July 21, 2026
Content sponsored by
Provided Courtesy/Town of Bel Air
Bel Air Main Street shoppers
Just minutes from I-95, Bel Air, Maryland is known as the “Heart of Harford” and, as you will discover, it is a small town with big heart! Bel Air’s historic downtown is lined with unique, locally owned shops and boutiques, plentiful dining options, and a vibrant collection of public art. Plan a Getaway Weekend September 11-13 to celebrate the arts in Bel Air. With multiple festivals, exhibits, a vintage market, and an independently owned bookstore offering a Grown-Up Book Fair, it all adds up to a great weekend.
Plein air painting is an amazing way to capture the beauty of Harford County’s rolling agricultural land, waterfront destinations, and historic downtowns. The Harford Plein Air Festival draws juried professional artists, from across the United States, who work at their own pace July 1 to September 11, competing for thousands of dollars of cash prizes. Three days of gallery sales and exhibits begin with an opening reception and awards the evening of Friday, September 11 and run through Sunday.
Harford Plein Air Festival
Recapture the magic of your childhood at Odd Bird Bookshop’s Grown-Up Book Fair. Featuring all the coveted items you saved your lunch money for in the ‘80s and ‘90s, this fair brings back nostalgic book fair favorites and will speak to your heart in a way you didn’t even imagine you needed. And don’t worry – this independently owned bookstore will have plenty of new favorites too!
Odd Bird Bookshop
One of the largest single day events in Harford County, the Bel Air Festival for the Arts is in its 59th year and is an annual tradition for residents and visitors alike. With approximately 300 artists, photographers, and craftspeople, the festival is a great opportunity to refresh your home for fall or to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping with unique artisan-made gifts. The festival is held rain or shine and boasts a full day of musical entertainment and plenty of festival food to round out your weekend.
Bel Air Festival for the Arts
Whether you are looking for beautifully hand-crafted artisan goods, vintage treasures, or one-of-a-kind finds, you’re sure to love strolling through The Belle Aire Market. This seasonal open-air market features a variety of vendors who pop up monthly in downtown Bel Air just steps away from an array of locally owned boutiques and delicious dining options.
Join Harford Artists Association members for their exhibit featuring talented artists from around the county. Highlighting a variety of styles and mediums, a visit to the Gallery of Harford Artists is a great opportunity to take home a piece of locally produced artwork. Check out the Visitors Center while you are there.
In between events, explore the charm and character of Bel Air at your own pace with two self-guided walking tours. Stroll through historic neighborhoods on the Historic Walking Tour to discover beautifully preserved homes, notable landmarks, and the stories of the people and architecture that shaped our community. Then experience Bel Air’s creative side on the Public Art Tour, featuring more than 40 sculptures and murals that add color and character throughout town. An enjoyable way to experience the history, culture, and creativity that make Bel Air unique!
Mural by Jack Pabis
Savor the last days of summer in Bel Air by planning a weekend getaway. Just a short drive away, Bel Air invites you to a three-day celebration of color, creativity, and culture. Whether you are an avid collector, a casual browser, or just looking for a picturesque late-summer escape, this is the weekend to pack your bags, book a stay, and immerse yourself in the arts. Hotels are conveniently located along Interstate 95 only a few miles from downtown Bel Air.
Funding for this article provided by Harford County and Hello Harford.
