick County

Fire In Ice

Ice sculptures meet fiery pyrophoric performances during this unique Frederick event. Compete in ice games, grab some food in the polar lounge, watch ice carving demonstrations, roast marshmallows around firepit stations, and enjoy beautiful Downtown Frederick in all its winter glory.

• When: February 6–7, 2026
• Where: Downtown Frederick
• More Info: Visit Frederick

Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park

One of Frederick County’s sweetest annual traditions takes place at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont. The Maple Syrup Festival includes live sap-to-syrup demonstrations, bluegrass music, hayrides through the maple grove, and a pancake and sausage breakfast topped with Maryland-made maple syrup.

2026 Dates: March 14–15 and March 21–22
Time: 10am–2pm
Where: Cunningham Falls State Park, William Houck Area, Thurmont
Admission: Suggested $5 donation
More Info: Maple Syrup Festival

Food & Drink Festivals in Frederick

The Frederick Greek Festival

Celebrate all things Greek at this authentic cultural fest. Dine on Greek food, including gyros, spanakopita, and fried loukoumades, watch dance performances, visit Greece-inspired vendors, and drink ZYTHOS—a specialty Greek brew made by Frederick’s own Brewers Alley.

• When: May 7–10, 2026
• Where: Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church
• More Info: Frederick Greek Festival

Maryland Craft Beer Festival

Put on by the Brewers Association of Maryland, this craft beverage fest features dozens of breweries, over 200 different kinds of beer from across Maryland, live music, local food, and craft vendors. 

• When: May 9, 2026
• Where: Carroll Creek Linear Park
• More Info: MD Craft Beer Festival

Frederick’s food scene really shines during these events. If you’re planning a full day out, don’t miss my guide to the best brunch in Frederick MD before heading to a festival.

Oktoberfest

Frederick’s Oktoberfest celebrates Frederick County’s German heritage with a weekend of German food, beer and wine, live music, dancing, vendors, and plenty of Oktoberfest fun at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Friday night is a 21+ celebration, while Saturday is open to all ages with German entertainment, seasonal beers, food, vendors, and a kids’ area. Even better, proceeds from the festival support local Frederick County charities. Prost!

• When: October 2–3, 2026
• Where: Frederick businesses and Frederick Fairgrounds
• More Info: Frederick Oktoberfest

Arts, Culture & Heritage Festivals

Maryland Iron Festival

History gets much more interesting when molten iron is involved. Held in the historic village of Catoctin Furnace near Thurmont, the Maryland Iron Festival brings Frederick County’s iron-making history to life with blacksmithing demonstrations, live music, historic buildings, crafts, food, kids’ activities, and a dramatic molten iron pour.

2026 Dates: May 16–17
Where: Catoctin Furnace, Thurmont
Admission: Free
Best for: History lovers, families and anyone looking for one of Frederick County’s more unusual festivals
More Info: Maryland Iron Festival

Frederick Festival of the Arts

Join over 100 national and local artists, all hand-picked by expert judges, and peruse a huge selection of craft art, from paintings and sculptures to photographs and jewelry. Downtown gets in on the creative fun, too, with vibrant chalk landscapes on every sidewalk and galleries overflowing with local talent.

• When: June 13–14, 2026
• Where: Carroll Creek Park
• More Info: Frederick Festival of the Arts

National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race (2027)

As the only race of its kind in America, this is one Frederick festival you do not want to miss. Watch as old-timey high-wheel bicycles, driven by riders from around the world, fly through the streets of Downtown in a bid to compete in the championship race.

• When: July 10, 2027
• Where: Downtown Frederick
• More Info: High Wheel Race

Black Frederick Festival

The Black Frederick Festival celebrates Black culture, creativity, community, and local businesses right in the heart of Downtown Frederick. The annual festival features live entertainment, food, vendors, family activities, community resources, and plenty of opportunities to support Black-owned businesses in Frederick County.

When: August 22, 2026, 12–6pm
Where: Carroll Creek Amphitheater, Downtown Frederick
Admission: Free
More Info: Black Frederick Festival

Kris Kringle Procession

Get in the holiday spirit with this joyous annual Frederick festival. Bundle up and head to the streets of Downtown to watch the procession of adorable local children dressed as reindeer, snowflakes, and more, along with modern and traditional costumed characters. The closing ceremonies at the Baker Park Band Shell include caroling and the lighting of the town Christmas tree. 

