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 68 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.

Don’t forget, Downtown Frederick has free weekend parking at meters and in city parking garages through New Year’s Day!

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 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!

Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted treasures, treating someone to a memorable meal, or supporting the small businesses that make our downtown shine, you’ll find endless ways to make this holiday season special and – best of all – LOCAL.

Shopping (open 7 days a week!)

Food + Drink (open 7 days a week!)

Entertainment (open 7 days a week!)

Fitness (open 7 days a week!)

Open for Business (may have reduced hours)

The post Downtown Frederick is Open for the Holidays! appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Don’t see your favorite place on our list? This is only a start! Be sure to check with individual businesses for their most up-to-date hours*. For more great things to see and do in Downtown Frederick, visit downtownfrederick.org/events.

The post Presidents’ Day Hours – Feb. 17, 2025 appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

The festivities begin on Friday evening, January 31, with an exciting lineup of activities to kick off the winter fun. Visitors can enjoy a live ice carving demonstration at Everedy Square & Shab Row, sponsored by Brothers Services Company, from 6PM – 9PM. The evening also features thrilling fire performances by Pyrophoric at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater at 7PM and 8PM, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen. For those looking to join in the excitement, the Ice Games Center at 331 N Market Street will be open from 6 PM – 9 PM, offering interactive games for all ages. Guests can also head to the Polar Lounge at 15 E 6th Street, between 6PM – 9PM, sponsored by Precision for Medicine, to enjoy a cozy winter atmosphere complete with two fire towers, which are sure to impress.

On Saturday, February 1, the festivities continue all day with even more winter magic. From 11 AM – 9 PM, visitors can embark on the Ice Walk, featuring over 120 intricately carved ice sculptures displayed throughout Downtown Frederick. The Polar Lounge and Ice Games Center will also be open during these hours, providing warm spaces and engaging activities for guests of all ages. Food lovers can head to the Food Truck Court at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater from 11 AM – 7 PM to enjoy a variety of delicious offerings along with all our downtown restaurants. For those looking for a bit of adventure, a Scavenger Hunt will run from 12 PM – 6 PM, with clue sheets available for pick-up at 5 N Market Street. As the evening winds down, families can enjoy Marshmallow Roasting Stations, open from 4PM – 9PM, at both the Ice Games Center and the Polar Lounge.

To make the event more accessible, free shuttles, including one ADA-compliant shuttle, will run on Saturday from 11AM – 10PM, providing rides every 15 minutes to and from the three remote parking locations listed below. Visitors can take advantage of free parking at the shuttle locations and enjoy convenient transportation downtown, courtesy of Visit Frederick.

Parking will be a $10 flat rate in all five downtown parking garages from 11AM – 9PM on Saturday, February 1.

“Fire In Ice is a magical weekend that celebrates the vibrant Downtown Frederick community while offering visitors an unforgettable experience,” said Kara Norman, Executive Director of Downtown Frederick Partnership. “From stunning ice sculptures to breathtaking fire performances to cozy marshmallow roasting stations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

For more details about Fire In Ice, including shuttle routes, parking and traffic updates, visit downtownfrederick.org/fireinice.

Weather Note: We are closely monitoring the forecast for this weekend and will announce any schedule changes by 10 AM Friday morning.

Contact:
Feby Emelio
Communications Manager, Downtown Frederick Partnership
301.698.8118
feby@downtownfrederick.org

The post Downtown Frederick Partnership Gears Up for Fire In Ice appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Don’t see your favorite place on our list? This is only a start! Be sure to check with individual businesses for their most up-to-date hours. For more great things to see and do in Downtown Frederick, visit downtownfrederick.org/events.

The post Visit Downtown Frederick this Martin Luther King, Jr Day! appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

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 are open through Christmas Eve!

Keep reading for a list of those shopping locations and their Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day plans. *Many businesses have reduced hours, please check before shopping!

Find a complete list of shopping and dining in Downtown Frederick here!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day

The post Downtown Frederick is Open for the Holidays! appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

1️⃣ We are over the moon about the first Moon Market Frederick of the year! Each monthly market is held at Give Rise Studio around the time of the full moon and features local vendors offering handmade, vintage and thrifted goods.

2️⃣ You know what they say… “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere!” Enjoy an evening of tunes by Safe Harbor this Saturday at New Spire Stages. If you close your eyes you’ll almost feel the sea breeze and drink in your hand.

3️⃣ InvestiGators fans, rejoice! Get ready to dive into the second volume of Agents of S.U.I.T.: From Badger to Worse and meet the author and illustrator, John Patrick Green and Pat Lewis, this Sunday at the Library with Curious Iguana.

