A Weekend of Art, Community & Charm

Spend an unforgettable weekend exploring nationally recognized festivals, local artists, outdoor markets, live music, galleries, restaurants, and the charming streets of downtown Bel Air.

Whether you’re an avid art collector, a casual browser, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Bel Air is the perfect destination for creativity, culture, and Main Street magic!

Bel Air Festival for the Arts

The year 2026 will mark the 59th annual Bel Air Festival for the Arts, sponsored by the Bel Air Recreation Committee.  With up to 300 artists, photographers, and craftspeople, the show represents one of the largest one-day events in the Mid-Atlantic region.

📅 September 13, 2026

⏰9 am – 5 pm

📍Shamrock Park

Harford Plein Air Festival

The Harford Plein Air Festival, presented by the Maryland Center for the Arts, comprises a juried competition and a juried and community-based quick draw competition, which annually draw professional artists from across the U.S. Three days of gallery sales and exhibits begin with an opening reception and awards ceremony at the Bel Air Armory on September 11, 2026.

📅 September 11-13, 2026

⏰Friday Gallery Reception 6:30 – 9 pm; Saturday Gallery 9 am – 3 pm (Adult Quick Draw 9 – 11 am); Sunday Gallery 10 am – 3 pm (Youth Quick Draw 11:30 am – 1:30 pm)

📍Bel Air Armory

The Belle Aire Market

The Belle Aire Market, hosted by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, is a seasonal open-air market featuring finely crafted artisan items and antiques.

📅 September 13, 2026

⏰9 am – 2 pm

📍121 South Main Street

Grown-Up Book Fair

Odd Bird Bookshop brings some of your nostalgic book fair favorites from the ’80s and ’90s to Armory Marketplace.

📅 September 12-13, 2026

⏰Saturday 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

📍Armory Marketplace, 37 North Main Street, Suite 103

The Gallery of Harford Artists

The Gallery of Harford Artists These Are the Days exhibit will have you feeling nostalgic. You may just find your newest family treasure!

📅 September 11-13, 2026

⏰Friday 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday-Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

📍Armory Marketplace, 37 North Main Street, Suite 104

Stay

Extend your visit with comfortable lodging near Bel Air.

Dine

Savor local flavors and favorites from Bel Air’s dining scene.

Shop

Discover local finds at Bel Air’s boutiques and specialty shops.

Historic Walking Tour

Take self-guided walks through Bel Air’s architectural history.

Public Art Tour

Explore Bel Air’s diverse landscape of public art.

Declaration 250 Art Exhibit

Visit the Declaration 250 public art exhibit at the Harford History Center.