Hagerstown Gears Up for Fall with a Packed Schedule of Community Events

Residents of Hagerstown, Maryland, can anticipate a vibrant autumn season with a diverse array of community events and activities planned throughout September and October. From car shows and live music to Halloween festivities and local markets, the City of Hagerstown and its partners are offering a multitude of opportunities for engagement and entertainment. The events aim to foster community spirit and showcase the city’s dynamic downtown area.

The fall event calendar kicks off on Friday, September 26, with “Thunder in the Square” taking place from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in downtown Hagerstown. Hosted by the Alsatia Club, this event will feature a car show with registration costing $10 on the night of the show, alongside food and live music. Concurrently, on the same evening, “Music in the Plaza” will fill University Plaza from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This free event will feature the band “Guys in Thin Ties” performing popular hits from the 1980s. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for their comfort. The Alsatia Club will also be providing food at this location.

The following Sunday, September 28, marks the final City Farmers Market of the year, scheduled from noon to 4:00 PM at Hub City Brewery. This market offers residents a chance to purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and items from artisan vendors.

October brings a series of engaging activities. “Fiber Fest” is set for Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at University Plaza. This event is designed for fiber enthusiasts of all ages, offering demonstrations, vendor stalls for fibers and accessories, and a space for crafters to connect and work on projects.

Hagerstown Parks & Recreation is presenting a series of “City Park Ghost Tours” on multiple Fridays in October. On Friday, October 10, there will be a Hager House Ghost Tour with sessions at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. This one-hour indoor tour is priced at $15 per person. An outdoor “Beginner Paranormal Investigation” will also be available from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the same night, costing $25 per person. Early registration is recommended as space is limited for these tours.

The weekend of October 11 promises a variety of family-friendly events. A Community Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Stables at Fairgrounds Park, featuring approximately 72 vendors selling items at bargain prices. Simultaneously, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Fairgrounds Park, the “Harvest Hoedown” will offer pony rides, scarecrow making, pumpkin and hand painting, balloon giveaways, and a petting zoo. Children will receive a free pumpkin while supplies last. That evening, “Voltage Wrestling” will take over University Plaza at 5:00 PM for a free live wrestling event open to the public.

Further “City Park Ghost Tours” are scheduled for Friday, October 17, including the Hager House Ghost Tour and a “Haunted Train Hub” outdoor tour. The Hager House tour is $15 per person, while the Haunted Train Hub tour is $10. Both offer sessions at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, with limited availability.

The “Hagerstown Out of Darkness Walk,” a community event to combat suicide, will take place on Saturday, October 18, beginning at 9:00 AM at the City Park Band Shell. Registration for this event is free.

Halloween festivities begin on Thursday, October 23, with a “Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat” event at Fairgrounds Park starting at 4:00 PM. Attendees will collect treats from various vendors, and timed tickets are required. The “Downtown Halloween Block Party” is set for Friday, October 24, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM on South Potomac Street. This event will feature trick-or-treating at over 20 businesses and organizations, as well as a costume contest for adults and children with prizes.

Additional “City Park Ghost Tours” are scheduled for Friday, October 24, offering both the Hager House Ghost Tour ($15) and the Beginner Paranormal Investigation ($25). These tours are also on a limited capacity basis.

The following day, Saturday, October 25, begins with the “13th Annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Parade” at the Hagerstown Dog Park at 11:00 AM. Dogs can be dressed up for a parade around Fairgrounds Park Dog Park with chances to win prizes in various categories. Later, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, “Downtown Businesses Trick-or-Treat” will allow families to gather treats from participating downtown businesses before the main parade. The evening culminates with the “98th Annual Alsatia Mummers Parade” in downtown Hagerstown at 6:00 PM, a long-standing tradition celebrating the community.

The month of October concludes with a final set of “City Park Ghost Tours” on Friday, October 31. The Hager House Ghost Tour will be $20 per person for the indoor tour, while the Haunted Train Hub outdoor tour remains $10. Both have sessions at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, and early registration is strongly advised.

Downtown Hagerstown, a Maryland Main Street Community, is dedicated to fostering a thriving downtown environment. For inquiries about these events or ways to get involved, interested parties can contact events@downtownhagerstown.org.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Hagerstown.

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