Held each fall in Thurmont Community Park, Catoctin Colorfest brings together artists, craftspeople, and visitors from across the region. With more than 60 years of history and attendance exceeding 100,000 each year, the show highlights quality handmade work in a relaxed park setting.
Catoctin Colorfest is a juried arts and crafts show with exhibitors from across the United States. Each exhibitor is selected through an application and review process, creating a show focused on quality, originality, and handmade work.
The event takes place over two days each October in Thurmont Community Park, where visitors can explore hundreds of booths, watch live demonstrations, and experience a wide range of traditional and contemporary crafts.
Colorfest weekend brings a wide range of activity to Thurmont, with events, food, and vendors located throughout the town.
The juried arts and crafts show in Thurmont Community Park is one part of that experience, offering a focused setting centered on handmade work and selected exhibitors.
Catoctin Colorfest began in 1963 as a nature walk organized by a local park ranger. Over time, it expanded to include artists and craftspeople, gradually becoming a destination for visitors from across the region.
As the show grew, it developed into one of the largest juried arts and crafts events on the East Coast while remaining rooted in the Thurmont community.
Today, Colorfest continues to bring together generations of visitors, artists, and local organizations each fall.
Each exhibitor is selected through a juried application process, creating a show with a strong mix of materials, styles, and disciplines.
Vendors are selected based on the quality and originality of their work, creating a show centered creating a show centered on handmade, high-quality work.
From woodworking and pottery to textiles, jewelry, and specialty foods, the show brings together a diverse mix of craft traditions and contemporary work.
Exhibitors travel from across the United States, contributing to the range and depth of work found throughout the show.
The show takes place in Thurmont Community Park, where tree-lined paths and open green spaces create a walkable, relaxed setting.
Surrounded by the Catoctin Mountains, the park provides a natural backdrop for the weekend, with space to browse, watch demonstrations, and spend time throughout the day.
Catoctin Colorfest, Inc. is the nonprofit organization behind the juried show held in Thurmont Community Park.
The organization works year-round to plan the event, coordinate vendors, and maintain the overall quality of the show.
While many activities take place throughout Thurmont during Colorfest weekend, Catoctin Colorfest, Inc. manages the show within the Community Park.
The event is supported by volunteers and community members who help bring it together each year.
Proceeds from the event support local organizations, programs, and community initiatives throughout the year.
Colorfest provides support to groups including the Thurmont Food Bank, Guardian Hose Company, and Thurmont Community Ambulance.
Scholarships are awarded each year to students from the Catoctin area, with more than $200,000 distributed since the program began
The organization contributes to local events and initiatives, including seasonal celebrations, memorial projects, and community spaces.
During the event, local churches, schools, and organizations host fundraisers, creating additional opportunities for community support.
For details on attending the show or information for vendors, explore the links below.