Want to stay up to date on CFHS news and upcoming event information? Join our newsletter and be the first to know about ticketed events and activities during our annual festivals!
Tuesday
September 8th
September CFHS Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, September 8th, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
By tradition we do not hold an August meeting.
We will hold a hybrid meeting. You may join us in person at The Museum of the Ironworker or on Zoom where you can join via computer or telephone. If you experience any issues, please call 240-288-7396 and we will help you register.
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with meeting details. You only need to register once, and you’ll stay registered through January 2027. The email will include a Zoom link you can add to your calendar to join the meeting every second Tuesday of the month. This format avoids sending a new link each month.
Friday & Saturday,
October 9th & 10th
Fallfest
Friday & Saturday, October 9th & 10th, 2026
For 62 years, northern Frederick County has shared the glorious autumn colors of its mountains with visitors. Fallfest includes apple butter boiling in a copper kettle over an open fire, blacksmithing, food, and crafts. Tour historic buildings including the Museum of the Ironworker. (FREE)
Saturday
October 17th
Spirits of the Furnace
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
Spirits of the Furnace is a guided night tour through the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace and Village, with stops in historic structures and along the landscape to meet workers, owners, worshipers, and slaves. Seasonal refreshments included. Kids are welcome. Bring a flashlight and wear shoes appropriate for walking on uneven terrain.
(Reservations Required, $) Tickets release in September
Friday - Sunday
December 4th-6th
A Revolutionary Christmas: In coordination with Frederick County’s U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission
Friday to Sunday, December 4th to the 6th, 2026
Friday, December 4 at 7 PM
Saturday, December 5 at 2 PM & 7 PM
Sunday, December 6 at 2 PM
(Reservations Required, $) Tickets release in the fall.
Saturday
December 5th
Traditional Village Christmas
Saturday December 5th
Decorate a fresh wreath with bows, balls, bells, pinecones, holly, icicles, and ornaments! (Wreath proceeds support CFHS, $) Select unique handmade gifts for the holidays.
Enjoy food, hot mulled wine, apple cider, and heirloom-recipe baked goods. Watch a blacksmith craft gifts and tools. Children can make a punched or painted tin holiday ornament and have their photograph taken with Belsnickel. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Christmas in Catoctin Furnace included a visit from Belsnickel to the homes of German immigrants. During this visit, which took place two weeks before Christmas, Belsnickel rewarded good children with treats but carried a switch to punish naughty ones. (Admission is FREE)
Saturday & Sunday
May 15th & 16th
2027 Maryland Iron Festival
Saturday and Sunday, May 15th & 16th, 2027
Saturday, 10am to 6pm
Sunday 10am to 4pm
More information coming in the new year!
Please Note: Each year this event has a road closure and all visitors park offsite. Park a the Manor Parking Lot located at 6709 Cunningham Falls Park Rd Thurmont, MD 21788 and take the accessible, free shuttle to the event or walk the trail.
