Each year, the Partnership tackles strategic initiatives to bring more residents and employees to Downtown Frederick, offers an exciting season of events and works closely with downtown businesses and partners to continue to strengthen and improve Downtown Frederick.
Why We LOVE Downtown Frederick!
With our one-of-a-kind specialty shops, restaurants and people, Downtown Frederick stands out. We have a personality all our own…friendly, vibrant, eclectic and thriving.
Downtown business owners are passionate about what they do. They spend time in their shops and restaurants to make sure you are well cared for.
Downtown residents make this community home. A neighbor’s friendly face, an afternoon happy hour with friends, an evening stroll with the family — THERE’S ONLY ONE DOWNTOWN FREDERICK.
The Latest News in Downtown Frederick
Don’t skip a beat. Read the latest about how we LIVE, WORK, STAY, PLAY & CONNECT in Downtown Frederick.
Downtown Frederick is Open for the Holidays!


With more than 200 unique stores and restaurants, Downtown Frederick, Maryland is a shopping destination unlike any other. In an era of increasing online shopping, it’s important to remember that shopping small makes a big difference. An impressive 99% percent of our downtown retailers are independently owned — which means you can enjoy a guilt-free shopping experience, knowing that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local economy. So before you turn to the internet or head to the mall, take a spin through Downtown Frederick and visit the amazing independent retailers that you won’t find anywhere else. Many of our shops even stay open 7 days a week during the holiday season! Keep reading for a list of those shopping locations, which will be open every day from Frosty Friday (Nov 24) through Christmas Eve. Many shops even extend their hours over the weekends, staying open late ’til 8pm on Fridays & Saturdays (these businesses are marked with an * in the list below). Find a complete list of shopping and dining in Downtown Frederick here! Shopping (open 7 days a week!) A Lit’le Irish Too *143 N Market StAlicia L *145 & […]
Downtown Frederick’s Top 5, November 17 – 19


Some of your favorite holiday traditions are back in Downtown Frederick! Get in the festive spirit this weekend with some great holiday events and fun entertainment all weekend long! Here are 5 ideas to get you started: 1️⃣ Kids can drop off their letters to Santa at Dancing Bear Toys & Games starting on November 17 through December 17. 2️⃣ Sailing Through the Winter Solstice launches the new fleet of illuminated boats at Carroll Creek Park on Saturday. 3️⃣ Support local artisans and vendors while listening to live music and indulging in festive food and drink at the Kris Kringle Holiday Night Market at Sweet Clover. 4️⃣ Delizia Cafe is hosting a stand-up comedy show on Saturday night featuring some of the area’s best up and coming comedians. 5️⃣ Embark on an unforgettable musical journey that celebrates 100 years of Disney through the lens of jazz at the Weinberg Center on Sunday. Full details right here: Letters to Santa Friday, November 17, 10am – 4pm (thru Dec. 17) Dancing Bear Toys & Games – 15 E Patrick Street It’s almost that time of the year! Starting a bit earlier this year on November 17 you can drop off your letters […]
Breaking Barriers and Building Community: The Rise of Black Entrepreneurs in Downtown Frederick


By Kiki Wilson The Partnership is thrilled to introduce Voices of Downtown Frederick – a blog series highlighting the many communities that help make Downtown Frederick special. This month’s blog celebrates Black-Owned Businesses and is written by Kiki Wilson, founder of OUT40 Media. At ten years old, Amira watched her grandmother empty the old spaghetti bowl at the kitchen sink and together they made a candle from a beginner’s kit she had bought from a local craft store earlier that day. It was the beginning of perfecting a hobby, and later, a business. Like Amira, Chris shares a homegrown story of supply and demand. While working at his old shop, Chris would often get asked if he was the owner. He always meekly replied no, while his supporters encouraged him to embark on his own path. The unwavering confidence from his clientele pushed him to finally start his business. When Darren was stationed at Fort Detrick in 1990, he never spent a night there. He was so close to his hometown after being deployed for years prior that he would find any reason to race back to uptown D.C. Little did he know that thirty years later, Frederick would be […]
Downtown Frederick’s Top 5, November 10 – 12