4️⃣ Watch the beloved children’s book “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” come to life on stage at The Weinberg this Sunday. Bring the kids for puppets, African rhythm, and lots of dancing!

5️⃣ You know Spring is around the corner when Sweet Clover is having its Winter Close Out. Grab your bestie and save BIG on furniture, decor and clothing — this weekend only!

Moon Market Frederick @ Give Rise Studio

Saturday, February 24, 1pm – 4pm
Give Rise Studio – 125 S Carroll St, Suite 101

A monthly market held by Jacqui Smith, owner of Your Cosmic Bestie. The markets are held each month around the time of the full moon, at Give Rise Studio. Each month showcases 10+ local vendors to share their goods and services with the community. You can expect to find a bit of everything including candles, pottery, jewelry, clothing, stickers, art, tarot readings, chair massages, and so much more!

The “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” Show at New Spire Stages

Saturday, February 24, 7:30pm-9:30pm
New Spire Stages – 15 W Patrick St

Enjoy the songs you want to hear when the whistle blows at 5pm. Hear the music of Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, Kenny Chesney, Doobie Brothers and many more. Featuring Safe Harbor, an award-winning duo from Jefferson, Maryland specializing in songs of sun and fun. You’ll enjoy an evening of songs that will almost make you feel the sea breeze in your face and the drink in your hand. The best “let your hair down and call-in sick tomorrow” songs you’ve ever heard in one night. Sponsored by Frederick Acoustic Music Enterprise.

Meet John Patrick Green & Pat Lewis at the Library

Sunday, February 25, 2-3pm
C. Burr Artz Public Library – 110 E Patrick St

Join Curious Iguana at C. Burr Artz Public Library as they welcome John Patrick Green and Pat Lewis to Frederick to celebrate their new middle-grade graphic novel, Agents of S.U.I.T.: From Badger to Worse.

This event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

Giraffes Can’t Dance: The Musical at The Weinberg

Sunday, February 25, 2pm-3pm
Weinberg Center for the Arts – 20 W Patrick St

A musical adaptation of the beloved children’s book, with puppets, African rhythm, and lots of dancing.

All the animals in the jungle know their own special dance, but Gerald the Giraffe can’t seem to move without a clumsy step. But with the help of a wise cricket, he finds his own song, and dances to the beat of his own drum! In this stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book, with puppets, African rhythm, and lots of dancing, Gerald learns that his differences are what make him special.

Winter Close Out at Sweet Clover

Friday & Saturday, February 23 & 24, 11am-7pm; Sunday, February 25, 11am-6pm
Sweet Clover – 244 E Patrick St

Sweet Clover is closing out winter decor, 2023 furniture pieces and winter clothing! You’ll find extra deep markdowns on furniture, lighting and artwork; 15-25% off ALL winter decor; and 30% off winter coats and outerwear. Winter closeouts are this weekend only!

The post Downtown Frederick’s Top 5, February 23-25 appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

1️⃣ Pop into DISTRICT Arts and prepare to be mesmerized by color. Mark Johnson’s latest exhibit “50 Shades of… Everything,” really does capture just about everything in every color.

2️⃣ Ever think about who gets to test a new game while it’s being created? Get your chance to try to “break” a game at the Library this Saturday – Fun for all ages.

3️⃣ Take a step back in time for #BlackHistoryMonth as a living historian portrays a soldier in the United States Colored Troops this Saturday at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

4️⃣ Calling all brides and grooms! Attend The Frederick Wedding Show this Sunday to meet with 50+ local vendors at four venue locations Downtown! A free shuttle will take you to Attaboy Barrel House, Steinhardt Brewing Co., Tenth Ward Distilling Co. and Union Mills Public House.

5️⃣ Take advantage of the long weekend to catch the 2024 Seed to Roots Youth Arts Performances Monday at the Weinberg. Frederick County K-12 students take the stage to celebrate Black history and culture, past and present!

“50 Shades of… Everything” Exhibit at DISTRICT Arts

Friday-Sunday, February 16-18, 12pm – 6pm
DISTRICT Arts – 15 N Market St

You might know Mark Johnson from his Faces of Frederick project. His new exhibit, “50 Shades of… Everything,” is all about color – the full spectrum, from monochromatic grays to deep magentas, and everything in between.

Break My Game at the Library

Saturday, February 17, 12pm-3pm
C. Burr Artz Public Library – 110 E Patrick St

Play testing in-progress tabletop game designs with the designers to give feedback and have fun. Open to all ages!

