Salisbury, MD. — The City of Salisbury is excited to announce the official event themes for the upcoming 2026 3rd Friday celebrations in Downtown Salisbury. This year’s series will kick off in April with a special collaboration between the City of Salisbury and Salisbury University in celebration of the University’s Centennial, marking its 100th anniversary, featuring a downtown celebration that will cover the streets in maroon and gold and include live music, Salisbury University student groups, and activities. The remaining 3rd Friday events will continue throughout the year as part of the popular free monthly arts and entertainment series, held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the third Friday of each month, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Salisbury through live music, art, activities, and community engagement.
2026 3rd Friday Themes:
- April 17: SU Centennial
- May 15: Paws on the Plaza
- June 19: Downtown Luau
- July 17: MD 250
- August 21: Back to School
- October 16: Boo Bash
- November 20: Light Up the Holidays
Note: There will be no 3rd Friday event in September, as the Maryland Folk Festival will be taking place that weekend in Downtown Salisbury.
Get Involved:
Community members and local businesses are encouraged to get involved with 3rd Friday by hosting a booth, sponsoring an activity, or participating in any of the themed events. To learn more about how you can contribute, visit Get Involved.
For More Information:
To stay updated on event details, visit the official 3rd Friday social media account or website at 3rd Fridays.
About ABCD
The Arts, Business, and Culture Department is responsible for fostering Salisbury’s thriving economic climate by supporting businesses, expanding economic opportunity, promoting artistic expression, hosting unique experiences, and maintaining regional attractions such as Poplar Hill Mansion. By producing signature events, facilitating business incentives, and collaborating with stakeholders, the department strives to make Salisbury a place where arts, business, and culture intersect and flourish.
About the City of Salisbury, Maryland
Founded in 1732, Salisbury is the county seat of Wicomico County, a place where John Smith touched land in 1608 during his exploration of the Chesapeake Bay, bringing him in contact with the Wighcocomoco or Wicomico, the Nause, the Kusk’arawack, and the Nantaquack or Nanticoke tribes who had lived in the region for several millennia. Situated on Maryland’s historic Eastern Shore at the crossroads of the Delmarva Peninsula, Salisbury is now one of the region’s largest cities, and serves as the capital of the Eastern Shore, a rural area defined by its agricultural and maritime traditions, landscapes, and industries.
The Chesapeake Bay is central to this distinctive identity. Though a relatively small city, Salisbury is the geographic and economic hub of one of the nation’s fastest-growing Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The City of Salisbury is working to build its reputation as an arts and culture destination and is aligning its downtown development and revitalization efforts with the arts. Salisbury believes hosting the Maryland Folk Festival is the perfect catalyst to further a cultural renaissance and urban renewal. https://salisbury.md/
