Looking for things to do in Frederick, Maryland?
Each week, we will feature a round up of Chamber events and Chamber member happenings to keep you informed on things to do in Frederick, Maryland.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Frederick, Maryland throughout the month or year, please click over to our Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar or consult our Member Events Calendar for more information.
Things to Do in Frederick, Maryland: May 11 – May 17
Saturday, May 11
Concealed Clothing: The Treasure Trove of Catoctin Furnace
For over 100 years, Catoctin Furnace was a thriving iron-making community at the base of the Catoctin Mountains in northern Frederick County, Maryland. Like many of Washington County’s furnaces and forges, it began as a family-owned and operated business in 1776. The labor force, relying on the iron plantation for jobs and the necessities of life, consisted of enslaved African-Americans and free black and European immigrant laborers. While much is known about the owners of the furnace, as well as their families, very little is known about the slaves and laborers who lived and worked at Catoctin Furnace. During an initial period of renovation in May 2015, an exciting new discovery was made in the northeast corner of the Forgeman’s House. Dangling from a crack in the attic’s ceiling was a scrap of fabric. Eventually, more than 150 different pieces of fabric were recovered, which comprised a minimum of 102 separate items of clothing and household linens. See these incredible artifacts on display for the first time in a new exhibit at the Miller House Museum. What was the life of an iron worker like? Learn more about their daily tasks and lives in this new exhibit! Explore for yourself the stories of the Catoctin Furnace iron workers through clothing, photographs, documents, and other artifacts.
American Girl Children’s Tea
Join us for a delightful American Girl-themed tea experience in the Miller House Museum Gardens! Attendees and their “plus ones” (plus ones must be a doll!) are invited to enjoy a traditional tea experience and participate in crafts, games, and activities hosted by the Washington County Historical Society. Take your doll friend on a tour of the beautifully decorated Miller House Museum and see some examples of historical dolls used by girls from long ago. The tea experience is designed for children 6 years and older. Accompanying adults are welcome and encouraged, but must reserve their own seat. Reservations are required, so order your tickets now!
AOPA Fly-In
The AOPA Frederick Fly-In is two full days of events for pilots and non-pilots alike, from a pancake breakfast and food trucks, to free educational seminars and paid in-depth workshops. Attendees will also have a unique opportunity to see the D-Day Squadron’s C-47s and DC-3s—the remarkable airplanes that dropped paratroopers behind enemy lines to start the invasion of Europe during World War II. The airplanes will visit AOPA’s Headquarters before flying on to Normandy, France, for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. They will have two special fly-over events as well as reenactment parachute jumps. Fly-in visitors will also be able to enjoy an expansive aircraft display, exhibit hall, excursions, fly-outs to other destinations, and Trade-A-Plane Aircraft Sellers Corral. Short take-off and landing (STOL) competitions Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.
Kids Zone open 9am-2pm Friday and Saturday
Maryland Craft Beer Festival
Join us for Maryland’s favorite craft beer festival of the year at Carroll Creek Park in Downtown Frederick. We’ll be featuring over 40 of Maryland’s craft brewing companies. An admission ticket includes unlimited samples of MD beer and a commemorative glass. Attendees can enjoy live music, browse through local artists and explore a plenitude of local craft & food vendors all day. VIP entrance 12PM.
Join us to support and celebrate Maryland Beer!
Event is rain or shine • Tickets will NOT be available at the door • Tickets are nonrefundable
Bark in the Park
Enjoy an afternoon with your furry, four-legged friend, at the Frederick County Parks and Recreation annual Bark in the Park. Your pooch will have an opportunity to run free in one of our off-leash areas, test and sharpen his or her skills on the agility course and make new friends. Bark in the Park also provides great opportunities for families to adopt a dog, learn different training techniques, sample dog related products, and visit exhibit booths. Dog owners must bring a collar, leash, and proof of rabies vaccination for entry. Limit two dogs per owner.
Downtown New Market Farmers’ Market
Buy local, farm fresh products and products from local artisans, food vendors, local wineries, woodcrafters, community organizations at the Farmer’s Market in Downtown New Market.
Come out and join the fun and make some history with New Market!
Wildflowers Teacup Paint Event
Just in time for Mother’s Day – join us as we paint 2 beautiful glass tea cups. One for you, one for Mom! Class cost includes everything you will need, lots of enthusiastic instruction and something yummy. Class is small and intimate so get your tickets today.