A Living History Presentation at National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Saturday, February 17, 2pm
National Museum of Civil War Medicine – 48 E Patrick St

Celebrate Black History Month at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine as living historian Samuel N. Oruh, portraying a soldier in the United States Colored Troops (USCT), discusses the role of African American and other minority soldiers in the Civil War.

The presentation is included with admission to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and FREE for NMCWM members.

The Frederick Wedding Show

Sunday, February 18, 12pm-4am
Attaboy Barrel House – 24 S Wisner St, Suite 100
Steinhardt Brewing Co – 340 E Patrick St, Suite 100-102
Tenth Ward Distilling Co – 55 E Patrick St
Union Mills Public House – 340 E Patrick St, Unit A

Planning a big bash?? Attend THE FREDERICK WEDDING SHOW with 50+ local vendors showing off their wedding offerings, advice, & inspiration at four locations in Downtown Frederick with a free shuttle in between.

2024 Seed to Roots Youth Arts Performance at The Weinberg

Monday, February 19, 6pm-8pm
Weinberg Center for the Arts – 20 W Patrick St

The 2024 “Seed to Roots Youth Arts Performance” is produced as a 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 show at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. Performances consist of live and pre-recorded student performances, each inspired by or in celebration of Black History and Culture, past and present. The opportunity to perform is open all K-12 students in Frederick County.

The post Downtown Frederick’s Top 5, February 16-19 appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

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.

“And in the end, the study of color is the study of ourselves.” – Josef Albers

To be a pop of a color in a black and white world is the mantra many live by today. It is a relished freedom, an acceptable societal rebellion, and an ode to our ancestors. We all have ties to an old monochromatic world; American history is unkind to its colorful roots.

Joy Onley, author of Memories of Frederick, takes readers on a captivating journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of colored life in Downtown Frederick. The book serves as a time machine, transporting readers to a bygone era when the town was still in its infancy. Onley masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Frederick’s early days. Through her words, readers can almost hear the echoes of small wagons being pulled by neighborhood boys yelling “cobs for sale,” feel the rumble of the parade during the annual Emancipation picnic, taste a gulp of homemade root beer after gnawing Mollie Brown’s walnut taffies and witness the birth of a town that would eventually blossom into our beloved, lively Downtown Frederick community.

“As I sit and remember scenes of my childhood, I feel there were many beautiful, strong black men and women who were the forerunners of colored life (as it was called then) here in Frederick and are worth mentioning. These good and faithful souls who have since gone on to glory made history here in our town. They stand out in my memory for they had little means and the odds were great but their pluck and perseverance should never be forgotten.

These extraordinary people should be mentioned so that young Frederick men and women, boys and girls, can know them. Some of them still have descendants now living in Frederick, They gave of themselves so that Frederick would be a better place to live. By their fruits you should know and remember them for their footprints are in the sands of time.” – Joy Onley, Memories of Frederick, 1995

Like in many other small, suburban cities across the nation, African Americans in Frederick were historically subjected to unimaginable hardships and oppression. However, even in the face of adversity, they managed to carve out a spirited community that thrived despite the odds. On the heels of segregation, living while black was a daily defiance in the face of oppression; it is a choice to keep pride and dignity as part of one’s identity.

(1922) Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Frederick, Frederick County, Maryland. Sanborn Map Company, Jun. [Map] Retrieved from the Library of Congress.

The term colored life represents the struggles and triumphs of the African American community – with the remnants of Jim Crow still fresh. The contributions of African Americans in Downtown Frederick extended beyond their stifling circumstances. West All Saints Street became the heart of Black culture, commerce, and social life. It was a place where black-owned businesses flourished and served as symbols of strength and self-determination. Churches were the cornerstone of Black living. The community was home to talented entrepreneurs, artists, doctors, and intellectuals who left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the city. Joy Onley’s familial storytelling and deep connection to Downtown Frederick lends us her lens of Frederick in a 1920’s time capsule. From customers waiting with bated breath for Miss Alice Bouldin to receive shipments from France and Belgium to supply her lace and linen shop to the aroma of Franklin Sanders’ Saturday night specials of turtle soup, fried chicken, and crab cakes lingering in the air on Sunday morning walks to church, Onley captures the essence of the community spirit that all started on one street. Their creativity, artistic expressions, and innovations added vitality and diversity to the downtown scene, making it a bustling hub of cultural exchange and commune.

Photograph of West All Saints Street, Courtesy of Heritage Frederick Archives

Let us pay tribute to the unsung heroes who dared to live in color.

Through Memories of Frederick, Onley seamlessly bridges the gap between the past and the present. Onley’s recount serves as a reminder that the stories of the past are not confined to history books but are woven into the fabric of Downtown Frederick life. Understanding and celebrating this history is essential to appreciating the cultural heritage that helped to shape us.

