It's May in the Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District! With the town bursting with the signs of spring, it's a time for our community to come together and celebrate all the cultural experiences that connect us. Spring in Bel Air is a time to bond with each other through our shared history, cherished community traditions, and the cultural celebrations that mark this year's America 250.

Leaving the American Songbook: The Reign of the Baby Boomers

Join us for a FREE two-part America 250 lecture series at the Bel Air Armory!

Beginning in the 1920’s, popular music was largely created by the American Songbook artists, who created an enduring cultural legacy in song. Elvis changed everything. By the late 1950s, these earlier songwriters were out of business. The generational shift brought on by the Baby Boomers fostered radical changes in pop music, including the emergence of rock and roll, R&B, and the folk music revival.

Lecturer Julie Kurzava examines how the post war social upheaval is reflected in popular music in the mid 50's and early 60’s.

(May 12) Part 1: R&B and the establishment of Rock & Roll

(May 19) Part 2: Social upheaval through song

The lecture series will be held on Tuesdays, May 12 and 19, 2026, from 9:45 am to noon each day (with a short break). Participants only need to reserve a spot for May 12, and you are welcome to come to one or both dates. 

This series is made possible through the Bel Air Arts and Entertainment District with a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.hange

The 4th Annual Bel Air Town Derby returns on Sunday, May 17! After more than 50 years, the Derby made a triumphant return to the Town of Bel Air in 2023. This spring, it returns with 31 cars sponsored by local businesses and more fun than ever, including two Super Kids exhibition runs for children with special needs.

Hosted once again by the Bel Air Lions in partnership with the Town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, the Bel Air Town Derby will be held from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm with Main Street closing from 7 am to 2 pm. MAIN STREET BUSINESSES WILL BE OPEN! Bring the entire family to watch the drivers race each other to the finish line on Main Street and stick around afterward to enjoy all that the Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District has to offer, too!

Admission is FREE!

Bel Air America 250 Student Art Exhibition

As spring brings longer days and colorful blooms to Bel Air, creativity is flourishing as well. This season, the Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission is proud to partner with Harford County Public Schools, and the Bel Air Branch of the Harford County Public Library to present the Bel Air America 250 Student Art Exhibition, featuring select artwork reflecting 250 years of American history.

The exhibit highlights the spirit of renewal, growth, and patriotism through the eyes of talented young artists from Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School, Bel Air Elementary School, Bel Air Middle School, and Bel Air High School.

The Bel Air Library provides the perfect setting for this inspiring showcase, where families, friends, and community members can experience the creativity of our students and celebrate the freedom of expression that makes America unique.

The exhibit will be on display with FREE admission throughout the month of May (excluding Sundays and Memorial Day) in the Bel Air Library’s exhibit room (outside the passport office) during regular library hours.

On May 2, celebrate music, community, and America 250 during Spiritual Americana presented by the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra. The program opens with Maryland composer Michael Fili’s brass and percussion fanfare "The Old Line," written in honor of Maryland and the nation’s semiquincentennial, followed by Samuel Barber’s moving Adagio for Strings and George Gershwin’s lively "Cuban Overture."

After intermission, a combined choir of local high school, church, and community singers will perform music by Aaron Copland. The choir, orchestra, and baritone soloist will present "There’s a Stirrin’ in the Water," a medley of spirituals by Jesse Ayers and Charles Myricks, Jr, and the concert concludes with Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue.

The concert begins at 7:30 pm at Bel Air High School; doors open at 6:45 pm. Ticket prices range from $10 to $20 with children under 10 FREE when purchased in advance. Tickets will cost an additional $5 at the door.

We are proud to share the news that the Freedom Truck is coming to American Legion Post 39 May 11–13! This incredible public event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a special opportunity to participate in the Freedom Truck's interactive features, including adding your name to the Declaration of Independence, a tribute wall to 50 American heroes, and more.

This event is FREE for all ages. Due to limited parking at Post 39, general parking will be available at the Bel Air Parking Garage or along Lee Street, both just a short walk away. Kona Ice and Cowboy Eats food trucks will be onsite with food and refreshments.

Freedom Truck hours: Monday, May 11 from 10 am to 5 pm; Tuesday, May 12 from 10 am to 6 pm; Wednesday, May 13 from 10 am to 5 pm.

The Bel Air A&E District events calendar is filling up to ensure an amazing month of May! Experience Tea-Time Around the World on May 2. Find all to make your garden grow at Bel Air Garden Mart on May 8. Make some special memories with Mom at Rockfield Manor's Mother's Day Brunch and enjoy Family Fun Day with Harford Artists' Association on May 31. The Bel Air Community Band is Celebrating 250 Years of American Music on May 17. Sign up for the May session of Fly Dance Fitness, and don't miss the return of First Fridays on May 1 and the Belle Aire Market on May 10. Be sure to take advantage of these beautiful days in May to take a walk downtown and enjoy our stunning Public Art Tour and Historic Walking Tour!

CALL FOR ARTISTS! The Historical Society of Harford County is seeking art submissions for its America 250 Public Art Exhibition offering a $250 prize for winning submissions.

The Bel Air A&E District would like to hear from you! Help us continue to improve your experience by answering this brief 10-question survey!

Thank you for celebrating spring and America 250 in the Bel Air A&E District!