It's spring, but all that green you see around you in the A&E District this April will not just be the lush grass and leaves growing under the warm light of longer days. This month, you will notice shades of green illuminating the townscape, signifying the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Town of Bel Air. And in the spirit of celebration, the Town will carry on the annual tradition of the Bel Air Kite Festival while the Lifelong Learning Series tells the stories of three songwriters, whose musical contributions from 1924 are still vital and relevant today. It's spring in the Bel Air A&E District, and everything old is new again!

BEL AIR 150

"Light the Town Green"

Throughout the month of April, the community is invited to mark Bel Air's 150th anniversary by lighting your homes and businesses in green, shedding light on the month Bel Air became a municipality.

April 11 - "Ring a Bell for Bel Air"

The Town of Bel Air was incorporated as a municipality on April 11,1874. On this date in 2024, the entire community is invited to ring a bell at noon in remembrance of the actual inception date of the Town of Bel Air. Take a photo or video of the occasion and share on social media while tagging "Town of Bel Air Government" and #BelAir150.

April 27 - "Then and Now"

This showcase event will be held at the Bel Air Armory from 11 am - 3 pm. Come see displays from Town partners and community members showing how they have helped shape Bel Air's rich history. Then visit the Ma & Pa Trolley and historic Bel Air Volunteer Fire Co. trucks in the Armory Marketplace lot. At 4 pm, head over to Shamrock Park for stirring performances by the Bel Air Community Band and the Bel Air Community Chorus.

Save the Date - July 4, 2024

This year's 4th of July festivities will include the Centennial Time Capsule Opening in Shamrock Park at approximately 12:30 pm.

Bel Air 150 T-Shirts

Wear your civic pride for all to see with Bel Air 150 T-shirts available on the Bel Air Downtown Alliance apparel page. Click here to purchase!

On April 13, the annual spring tradition of the Bel Air Kite Festival returns to the Rockfield Park Ball Fields from 10 am - 4 pm. Come and be dazzled by the skyline filled with kites of all colors while enjoying festive music and delicious food truck offerings, too. Free kites will be provided while supplies last, and we guarantee a full supply of fun for the whole family all day long. Attendance is FREE for this much-loved Town event!

And what if it should rain? No worries! The Town is ready to go with a rain date on April 14.

LIFELONG LEARNING SERIES

Looking ahead to the month of May, the popular Lifelong Learning Series returns to the Bel Air Armory with Songwriter Centenary: Popular Music in 1924.

Singer and lecturer Julie Kurzava will chronicle the stories of three iconic songwriters, whose works still resonate 100 years later. Each session runs from 10 - 11:30 am featuring Irving Berlin on May 6, The Gershwins on May 13 and Cole Porter on May 20.

The Lifelong Learning Series is FREE to attend, but advanced registration is required. Sign up now for one, two or all three thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining sessions!

April is the perfect time to visit the Bel Air A&E District for a breath of fresh spring air, a celebration of history and a fun calendar of events for every member of the family. Sign up for a collection of creative Drop-In Art Classes at Harford Artists Association. Help preserve an important part of our history by contributing items to the Historical Society of Harford County for the new exhibition, Harford County Memorabilia Days for African American History and Culture. And don't forget to take a walk downtown to enjoy beautiful blooming flowers and the equally stunning Public Art Tour, too!