Last updated on May 4th, 2026
Looking for the best Frederick MD festivals in 2026 to add to your calendar? Whether you’re planning ahead or just figuring out what to do last minute, there’s always something happening.
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).
From the region’s largest Independence Day celebration to the beloved Frederick Fair to some of the best food and drink festivities around, Frederick County MD, has something for everyone.
Below, we take a look at some of my favorite Frederick Maryland festivals, including annual events we get to experience year after year and a few seasonal celebrations that illuminate the streets throughout the summer and beyond.
Frederick MD Festivals Calendar (Quick Guide)
- January: Fire In Ice
- May: Greek Festival, Craft Beer Festival
- June: Pride, Festival of the Arts
- July: High Wheel Race, Frederick’s 4th
- September: In the Streets, Oktoberfest, The Fair
- December: Kris Kringle Procession
These are some of the most popular Frederick MD festivals throughout the year, with the biggest concentration of events happening in spring, summer, and early fall.
Frederick MD Festivals by Season & Type
From food and drink celebrations to cultural traditions and quirky local favorites, Frederick has a little bit of everything. Here’s how to plan your visit by season or interest.
Annual Festivals in Frederick, Maryland
Frederick has numerous annual events in Frederick MD to experience, including one that got its start in 1983! From craft vendors to carnivals to high-wheel bike races, these events have it all.
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: Early May
- Where: Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church
- More Info: Facebook
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: Early May
- 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
This annual tradition kicks off with fun and interactive events held by Frederick businesses—including live music and unique celebrations at local breweries and Oktoberfest-themed classes at local farms—and ends with a weekend-long festival at the fairgrounds, featuring local food, music and dancing, children’s events, and, of course, plenty of craft beer. Prost!
- When: Late September
- Where: Frederick businesses and Frederick Fairgrounds
- More Info: Frederick Oktoberfest
Best time to visit Frederick for festivals: May through September
Arts, Culture & Heritage Festivals
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
- Where: Carroll Creek Park
- More Info: Visit Frederick
National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race
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: Mid-July
- Where: Downtown Frederick
- More Info: High Wheel Race
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: Mid-December
- Where: Downtown Frederick to Baker Park
- More Info: Kris Kringle Procession
Some of the most well-known Frederick MD festivals fall into this next group of signature events that locals look forward to every year.
Signature Frederick Events
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: Late January
- Where: Downtown Frederick
- More Info: Visit Frederick
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: Late June
- 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 4th
- 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
- Where: Frederick Fairgrounds
- More Info: The Great Frederick Fair
In the Streets
This annual summer tradition has been going strong for over 40 years. 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: Mid-September
- Where: Downtown Frederick
- More Info: Celebrate Frederick
Seasonal Frederick Festivals
In addition to all the wonderful annual festivals in Frederick, Maryland, the town also puts on a handful of must-see seasonal festivals that recur throughout the year. Here are three of my absolute favorites.
Recurring Downtown Frederick Events
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 the biggest happy hour in Frederick with this popular festival, held every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. 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 and Weekend Events
The best things to do in Frederick this weekend typically include local festivals, live music, farmers markets, food and drink events, shopping in Downtown Frederick, and family-friendly activities throughout Frederick County. Each week brings a mix of seasonal events, pop-ups, and recurring favorites like First Saturday and outdoor concerts.
You can find updated Frederick County events right here in this weekly roundup, along with real-time updates on Facebook and Instagram and in The Frederick Buzz newsletter. Local event calendars, downtown partnerships, and individual venues also share upcoming events each week.
Yes, there are usually several free things to do in Frederick each weekend. Popular free events include First Saturday in Downtown Frederick, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, art events, and seasonal festivals. Many local businesses also host free tastings, pop-ups, and family-friendly activities.
Downtown Frederick is one of the best places to spend the weekend, with a mix of restaurants, boutique shopping, Carroll Creek, breweries, art galleries, and live events. Depending on the weekend, you may find festivals, live music, themed events, or special promotions happening throughout downtown.
Yes, Frederick County regularly offers family-friendly events including festivals, park activities, farmers markets, kids’ workshops, seasonal celebrations, and community events. Baker Park, Carroll Creek, and local farms often host activities that are great for kids and families.
Frederick has plenty of great date night options including winery events, brewery live music, downtown dinners, cocktail bars, festivals, and special evening events. Many local venues host themed nights, tastings, or live entertainment that make for an easy and fun night out.
It depends on the event. Many Frederick events are free to attend, while others like festivals, concerts, and special experiences may require tickets or advance registration. It’s always a good idea to check event details ahead of time, especially for popular or seasonal events.
Some of the most popular events in Frederick County include First Saturday, Alive @ Five, the Frederick Farmers Market, seasonal festivals, and large annual events like In the Streets, Oktoberfest, and the Great Frederick Fair. These events tend to draw larger crowds and are local favorites.
My Favorite Frederick Festivals (Local Picks)
If I had to pick a few can’t-miss Frederick festivals, these would be at the top of my list:
• In the Streets (best overall vibe)
• Frederick Festival of the Arts (perfect for a girls’ day)
• Oktoberfest (fun + family-friendly + local feel)
• Alive @ Five (easy Thursday night plan)
These are the ones I personally go to year after year and always recommend to friends.
Experience the Best of Frederick Festivals Year-Round
From lively summer concerts to cozy winter traditions, Frederick festivals offer something for everyone—locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re planning ahead or just looking for something fun to do this weekend, these Frederick MD festivals are the kind of events locals look forward to all year.
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