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Fun Things to Do in Frederick Md This Summer
👩💻Karen’s Epic Guide: Things to Do in Frederick Md – Summer 2023
UPDATE 2023: Several things have changed since the pandemic…some of these events and places might not be open yet…please check each individual website for the latest information.
It seems like we were very recently walking around in down jackets, and now we’re planning outings to the pool and beach! Oh Maryland, how we love your fickle weather…said no one ever!
Regardless, summer is right around the corner. Memorial Day marks the opening of the local pools, and once school is out, vacations and relaxation are in! It’s is a beautiful time of year, with literally hundreds of fun things to do in Frederick Md this summer.
Whatever your interest, you’ll find plenty of activities in and around Frederick. History buff, music lover, sports fan, bookworm, beer and wine lover, art connoisseur (or enthusiastic appreciator, like me 💝 )… there are plenty of events.
If you’re planning a “Staycation”, looking for fun things to do to keep the kids occupied, or looking for new adventures, check out some summer fun in Frederick County:
Things to Do in Frederick Md This Summer …
🏞The Great Outdoors
Cunningham Falls
Central Maryland is a beautiful area of the Mid-Atlantic region. There are a number of local, State and National parks in and around Frederick County. You can enjoy nature hikes, wildlife, swimming, canoes and kayaks, white-water rafting, biking and discovery classes, and more.
Town & City Parks:
City of Frederick Parks & Recreation, there are always events coordinated by the city parks and recreation department. The summer is full of activities for adults and children. You can pick up a copy of the brochure, have one mailed to you, or view the online brochure.
County Parks: Frederick County Parks & Recreation, the county parks and recreation department has a long list of activities for all ages. The same goes for the brochure, The Recreator.
State Parks – All Within 20 minutes of Frederick:
Cunningham Falls State Park & Hunting Creek Lake, in the Catoctin Mountains, with swimming and non-motored boating, fishing, hiking and canoeing in Hunting Creek Lake. Campsites and camper cabins for rent. Hunting and horseback riding are both permitted within certain areas. There are nine hiking trails, including the trail to the beautiful Cunningham Falls.
Gambrill State Park is well known for High Knob, three stone overlooks that offer stunning views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys, and the mountains beyond. The High Knob area also offers wooded picnic areas, picnic shelters, campgrounds, fishing and a lodge, called the Tea Room, which can be rented for events. 1-888-432-2267.
Gathland State Park, once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. There is a Civil War museum on site, camping and picnic pavilion for rent, 1-888-432-CAMP. The Appalachian Trail passes through the state park.
Greenbrier State Park has a 42-acre man-made lake, with swimming, canoeing, boating (electric trolling motors) hiking, picnicking, fishing and a playground. Four pavilions for rent, 165 Campsites. There is a connector trail to The Appalachian Trail.
South Mountain State Park, for avid hikers, South Mountain features several scenic vistas, including High Rock, Black Rock, Annapolis Rock, White Rock and Weaverton Cliffs. It includes two hunting areas.
Washington Monument State Park, at the top of South Mountain, the site of the first monument dedicated to George Washington, with a museum. Most of the hiking trails are part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Camping, picnic sites, pavilions for rent, South Mountain State Battlefield.
Monocacy National Battlefield, commemorating the battle that saved Washington D.C. There are six trails, twilight hikes, and lots of educational events throughout the year. There is a fairly new visitor center, and you can take a self-guided auto tour.
Catoctin Mountain Park, hiking, camping, lodging, special programs and events. Educational opportunities for children.
C&O Canal National Park, public boat rides, visitor center, camping, hiking and biking trails and special events. 184.5 miles of trail that preserves America’s transportation history.
C&O Bicycle Guide has a map and suggested sites. C&O Canal Towpath is a great resource for news and interesting stops along the way, and places to stay.
In and Around Frederick:
Frederick Bicycle Loop, a self-guided tour through the City of Frederick, download the brochure.
Ropes course, zipline and canopy tour, corporate retreats and group activities: Upward Enterprises, in Adamstown, MD.
The Frederick Tourism Events Page has a chronological list of events throughout the county.
