03/18/2026
SALISBURY, Md. — Come join award-winning Annual Poplar Hill Mansion Festival as Salisbury celebrates its rich Federal Period history! This beloved community event will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 12 to 4 p.m., offering a full day of history, culture, and family-friendly fun.
During the event, attendees can enjoy War of 1812 reenactors, performances by the Chesapeake Independent Blues, Bill Alexander playing the historic 1810 Joshua Thurston pianoforte, and dancing by the Dover Dancers. Educational displays from local nonprofits and historical societies will highlight Salisbury’s past, while children can enjoy crafts, games, and other interactive activities. A festive Maypole will also celebrate May Day traditions.
This year’s festival will also feature a special bacon celebration, inspired by Poplar Hill Mansion’s historical records. In 1828, the household inventory documented 1,400 pounds of bacon on hand — a testament to the agricultural and culinary traditions of the era.
In honor of that flavorful piece of local history, the Big Bad Wolf Bacon Truck will be on-site offering delicious bites for festival attendees to purchase.
Visitors can browse the Market Square, featuring vendors selling handcrafted items, and take guided tours of Poplar Hill Mansion throughout the day, enhanced by volunteers dressed in authentic period attire.
“This festival is a wonderful way to connect with Salisbury’s heritage while enjoying a fun, family-friendly experience,” said Sarah Meyers, Poplar Hill Mansion Curator.
The Poplar Hill Mansion Festival is free to attend, with parking available at Bethesda Methodist Church at the corner of Division St. and Isabella St. in the historic Newtown Neighborhood. To accommodate the festivities, Elizabeth Street between Rt. 13 and Division St. will be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly and follow posted detours.
For more information, visit: https://poplarhillmansion.org/events/.
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