It’s time to kick off another weekend in Downtown Frederick! There are plenty of activities and things to do, from shows and shopping to Veterans Day celebrations and ghost tours. Here’s 5 ideas to get you started: 1️⃣ It’s still spooky season! Take a remarkable journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past with Maryland’s oldest operating ghost tour. 2️⃣ Keep your holiday shopping local at the Holiday Bazaar at Calvary United Methodist Church – don’t miss their famous cheese balls! 3️⃣ Listen to the 20th annual Echo Taps celebrating those who served in our armed forces on Veterans Day with the playing of taps throughout downtown. 4️⃣ Actor Alan Cumming and journalist Ari Shapiro head to town with their perormance of tall tales and tunes, presented with trademark talent and humor. 5️⃣ New Spire Arts is hosting Broadway on Harewood for “The Cabaret” featuring your favorite Broadway music from the golden era to the present. Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick at Brewer’s Alley Friday, November 10, 7:15pm – 8:45pm Brewer’s Alley – 124 N Market St Take a Remarkable Journey through Frederick’s Gruesome and Bloody Past. Nearly 300 Years of War, Executions and Revenge. Uncover Politically Savvy and Defiant Citizens, Patriots […]
Downtown Frederick’s Top 5, November 3 – 5


It’s a new month which means it’s time for First Saturday! Support local businesses by shopping with an independent retailer, eating at a local restaurant, supporting local artists and exploring Downtown Frederick. Holiday shopping is kicking off and where you spend your money matters. First Saturday Details Here’s 5 ideas to get you started: 1️⃣ Sip & Shop downtown from 4-8pm on Saturday with participating businesses serving beer, wine, spirits, hot chocolate, craft soda and more! 2️⃣ You can see the region’s longest running improv troupe The Comedy Pigs perform a hilarious show filled with a series of fun short-form improv games. 3️⃣ Peabody Prep is hosting their grand opening with a musical open house where children can try out different instruments and adults can learn guitar. 4️⃣ The Acton Children’s Business Fair returns for a 3rd year allow kids to launch their very own startup business and open for customers. 5️⃣ Celebrate Tiara Day’s grand reopening with drinks and treats all day! Get all of the details right here! Sip & Shop Saturday, November 4, 4pm – 8pm Sip & Shop Map Kick off the holiday season by sipping & shopping locally. Participating businesses will provide free samples of […]
Downtown Frederick’s Top 5, Oct 27-29


No better place to spend Halloweekend than Downtown Frederick! There’s so much to do – here’s our top 5. 1️⃣ It’s Halloween in downtown all day Saturday! Trick-or-treating runs from 10am-12pm with tons of businesses participating. 2️⃣ The Vintage Halloween Car Show & Trunk-or-Treat returns to Everedy Square and Shab Row. Who doesn’t want to see a classic bug dressed in a costume?! 3️⃣ Your furry friends are invited to the 4th Annual Canines on the Creek, featuring a doggy parade and costume contest, hosted by the FSK Lions Club.. 4️⃣ The big “scream” returns to Carroll Creek with a free showing of Halloweentown hosted by Frederick Parks & Recreation. 5️⃣ It’s Sherlock Sunday Halloween Edition! The Endangered Species Theatre Project brings radio alive with an in-person production of a Sherlock Holmes radio play at Sky Stage. Halloween in Downtown Frederick Saturday, October 28, All Day (Trick-or-treating 10am-12pm) Trick-or-Treat map! The Saturday before Halloween, Downtown Frederick turns into a trick-or-treater’s paradise! Local business owners provide candy for the best ghouls, goblins, and bananas in town. Find face painting and crafts at 30 N Market St, as well as pumpkin decorating, games and hot cider at 33 E Patrick St. More […]
Downtown Frederick’s Top 5 October 20-22