But colored life is not just a relic of the past.The struggles and achievements of Black Fredericktonians are a living legacy that will forever be a foundation on which the city stands. They nurtured a street into a village and paved the way for the downtown we know today, where people from all walks of life can converge and prosper.

As you stroll down West All Saints, let Memories of Frederick be your guide. Memories of Frederick is more than just a book; it is a love letter to the town and its people. The contributions of the African American community in Downtown Frederick were feats of resilience and creativity. By embracing this history, we honor the past and create a more inclusive and equitable future for us all.

Though life was once black and white, we have found living is so much better in color.

Memories of Frederick is available for public access at the Maryland Room at C Burr Artz Public library.

Kiki Wilson is owner of OUT40, a media company that covers the arts, people, and streets of Frederick, many may pass but do not see. OUT40 is the premier media outlet that houses art, entertainment, news, and storytelling through the POC lens since 2013. Connect with Kiki about social causes, music or your personal stories on LinkedIn or Instagram.

The post Living in Color appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

1️⃣ It’s not too late to attend Celebrate Frederick’s first ever speak-easy style Bootleggers Ball on Friday at McClintock Distilling – costumes encouraged!

2️⃣ Hear straight from the artists featured in The House on Jonathan Street documentary (making its television debut across America this week) and Gaslight Gallery exhibit opening this weekend.

3️⃣ Grab your gals and head over to Frederick Social on Saturday for a Galentine’s Day party featuring shopping, snacks, flirty cocktails and photo ops!

4️⃣ Keep the celebrations going at Brewer’s Alley Mardi Gras Bash on Saturday with music, drinks, and special menu items. Yes, there will be Beignets!

5️⃣ We know this event isn’t until Tuesday… but it’s too good not to extend your weekend plans! Join Attaboy Beer and Curious Iguana for a romance book fair for adults only. Blind date with a book, enjoy pink drinks, take selfies, plus local romance authors will be book signing.

Bootleggers Ball at McClintock Distilling

Friday, February 9, 8pm-11pm
McClintock Distilling – 35 S Carroll St

Presented by Celebrate Frederick, take a step back in time for a speak-easy style, costumed affair with live music, games, raffles, appetizers and specialty cocktails.

Presented by Celebrate Frederick, ticket includes live music by Hard Swimmin’ Fish, appetizers from Union Mills Public House, souvenir photo print from Selfie Mode DC, and one drink ticket. 21+ event.

The House on Jonathan Street Exhibit @ Gaslight Gallery

Saturday, February 10, 1pm – 6pm | Sunday, February 11, 2pm
Gaslight Gallery – 118 E Church St

The House on Jonathan Street, the latest documentary from 3 Roads Communications, is making its broadcast television debut on 200 Public Television stations across America. This one-hour documentary uses the accidental discovery of the significant history of a modest dwelling on a traditionally African American street in Hagerstown, MD to trace the roots of middle America’s racial, economic and social interactions.

The House on Jonathan Street exhibit at Gaslight Gallery will run February 10 through March 31 and feature two artist talks from Graffdummy, Russ Hodge, Patrick Hodge and Mellah Nix.

Galentine’s Day at Frederick Social

Saturday, February 10, 12pm – 10pm
Frederick Social – 50 Citizen’s Way

Grab your gals and head on over for a fun-filled day at Frederick Social!
Shop their Mini-Market of vendors, enjoy music from female pop artists, sip on flirty cocktails, snack on tasty light bites, enjoy a photo op in front of our festive backdrops and more!

Mardi Gras Bash at Brewer’s Alley

Saturday, February 10, 9pm-1am
Brewer’s Alley – 124 N Market St

Get into the Mardi Gras spirit! Brewer’s Alley will have the music, the eats, and all the special cocktails.

Perfect Match: A Romance Book Fair for Adults at Attaboy Barrel House

Tuesday, February 13, 5pm-7:30pm
Attaboy Barrel House – 24 S Wisner St, Suite 110

Join Attaboy Beer and Curious Iguana for a romance book fair for adults!
Featuring romance books, blind date with a book, local authors signing books, pink drinks, tote bags, a cute selfie station, and more!

Local romance authors Sarah Adler, Andie Burke, and Emily Duvall will be signing books at the event. This event is free and open to the public.

The post Downtown Frederick’s Top 5, February 9-11 appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.

To help narrow down your choices during February First Saturday (Fire in Ice), we’ve broken out a few popular dining categories for the restaurants listed below. Scroll through to see the full list… and happy eating!

The post February First Saturday Dining Guide appeared first on Downtown Frederick Partnership.