BOONSBORO, Md. — Motorists planning to attend the 55th annual Boonesborough Days festival Sept. 12-13 should expect parking restrictions, a closure of Park Drive and pedestrian traffic controls near Shafer Park, according to the Boonsboro Police Department.
The free festival will be held at Shafer Park, 37 Park Drive, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. It is sponsored by the Boonsboro Historical Society.
Park Drive, from North Main Street to Park View Drive, will be closed throughout the event to accommodate pedestrian traffic. The road will remain accessible only to attendees traveling to the designated handicap parking area.
Handicapped parking will be available in the Shafer Park lot near the community center. Vehicles must enter at the intersection of North Main Street and Park Drive to reach the lot.
Public parking will be available on Potomac Street near the police department; in Shafer Park near the basketball court; in the municipal lot on Park Drive; and in the municipal lot behind Town Hall.
A paid parking lot will be available on Stouffer Avenue in the fire department lot behind Alex’s.
Police said parking will not be permitted along red curbs on Park Drive or in the area surrounding Shafer Park. Attendees may otherwise use any legal parking space.
Pedestrians crossing North Main Street are asked to use the crosswalk at North Main Street and Park Drive. Fire police personnel will be stationed there to assist people crossing the roadway.
Shafer Park will be closed to the public after dark during the festival weekend.
Festival details
Boonesborough Days will feature more than 100 handmade-craft exhibitors offering traditional and Early American crafts, paintings and gifts. Planned attractions include historical demonstrations, a Civil War display and artifacts, Tri State Astronomers exhibits, food vendors and family activities.
Typical food offerings include funnel cakes, barbecue, cold drinks, Greek food, pizza, sandwiches, fries, soft ice cream and kettle corn. The park playground will remain a family-friendly feature within the festival area.
The event will be held rain or shine. Dogs are permitted if they are leashed, friendly to the public and cleaned up after by their owners.
The First United Bank & Trust mobile community center is expected to be on site for the 2026 festival. Donations may be made at the Boonsboro Historical Society booth, with proceeds supporting local historic preservation and community programs.
Local churches will host a community worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday.
The town’s currently accessible festival page lists Shafer Park as the festival site and describes the event as a free, historical-crafts festival. The Boonsboro Historical Society’s latest available event page lists Sunday closing at 4 p.m. and notes that donations support preservation and community programs.