• When: December 11, 2026 at 6:30pm
• Where: Downtown Frederick to Baker Park
• More Info: Kris Kringle Procession

Frederick’s Biggest Annual Events

Frederick Pride Festival

Celebrate the Frederick LGBTQ+ community with flair. This day-long event features drag performances, local food trucks, hundreds of vendors, a beer garden with local beer and wine, children’s activities, a pride shop, and more.

• When: June 27, 2026
• Where: Carroll Creek Park
• More Info: Frederick Pride

Frederick’s 4th Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day with the region’s largest 4th of July festival. One of the best festivals in Maryland, see fireworks, ride the rides, enjoy craft food and beverages, and be entertained by local and national acts on two stages.

• When: July 4, 2026 | Noon–dusk
• Where: Baker Park
• More Info: Celebrate Frederick

The Great Frederick Fair

By far the most popular of the festivals in Frederick, MD, you don’t want to miss this one. With a massive carnival packed with rides and attractions, dozens of vendors, agricultural events, and concerts, this week-long celebration promises fun for the whole family.

• When: September 18–26, 2026
• Where: Frederick Fairgrounds
• More Info: The Great Frederick Fair

In the Streets

This annual Frederick tradition has been going strong for more than 40 years and now attracts more than 75,000 people to Downtown Frederick. Take to the streets to hear live music, taste the best from Frederick’s thriving food and craft beverage scene, enjoy fun events including road races and themed neighborhood blocks, and party by the creek after dark.

• When: September 12, 2026
• Where: Downtown Frederick
• More Info: Celebrate Frederick

Brunswick Railroad Days

Brunswick’s railroad history takes center stage during this longtime Frederick County festival. Expect live music, artisan vendors, food, model trains, kids’ activities and the chance to experience the town’s deep connection to the B&O Railroad.

2026 Dates: October 3–4
Where: Downtown Brunswick, MD
Admission: Free; some activities such as train rides require tickets
More Info: Brunswick Railroad Days

Catoctin Colorfest

If fall festivals are your thing, Catoctin Colorfest is one of the big ones. The longtime Thurmont tradition centers around a juried arts and crafts show in Community Park, with handmade work from artists and craftspeople, food vendors and activity throughout town.

2026 Dates: October 10–11
Time: 9am–5pm
Where: Thurmont Community Park
Admission: Free
More Info: Catoctin Colorfest

More Frederick Events Worth Knowing

Not everything Frederick locals look forward to each year is technically a festival. These recurring Downtown Frederick events are also worth putting on your calendar.

First Saturday

This monthly event is all about celebrating Frederick and the businesses that make it so wonderful. Each first Saturday of the month offers something a little different as Downtown businesses contribute in their own way, with special events, tastings, vendor exhibits, gallery openings, and more.

• When: First Saturday of every month
• Where: Downtown Frederick
• More Info: Downtown Frederick Partnership

These recurring events are perfect if you’re looking for something to do last minute. I update my top things to do in Frederick this weekend each week with what’s happening right now.

Alive @ Five

Join Frederick’s biggest outdoor happy hour, held every Thursday evening along Carroll Creek from May through September. With concerts, craft beverages, local food trucks, and affordable entry, this 21+ event is perfect for unwinding after a long week.

• When: Thursdays, May through September
• Where: Carroll Creek Amphitheater
• More Info: Downtown Frederick Partnership

Summer Concert Series

Every Sunday night during the summer, enjoy a free concert in the park. The artists who perform are as varied and eclectic as the town. From bluegrass and Afrofunk to tribute bands and local favorites. One thing they all have in common? They know how to put on a great show. So come, have a good time, and don’t forget your canned food donation.

• When: Sunday nights, June through August
• Where: Baker Park Band Shell
• More Info: Summer Concert Series

FAQs About Frederick MD Festivals

Experience the Best of Frederick Festivals Year-Round

From winter traditions and spring food festivals to huge fall celebrations, Frederick County gives you plenty of reasons to get out and experience something local throughout the year.

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