Welcome to the Downtown Frederick Arts + Entertainment District – a vibrant, walkable urban district filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, public art, entertainment venues and historic architecture.
About this A&E District
Downtown Frederick: Where Creativity and Community Meet
Downtown Frederick is where history meets martini bars, where shop owners still know your name, where high-tech mingles with old-school charm, and where there’s always a perfect bite - or beat - to be found.
Whether you're exploring our vibrant streets on a weekday afternoon or catching live entertainment on a weekend evening, Downtown Frederick offers a dynamic mix of arts, culture, shopping and dining. Visitors can stroll along scenic Carroll Creek Park, explore local art galleries, experience our theatre district, and take in dozens of murals and public art installations. With over 200 independently owned businesses, including local breweries, distilleries and wine shops, there’s always something to discover.
As a designated Arts & Entertainment District, Downtown Frederick thrives through a partnership between Downtown Frederick Partnership and the Frederick Arts Council. Together, we foster community engagement through creative placemaking, support public art, and work to attract artists, cultural organizations and creative enterprises. The district also leverages state tax incentives to support revitalization and economic development, promote tourism, and ensure the arts remain central to Downtown Frederick’s identity.
With a robust calendar of events, a thriving arts scene, and an unmistakable creative energy, it’s easy to see why Downtown Frederick continues to rank among the best small-city downtowns in America.