HAGERSTOWN – The City of Hagerstown’s annual City Park Fall Fest, presented by Maryland Physicians Care, brought thousands to City Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, for a vibrant celebration of arts, entertainment and community spirit. Held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free, family-friendly event transformed the park into a hub of activity, with additional festivities continuing until 8 p.m., culminating in a dazzling fireworks display over City Park Lake.
The event featured a diverse array of attractions spread across six sites in the park. Families enjoyed pony rides, face painting, balloon bending, and a petting zoo, while children participated in hands-on art activities and games outside the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The museum offered free admission, showcasing exhibits like Frida Kahlo: Picturing an Icon and In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting. The Hager House provided free tours and living history demonstrations, transporting visitors back to the 1700s.
Local craft vendors lined Museum Drive, offering handmade goods such as honey from Little Bear Apiary, jewelry from JessE’s Unique Jewelry & Art, and baked treats from Taralicious Treats. Food vendors, including Nena’s Curbside Cafe, Sweet Grub Machine, and Ti Boutik, served everything from smashburgers to Caribbean cuisine, delighting attendees with diverse flavors.
The South End Community Block Party, held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featured inflatable games, laser tag, archery tag, and a performance by the South High Band. The Chuck Brown Band, hailing from the D.C. area, took the stage at 1 p.m., adding a lively soundtrack to the day. Community organizations like the Washington County Health Department and Antietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance provided information and giveaways, fostering local engagement.
As the sun set, the festivities continued with Theatricks circus performers and additional food and fun by the lake. At 7:45 p.m., a spectacular fireworks show lit up the night sky, capping off a day of community connection and celebration.
