Flames of history will flicker back to life in downtown Chambersburg as the community marks its Civil War past with a dramatic living history event. The 1864: Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg will take place Saturday, July 18, featuring actors, horses, lights and immersive effects that recreate the town’s burning and resilience. Hosted throughout downtown, the daylong celebration begins with the Old Market Day street festival at 9 a.m., followed by food trucks, family activities and Civil War-themed tours at the 11/30 Visitors Center, before culminating in an a cappella competition final at 7 p.m. and the main reenactment at 9 p.m. Organizers say the free event is designed to honor Chambersburg’s history, celebrate community spirit and highlight the town’s recovery and growth since the 1864 burning.
From livestock shows to demolition derbies, the Washington County Ag Expo & Fair promises a full week of summer tradition and family-friendly fun as it returns July 18–25, 2026, at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center in Boonsboro, Maryland. Hosted by the Washington County Ag Expo & Fair Board, the annual event brings together residents and visitors for agricultural exhibits, 4-H and FFA competitions, live entertainment, carnival rides, and motorsports events, all designed to celebrate the region’s farming heritage and community spirit. With free parking, admission deals throughout the week, and free entry for children ages 5 and under, organizers aim to provide an accessible, engaging experience that highlights local agriculture while offering something for all ages.
Aviation enthusiasts and curious families alike can get up close to history at Aviation Adventure Day, set for July 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum, 18450 Showalter Road, Building 8, in Hagerstown, Maryland. Hosted inside the historic Fairchild Dome Hangar, the event invites visitors to climb aboard and explore aircraft while viewing extensive aviation exhibits, including the newly acquired A-10 Warthog. Museum officials say the day is designed to educate and engage guests of all ages through interactive experiences and historical displays, with all flights weather permitting and admission fees applying.
Beer lovers and backyard brewers alike will have a chance to raise a glass this weekend as Rough Edges Brewing hosts its fourth annual Homebrew Competition and Festival at Main Street Park in Waynesboro on July 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. The free, public event invites the community to sample a variety of locally crafted homebrews while enjoying food from Fat Russ BBQ, live music and an awards presentation, including a grand prize that allows the winning brewer to have their beer professionally produced by Rough Edges. The festival aims to celebrate local talent and bring the community together around craft brewing, with Rough Edges also offering its own beers for purchase.
Sweet treats and small-town tradition take center stage as the Blue Ridge Summit Free Library celebrates a milestone anniversary with its 50th Annual Ice Cream Social and Book Sale on July 18 at 13676 Monterey Lane. The event, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., invites community members of all ages to enjoy thousands of books for sale, a fun run, live music from the Wayne Band and Rich Fehle, a bake sale, silent auction, white elephant table, children’s activities, face painting and fire truck rides, all while supporting the library’s programs and services. Organizers say the long-running fundraiser not only helps sustain the library but also brings the community together for a day of family-friendly entertainment and local tradition.
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