Loading…
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.
Loading…
Holiday Traditions in Downtown Frederick

We’ve decided to let you in on a little secret… okay, FOUR little secrets to bring a bit of holiday cheer to you this season! Our staff is feeling merry and bright so we’re sharing our annual holiday traditions with you as you find new, and cherish old, ways to celebrate with your loved ones this year. Kara Norman (Executive Director): Her holiday tradition: “Every year I look forward to doing all of my holiday shopping in our downtown shops and restaurants as showing our love for local is definitely an important tradition in our house. My family and I plan a full day of shopping and dining as we check everyone off of our list. Shopping local ensures unique and thoughtful gifts while creating lasting memories with your loved ones as you shop.” How this tradition is 2020-approved: “My daughter is finally old enough that she gets to play elf this year and help me with all of our holiday shopping! It’s a great way to bond with her as we shop with our masks on.” Danielle Doll (Associate Director): Her holiday tradition: “I like pretending I’m a tourist in my hometown during the holidays. I like to pick a […]
10 Reasons to Shop Early this Year

10 Reasons to Shop Early this Year This year has been more than a little challenging for everyone, but through it all — we’ve been reminded time and time again of how much we love this community, of how supportive people can be to one another and of how much our small businesses matter. The holidays are one of the most magical times to visit Downtown Frederick, MD. Our walkable, historic downtown offers more than 200 independently-owned businesses, parking is FREE every weekend from Thanksgiving through News Years, and public health measures are in place to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. So, while shopping local is the obvious choice after such a difficult year for so many, here are a few reasons why you should get out there and take care of your holiday list early this year. Need some ideas? Check out our 2020 Downtown Frederick Gift Guide here! 1. Small retailers rely on the holiday season to survive In a regular year, retailers rely on the holiday season to generate at least 19% of their annual sales. So if you have a favorite business (or 3 or 4) that you know you couldn’t live without, make […]
The Holidays in Downtown Frederick

Winter is one of the most magical times to visit Downtown Frederick, MD. Our walkable, historic downtown offers more than 200 independently-owned businesses to knock out that holiday shopping list, parking is FREE every weekend from Thanksgiving through News Years, and public health measures are in place to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. Learn more at downtownfrederick.org/holidays. Learn more about the Holidays in Downtown Frederick! Find unbeatable shopping in Downtown Frederick, with many shops open 7 Days a Week through Christmas. Take advantage of the abundance of heated outdoor dining options for a quick bite at one of Downtown Frederick’s 50+ restaurants or 9 independent craft breweries and distilleries. Enjoy ambient music wafting through the air most weekends, and — of course — SHOP LOCAL this holiday season! Lights, events & a million more reasons to visit Downtown Frederick this winter. Downtown Frederick is decked out from top to bottom this holiday season! Find Sailing Through the Winter Solstice in Carroll Creek Park through February, enjoy the millions of Holiday Lights twinkling in the trees overhead as you stroll the streets of downtown, and do something the whole family will love with our Operation Sparkle holiday lights scavenger hunt. Don’t […]
Shop Local Online this Holiday Season

Online shopping doesn’t have to mean going to Amazon. Click here to find out which of your favorite Downtown Frederick retailers offer online shopping. All of the convenience of shopping online, none of the guilt. Great for long-distance gift exchanges. Ship directly to your recipient. Click, shop and love local! Shop Local Online Need more holiday shopping inspiration? Check out our 2020 Downtown Frederick Gift Guide for a list of this season’s most givable gifts, all sourced from our local downtown retailers.
Downtown Frederick’s Holiday Gift Guide

Attention Holiday Shoppers! Are you sitting down? Because we have some pretty shocking news. In the blink of an eye, the 2020 holiday season is officially upon us! Yes, we are serious… go peek at the closest calendar if you don’t believe us and let us know when you return… Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s talk about OUR personal favorite part of the holidays… holiday shopping! A lot of things have looked different this year but we’re proud of how our downtown community has remained resilient throughout the unpredictable ride that has been 2020. The support this community has shown our downtown businesses has been nothing short of amazing and we couldn’t have done it without you. Go ahead and take a pause to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back from us to you! As we head into the holidays, your support is even more meaningful to our downtown and we hope you’ll continue to spend your days shopping and dining with our local businesses. Your dollar goes a long way in our community and we have been busy as elves behind the scenes to make your holiday experience everything you deserve. We know […]
Date Night in Downtown Frederick

