Garrett County will mark America's 250th birthday milestone with the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash: Celebrating America Together celebration. The event, by donation only, is for all ages and runs on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from noon to 10:00 PM at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Come for the afternoon, stay for the evening, or make a day of it.
The Birthday Bash is designed as a true countywide celebration. Every town in Garrett County has been invited to share its own chapter of America's 250-year story, and those chapters will come alive through exhibits, live music, family activities, a patriotic concert, veteran tributes, and a finale drone show over the Fairgrounds. The day honors not only the Revolutionary era but the full sweep of American history including the diverse people, places, and stories that have shaped the past two and a half centuries specifically in Garret County.
"This is the official community celebration of America's 250th birthday, and we want every Garrett County resident, and every visitor, to feel at home here," said Sarah Myers, Chair of the Garrett 250 Commission. "From our veterans to our kids, our musicians to our small businesses, this is a day for all of us."
Gates open at noon, when displays and exhibits begin welcoming visitors around the grounds. Throughout the afternoon and evening, guests can step into the Hometown Heroes Heritage Hall, pay tribute to local service members at Veterans Park, let children explore the Stars and Stories Kids Zone, gather with friends at the Spirit of '76 Biergarten, admire classic American automobiles at the Freedom on Wheels Car Show, and browse displays from local vendors and nonprofit organizations.
The main program kicks off at 1:00 PM featuring a march through American history. At 4:30 PM, the community will come together for A County United, a large flag unfurling that brings every corner of Garrett County into one shared moment. Music continues through the afternoon and into the evening, with a special drone show lesson at 6:00 PM, a stirring community band performance at 7:00 PM, and the spectacular drone show lighting up the sky at 9:30 PM.
The public is invited to be part of one of the most powerful moments of the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash as the Commission is looking for community volunteers to help carry and unfurl a large American field flag during a special ceremony honoring our veterans and 250 years of American history. Learn more and sign up here: https://bit.ly/a-county-united
In the event of inclement weather, the drone show (and only the drone show) will be rescheduled to Sunday, July 19 at 9:30 PM. All other Birthday Bash activities will take place as planned on Saturday, July 18.
The Commission notes that the best places to view the drone show are the fields and parking lot of the Garrett County Fairgrounds itself. Views from Deep Creek Lake and from Route 219 will be limited, and the Commission encourages spectators to come to the Fairgrounds for the full experience.
The Commission is also actively seeking crafters, artisans, food vendors, and nonprofit organizations to join the celebration.
Please reach out to Sarah Myers at 301-334-7242 or smyers@garrettcountymd.gov with any questions. Full event details and updates are available at www.Garrett250.com.
