Bright lights, spinning rides and the smell of carnival treats will fill the air as the Great Boonsboro Carnival returns to Shafer Park in Boonsboro, Maryland, from May 22 through May 31. The annual event, hosted at 37 Park Drive, will feature the Reithoffer Midway with rides, games and the new Mega Drop attraction, along with food vendors and free live music performances each evening, weather permitting. The carnival will run from 5 to 11:30 p.m. daily and is designed to bring families and community members together for entertainment and summer fun.
Fresh-picked produce, homemade baked goods and a strong sense of community will take center stage when Market at the Park 2026 returns to Mainstreet Park in Waynesboro for its seasonal run beginning May 23. Hosted by Mainstreet Waynesboro, the weekly market will be held Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon through Sept. 26 at Mainstreet Park, 25 E. Main St., offering locally grown produce, meats, plants, crafts, baked goods and honey. Organizers say the market gives residents an opportunity to shop local while supporting area farmers, artisans and small businesses throughout the summer season.
Chrome will shine and tails will wag at the Paws & Pistons car show and pet-friendly fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 24, in the Valley Mall parking lot at 17301 Valley Mall Road in Hagerstown. Hosted by the Paws & Pistons Animal Support Group, the event will feature show cars, vendors, sponsors, food trucks, judging, awards and a 50/50 drawing, with proceeds supporting animal-related causes. Registration for show vehicles is $20 the day of the event, while spectators are admitted free. Vendor and food truck setup begins at 9 a.m., show cars arrive at 10 a.m., judging starts at 1:30 p.m., and awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Pets are welcome. Information is available at [email protected] or on the group’s Facebook page.
Binoculars and bird calls will take center stage as families flock to a beginner-friendly birding program at Buttonwood Nature Center in Waynesboro. Buttonwood educators will lead “Birding for Beginners—for Families!” from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, teaching participants how to properly use binoculars while searching for warblers, finches and other native birds in the park, where local birding groups have identified as many as 60 species. The free program is open to all ages, though children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and organizers say the event is designed to introduce newcomers to birding through hands-on outdoor exploration and family-friendly fun.
Shoppers hunting for handmade treasures and hometown flavor will find both at the MMP&W Fire & Ambulance Company Spring Bazaar, set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 23 at 20 Veterans Way in Mercersburg. The fundraiser will feature local craft and food vendors, food trucks and small businesses from across the community, with proceeds supporting the fire and ambulance company while also giving area entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their work. Organizers said outside vendor spaces are still available for those interested in participating in the event.