There is just something about this beautiful, crisp, fall weather that makes us want to embrace the love in the air. Whether you’ve been ringing in fall for numerous seasons with the same person or you’re looking for some new arm candy as we head into this holiday season, Downtown Frederick just so happens to be the perfect place to create a spark AND keep it going. If you spent lockdown wishing for a sweetie to share it with, we have some great ideas for first dates that will break the in-person ice. Since you’ve been getting to know each other via FaceTIme, put your phone down and pick your mask up to head downtown for some safe in-person quality time. We’ve done the hard part for you and planned out everything from an early morning meet up to a night together on the town. All that’s left for you to do is explore our picturesque downtown AND the possibility of bringing your quarantine cutie home for the holidays! We’re rooting for you! On the other end of Cupid’s arrow, maybe you spent lockdown cozied-up to your longtime #1. After over six months under the same roof together, it’s possible […]
Window Display Resource Guide for Independent Retailers

Designing a great window display is no easy task. You want it to be eye-catching, budget-friendly, low-effort and — above all else — effective! After all, the mark of a great window display is when you sell out of the product that’s in the window. At downtownfrederick.org/windows, we’ve compiled a few resources to help our Downtown Frederick retailers find a little extra inspiration this holiday season. Please use and share the info collected, and contact anyone on the Partnership staff if you need any extra advice! Our Window Display Resource Page includes: a window display materials swap for merchantsa live webinar with nationally-known designer Amy Meadowsadvice from local professionals and retailersan inspiration board featuring a wide variety of design ideasa list of local designers who are available for hire View our Window Display Resource Page
A Guide To Your Family Day in Downtown Frederick!

Your Family Itinerary Can you feel it?! The weather is getting chillier, the leaves are starting to fall, and pumpkin spice has officially made its seasonal debut. After a summer spent inside, we have some great ideas for safely spending this fall season out and about with your family. Time spent with family is time well spent! From our residents to our businesses and visitors, Downtown Frederick is a destination for all kinds of families and we couldn’t be more proud. This guide provides a full list of ways to explore and enjoy Downtown Frederick as a family. As you venture downtown, please be sure to wear your mask and stay at least six feet away from those not in your direct household. For families with younger kids: Take a walk down Carroll Creek Fish, and flowers, and water, oh my! Take a relaxing walk down this beautiful and functional creek to observe the different animals and flowers that call it home. Depending on the time of year you are exploring, you will also be able to admire incredible sculptures or illuminated boats to make this mile and a half long stretch that much more magical. Grab a scoop (or […]
Partnership Launches Property Listing Database for Downtown Frederick

Home to more than 250 independently owned businesses, Downtown Frederick is a great place to start your business! The first step toward opening your doors is finding a space that fits your business’ needs. To help entrepreneurs get started on the right foot, Downtown Frederick Partnership is launching a new property listing database at downtownfrederick.org/properties. The database includes currently available Retail, Office and Warehouse space within Downtown Frederick. Properties vary widely, with sizes ranging from 375 sq ft to more than 65,000, and rental prices to fit nearly every budget. Map of currently available properties, as of September 15, 2020. Visit downtownfrederick.org/properties to see what’s available today. See Available Properties Listings are gathered from local commercial brokers, property owners and real estate agents and are updated as the market changes. The Partnership makes every effort to keep its listings up to date, but “For Rent” signs can go up in the blink of an eye. Want to get your property added to our list? Email leeann@downtownfrederick.org. Interested in starting your own business? Contact mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org for additional information about launching a business in Downtown Frederick.
About the Artists – Downtown Gallery Tour

We have spent the last couple of weeks exploring the galleries downtown and the unmatched art displayed on their walls. We hope you’ve enjoyed the expressive art on the walls of Downtown Frederick as much as we have. We’re excited to take you even further into the lives of the artists that generously share their talent with our community. This week, we are introducing the artists that dedicate their lives to creating a world for people like me and you to escape to. Each day, we will highlight artists from a different gallery on the tour so check in daily to discover the artists found on our Downtown Gallery Tour. Eastside Artists’ Gallery 313 E Patrick St To highlight the artists that can be found on this tour, we have started at Eastside Artists’ Gallery. This gallery is a co-op of local artists to Frederick. The artists here come from all different artistry backgrounds that join together for a beautiful display of talent and passion for their work. Mary Paul Barnaby Mary Paul Barnaby is a photographer and a painter. Retiring from the Air Force, she finally settled down in Frederick, Maryland after a lifetime of travel and adventure. She […]