Sunday, May 12
You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown
Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesner’s classic musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The whole gang is here: bossy Lucy is hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder who doesn’t give her the time of day, perfectionist Sally is still mocking blanket-toting Linus, Snoopy is dancing on the doghouse, and “blockhead,” himself, Charlie Brown, is in rare form. Whether you’re keen to fly with the Red Baron, moon over the Moonlight Sonata, or just do your best to find “Happiness,” You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a crowd-pleasing classic.
The Light Princess
In George MacDonald’s classic story, the Light Princess has been cursed to float above the ground, never finding stability. In this dark fairy tale, she must learn to express her emotions or forever be at the mercy of gravity. Will she make peace with her parents, or will she find strength in rebellion? Will she find true love, or did she ever truly need it in the first place? People of all ages will find something to enjoy in this lesser-known fairy tale.
Monday, May 13
Brown Bag Lunch & Learn: Increasing Website Conversions: Getting More Leads From Your Website Investment
Did you know that 85% of the “buying decision” is done on your website before they hit “contact us”?
Or that if you are not converting at least 1% of your website traffic, you are underperforming?
In this informative, fun, and educational seminar, New North’s lead strategist Tobin Lehman will review the ins-and-outs of lead generation on websites covering some of the most common mistakes made that are preventing your business from growing.
You’ll take away from this seminar:
- The common website mistakes and how to fix them
- A to-do list on your website to take it to the next level
- Confidence in understanding how to make the most of your website to grow your business.
Tuesday, May 14
Lunch Exchange
Attend one of the Chamber’s most popular events! Imagine networking in the fashion of “speed-dating”. At this event you’ll meet 39 other people and make some great business connections. Hone that one minute speech about you and your business and come join us! Be sure to make us aware of any dietary restrictions you may have when registering for the event. This event will start promptly at 11:30 a.m. so be sure to arrive a few moments early to check in at the registration table for your name badge and table assignment.
This Lunch Exchange will be taking you out of the restaurant scene and into a new event space in Frederick! We will be using the Community Room at the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ and Chris Spear of Perfect Little Bites will be your personal chef for the day!
Menu, as is, will be gluten free! If you are vegetarian, please note this and tofu will be substituted for chicken and if vegan, cheese will not be on your salad. Please note dietary restrictions, medical or religious, on your registration under the special field.
Wednesday, May 15
FITCI’s 15th Anniversary – FITCI Fest
FITCI’s 15th year Anniversary, FITCI Fest, is upon us. TIme flies but there is so much more to look forward to!! Join us as we celebrate 15 years by showcasing all of the cool technology that FITCI has produced and is working on! And as a member of the Frederick Community you will be able to help us determine who has the best technology! We hope to see you there!
Thursday, May 16
Key City Food & Farm Market
The Key City Food & Farm Market is a weekly Food Truck and Farm Market. The event will run every Friday from May through October. The Food & Farm Market will feature a variety of Food Trucks and locally sourced goods outside the William Talley Recreation Center area of Baker Park every Friday between 11:00am-3:00pm.
Follow the Key City Food and Farm Market Facebook page for the weekly vendor schedule.
Friday, May 17
Beyond the Garden Gates Tour
Venture beyond the garden gates of historic, downtown Frederick in this unique tour featuring public and private gardens. From sweet fragrances and lush colors, to unique uses of small spaces, this tour is certain to inspire your green thumb. Live musicians and plein air artists will be in many gardens.
Taste of Brunswick Progressive Dinner
Join us for Taste of Brunswick on May 18th from 4:30-7:30PM as we sample the tasty treats provided by our favorite downtown restaurants. Tickets for this event will be sold for $40 and will include an appetizer, meal, and drink.
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown
Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesner’s classic musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The whole gang is here: bossy Lucy is hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder who doesn’t give her the time of day, perfectionist Sally is still mocking blanket-toting Linus, Snoopy is dancing on the doghouse, and “blockhead,” himself, Charlie Brown, is in rare form. Whether you’re keen to fly with the Red Baron, moon over the Moonlight Sonata, or just do your best to find “Happiness,” You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a crowd-pleasing classic.
Member events featured here are taken directly from our member calendar and submission. To be sure your events are included, please enter them into the calendar at least 10 days before the event day.