A&E Districts - Western Maryland
Tucked in the Appalachian Mountains, the towns of Western Maryland benefit from a rural setting and strong cultural arts scene, so there are a number of places arts fans can experience great art.
Once a military outpost manned by George Washington and considered "The Gateway to the West" for early American pioneers, Cumberland is now home to a thriving arts community. The City of Cumberland's A&E District was established in 2002 and is co-managed by the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Cumberland.
Eight miles west of Cumberland on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad route, historic Frostburg is best known as the home of Frostburg State University. The university is actually part of Frostburg’s Arts and Entertainment District. Like Cumberland, the Appalachian town of Frostburg has emerged as an arts destination and is generating great excitement. The A&E District in is Frostburg managed by FrostburgFirst.
The scenic Grantsville A&E District encompasses the fascinating Spruce Forest Artisan Village and runs along the Historic National Road be sure to stop and see the Casselman River Bridge when you are visiting.
Hagerstown's Art & Entertainment District is located in the City Center where creativity and talent thrive amongst impressive historic architecture which houses places to create, live, and learn. Here you will find impressive performance spaces, art galleries, wonderful restaurants, museums, education centers and retail shops. Anchoring the district is the Historic Maryland Theatre on South Potomac Street.
Oakland’s A&E District builds on the far-western Maryland town’s roots as a mecca for artists and arts events in the Appalachian region. Set in the quaint downtown area, the A&E District boasts murals that reflect the town’s rich history and the Garrett County Arts Council’s gallery that sells artwork by more than 150 regional artists. Visit the Transportation Museum’s impressive collection or catch a show at Our Town Community Theater.
Take the time to explore A&E Districts in all five regions of Maryland:
Western Maryland's A&E Districts
Capital Region's A&E Districts
Central Maryland's A&E Districts
Southern Maryland's A&E District
Eastern Shore's A&E Districts
