Hagerstown Gears Up for a Spring Filled with Film, Music, and Community Events

Hagerstown, MD residents can anticipate a vibrant spring season packed with a diverse array of cultural and community events, according to recent announcements detailing a schedule from late March through May. The upcoming events, many sponsored or hosted by the City of Hagerstown and Downtown Hagerstown Main Street, aim to foster a sense of community and showcase local talent and attractions. From film festivals and musical performances to athletic challenges and culinary competitions, the city is poised to offer a rich calendar of activities for all ages.

The spring event lineup kicks off with the 14th Annual Maryland International Film Festival, scheduled to run from Thursday, March 26, to Sunday, March 29, 2026. This festival will feature films, parties, and an awards ceremony across six downtown venues. Following closely, the Washington County Running Festival is set to take place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with a half-marathon taking runners through the heart of downtown Hagerstown.

April will continue the momentum with “2nd Saturday: Taste of Downtown” on April 11, 2026, offering attendees the chance to sample culinary delights from various downtown restaurants. The Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) will present its 15th all-school musical, “Hadestown: Teen Edition,” with performances on April 18 and 19, and again on April 25 and 26 at The Maryland Theatre. Baseball fans can mark their calendars for the opening day of the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Meritus Park. The month will also feature “One Love Fest” on April 25, 2026, at University Plaza, promising an immersive cultural music experience with genres including Soca, Afrobeat, and Reggae, hosted by Afro Soca Love.

May is set to be a particularly busy month, beginning with “Music in the Plaza & Thunder in the Square” on May 1, 2026. This event will include live music from The Cruisers, performing hits from the 60s and 70s, alongside an annual classic car show hosted by the Alsatia Club. The Hagerfest Music & Art Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, in downtown Hagerstown. This free event will celebrate local arts and entertainment with live music from acts like the Mack Berry Band and The Reagan Years, alongside live painting, graffiti art, spoken word performances, and a latte art competition. A “Party in the U-S-A” afterparty is planned at Hub City Brewery.

Further community engagement is planned with “2nd Saturday: Art Walk” on May 8, 2026, featuring a chalk walk and tours of the Cultural Trail. The “Porchfest” event on May 16, 2026, will bring free live music to front porches along South Prospect Street. Concluding the listed events is the inaugural “Battle of the Cheesesteaks” on May 16, 2026, in the Elizabeth Hager Parking Lot, where attendees can sample and vote for their favorite cheesesteak from ten participating vendors, hosted by One Room Media.

These events highlight Downtown Hagerstown’s ongoing efforts as a Maryland Main Street Community, focused on revitalizing the downtown area and encouraging community participation. Further details and ticketing information for many of these events will be made available closer to their dates. Residents interested in participating or learning more about Downtown Hagerstown initiatives can reach out via email.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Downtown Hagerstown Main Street & City of Hagerstown

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