Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Colorfest

Everything you need to know before coming to Colorfest, from parking and shuttle access to getting around once you arrive.

The heart of Catoctin Colorfest is the juried arts and crafts show in Thurmont Community Park. We are committed to presenting handmade work by artists and craftspeople whose entries have been reviewed through our jury process.

During Colorfest weekend, visitors will also find other vendors and activities throughout town. Catoctin Colorfest, Inc. oversees only the official show in Community Park and does not manage outside vendors or events.

Interested in exhibiting in the official juried show? Visit the Vendor Information page.

Quick Visit Details

Location

Thurmont Community Park

Link to Map

Dates

October 10-11,

2026

Hours

Opens at 9:00am

Ends at 5:00pm

Admission

Free!

What to Know Before You Go

Use the information below to plan your trip, parking, shuttle access, and what to expect once you arrive in Thurmont.

Event Location

Colorfest takes place in Thurmont Community Park on Frederick Road in Thurmont, Maryland.

This event draws heavy traffic throughout the weekend. Plan extra time on arrival and watch for posted event directions as you get close to town.

Dates, Hours, and Admission

Colorfest is held on October 10 and 11, 2026.

Event hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Admission is free.
Breakfast is available from food vendors beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Catoctin Colorfest is held rain or shine!

Map and Directions

Thurmont is accessible from several directions using Route 15.

From Washington, take Route 270 to Frederick, where it continues onto Route 15 North.
From Baltimore, take Route 70 West to Frederick, then Route 15 North.
From Harrisburg, follow Route 15 South into Maryland and continue to Thurmont.
The Route 550 exit is the main access point for parking and shuttle service.
The official juried show takes place in Thurmont Community Park.

Click here to view full screen and get directions

Once You Are Here

Parking

Parking is available at 4 designated stop-and-park areas throughout town and at privately operated paid lots around town.

Catoctin Colorfest does not operate any parking lots.
Please direct any parking concerns to lot owners or the Town of Thurmont.
Be sure to follow posted parking signs carefully.
Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed.

Getting Around Town

Once you arrive, expect to walk between activity areas.

Frederick Road, from the 806 exit to East Main street through town is closed each day from 8 am until 5pm, and only open to pedestrians, shuttle buses, and emergency vehicles.

There is no direct vehicle access or parking at Community Park.

Shuttle Bus Service

The Shuttle picks up and drops off on Water Street and Main Street.
The buses will start running each morning at 8:00 a.m. from all designated Stop & Park areas, and will make continuous runs until 6:00 p.m.
The shuttle bus is free.
There are 5 bus stops. Numbers 1 thru 3 are also at parking areas.
All Colorfest areas are within easy walking distance from STOP 5

Accessibity

Accessible options are part of the park-and-shuttle system.
Accessible buses are available.
Accessible parking parking is available at all stop-and-park areas.
ADA-compliant portable restrooms are available throughout the park.

Information Booths, ATMs, and Lost & Found

Information Booths are located at both the front and rear of the park.

Lost and found is located at each information booth.

Official souvenir shirts, sweatshirts, and anniversary items are sold at the booths.

ATMs are available near the information booths.

Food and Activities

Breakfast is available from food vendors beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Craft demonstrations take place during the two-day event.

Live entertainment by local performers is scheduled throughout the weekend.

Need More Information?

For any questions not covered on this page, please contact us below. Information for new or current vendors is available on the vendor information page.