Let’s have some fun, explore some history and get to know each other this weekend in Downtown Frederick. If you’re feeling spooky, check out the Murder and Mayhem walking tour through Heritage Frederick and dive deep into the more nefarious side of Frederick’s past or take in a ghostly play at Sky Stage. The kids will love a root beer tasting (you will too!) and Halloween movie night on the creek. You can also make some new friends at BK Juices with a juicy conversation. No matter what you do, there’s always fun to be had in Downtown Frederick! Murder & Mayhem Walking Tour with Heritage Frederick Saturday, October 21, 7pm-8:30pm 24 E Church St Explore scandalous, nefarious, and unbelievable moments from Frederick’s past. Stories include bootlegging, bank robberies, and the case of Granville Smeltzer and Mary Nussbaum. *Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 Reserve your spot now! https://frederickhistory.org/programs/adults/walking-tours/ Tour Length: 90 minutes Tickets: $8-$12 10th Year Anniversary Root Beer Tasting @ The Pop Shop Saturday, October 21, 1pm-5:45pm 241 N Market St Help us celebrate 10 years of bringing Root Beers from across the country to Frederick MD. You will […]
Downtown Frederick’s Top 5, October 13-15


Just because it looks like the weather may not cooperate this weekend is no reason to stay home! You’ll find fun indoor activities throughout downtown, especially as the vibe starts to get just a little bit spooky. Plus, all of our great shops and restaurants will warm you up and keep you well fed with delightful dinners and tasty treats. It’s always a good time to be downtown! 72 Film Fest @ The Weinberg Center Friday, October 13, 6:30pm-11pm & Saturday, October 14, 7pm-10pm 20 W Patrick St 72 Film Fest returns for Year 18! In this exhilarating challenge, teams are tasked with crafting a short film within a mere 72 hours. From the rush of brainstorming to the tireless days of shooting and editing, participants will navigate a multitude of movie-making obstacles. This two-day event features the world premieres on Friday, followed by an unforgettable Saturday that brings together the finalists, award winners, and an exclusive short film starring your hosts. Angels in America Part II: Perestroika @ Maryland Ensemble Theater Friday & Saturday, October 13 & 14, 7pm-10:30pm, Sunday, October 15, 2pm-5:30pm 31 W Patrick St Angels in America, Part II: Perestroika is the second installment of Tony […]
A Little Bit of Sabor, a Whole Lot of Satisfaction


By Lauren Paulet The Partnership is thrilled to introduce our new blog series, Voices of Downtown Frederick. In this series we’re highlighting communities that help to make Downtown Frederick special. This month’s blog celebrates Hispanic Heritage and features Lauren Paulet, a recent transplant to Frederick. Everyone has a reason that Frederick is special to them. Some families have lived here for generations, watching Frederick grow from humble agricultural roots into a bustling hub for technology and innovation. Others have migrated across thousands of miles, crossing international borders to seek refuge and build a new life for their families. For me, it’s simply the charm of Downtown Frederick, and the warm sense of community I feel here. I start off every conversation with a little disclaimer: I’m not from Frederick. I moved here a little over a year ago, and this lovely city has become my home. I’m originally from Miami, FL and the moment I disclose that everyone asks, “Why the heck did you move here!?” It’s a long story that starts with a group of very hungry friends. On a whim, I visited Frederick a few years ago with my closest college buddies. We decided to embark on a […]
Downtown Frederick’s Top Five, September 29-October 1


You know that there’s always something happening downtown, and with book sales, dancers, comedians and crafts, this weekend will have you busy hopping from one activity to the next. Grab your reusable tote and hit up the huge annual book sale at Evangelical Lutheran so that your TBR (To Be Read) pile is ready for the cozy days headed our way. Get your toes tapping with Flamenco and ballet, then split your sides laughing at the MET’s stand-up comedy night. You can finish out your weekend by getting crafty with a little bit of fun art for spooky season at Rockwell Brewery East. No matter what you choose, we can’t wait to see you downtown this weekend! Annual Book Sale @ Evangelical Lutheran Church Friday & Saturday, September 29-30, 9am-7pm, Sunday, October 1, 9am-1pm 31 E Church St Evangelical Lutheran Church is hosting its annual book sale on Friday, September 29th (9am-7pm); Saturday, September 30th (9am-7pm); and Sunday, October 1st (9am-1pm). All proceeds go to support Operation Second Chance which serves wounded, injured & ill Veterans, and active duty Purple Heart service members. Tablao Flamenco @ New Spire Stages Friday, September 29, 7:30pm-9:30pm 15 W Patrick St Experience the magnetic […]