Here is a very helpful search feature on Recreation.gov where you can search for parks, camping and lodging, tickets and all kinds of outdoor recreation by location.
June is for Art Lovers! From First Saturday, the Frederick Art Festival and many activities throughout the month. They have a summer camp for kids.
Barnstormers Tour, June 17, 10 am to 3 pm. A tour of several barns of Frederick and surrounding area, observe painters at tour locations, followed by an art show and sale, with food and entertainment, afterward at a host farm. Art Show and Sale, Music, Food 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Details at Frederick County Landmarks website.
Many local galleries have fresh new exhibits throughout the summer.
There are a number of classes and events at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center this summer, including a summer camp. Also, drop in art activities for all ages. First Saturdays.
Frederick County Recreation Classes, Sports, fitness and nutrition, cooking classes, and more for adults. You can see all events, locations and fees and information…and get discount tickets to area amusement parks through the Recreator.
Urbana Recreation Council, serves Urbana, Ijamsville and surrounding area. Youth programs for baseball, basketball, cheer, cub scouts, field hockey, football, lacrosse, poms, softball, and wrestling.
Yard Sale & Garage Sale Search This is a nice site to find out about local yard sales and to post your own yard sale or garage sale.
Farmer’s Markets in and Around Frederick
Visit the Farmers Market. There are several farmers markets around Frederick and in every town in Frederick County. – Frederick City Market in the Old Carmack Jay parking lot at 331 N. Market Street, open Sunday’s 9 am to 1 pm. – Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmer’s Market, Thursday’s 3 to 6 pm. -Frederick Farmers Market, 1215 W. Patrick Street, Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm. – Lake Linganore Farmer’s Market, Thursdays 4 to 7 pm. -Baker Park, Key City Farmer’s Market, 11 am to 1:30 pm. -Field Fresh Farmer’s Market, The Great Frederick Fair Grounds, Saturdays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm starting June 21. – Thurmont Farmer’s Market open on Saturdays, 9 am to noon
Historical Society of Frederick County – Walking Tours of Historic Frederick, Civil War Walking Tours, Art & Architecture Walking Tours, Black History Walking Tours, Drunk & Disorderly
South Mountain Creamery, if you need an excuse to go get some ice cream, June is National Dairy Month. It’s a patriotic thing to do!
Farmer’s Market at the Frederick Fairgrounds on Saturdays; City Market at the old Carmack Jay Parking lot downtown, between 4th and 5th Streets; Everedy and Shab Row Farmer’s Market on Thursday afternoons; Carroll Creek Farmer’s Market, Tuesdays, 4:30 – 7:30.
Walkersville Southern Railroad, Jesse James Day, Civil War Reenactors, Fathers Day Special, Star-Spangled Fireworks Special, Super Hero Picnic, Teddy Bear Picnic, and more.
Children’s History Hour, for preschoolers, 1st and 3d Tuesday each month. Frederick County History Museum, 24 E. Church St.
The EventPlex @ Frederick Fairgrounds, lots of fun things to do in Frederick Md this summer, Mexican Rodeo, Cirque Italia, Peruvian and Latin Festival, Western Maryland Reptile Show and more.
Alive @ Five – Happy Hour with live music, local food and drink, adults only. Carroll Creek Park Amphitheater, Thursdays, from 5 to 8 pm. $5 for 21 and older.
Candlelight Ghost Tours – Frederick Walking Tour
Guided Walking Tours – Art & Architecture of Frederick, African American History, Civil War Walking Tours, Historic Frederick Walking
Free Movie Night on the Creek: 3rd Fridays
First Saturdays in Historic District Frederick are all about performance and visual art during the summer months:
Frederick’s 4th in Baker Park – (2021 – Frederick Fairgrounds) Fireworks, Food, Children’s Activities, two stages of entertainment, from noon to dusk. Check the above webpage for current information:
Independence Day Celebration
Mt. Airy Fireworks
Walkersville Carnival
Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day
PreservationMaryland has a list of Historic events throughout the state of Maryland.
In the Street, Sept. 9, a Festival held in the streets of downtown Frederick every year.
Comments Welcome! If I’ve missed any Things to Do in Frederick Md This Summer you know about… contact me!