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The Victorian Chautauqua Festival
WHERE HISTORY LIVES!
Step back in time at the Victorian Chautauqua Festival in the heart of Mountain Lake Park's Historic District. Enjoy free admission and parking, live performances, lectures, and music under three large tents, plus activities for the entire family. The weekend event celebrates the history of Mountain Lake Park, founded in 1881 as Maryland's original Chautauqua resort community. Tour the Historic District on guided Trolley Tours, or take a shorter Carriage Ride. Shop among the curated Artisan Row pop-up shops, commission an authentic Tintype Photograph in costume, look up to see the glamorous stilt walker, meet Lars, the amazing contact juggler, or take in Victorian mysticism by getting your fortune told. Come dressed in your Victorian finest attire and become part of the experience.
KID-TAUQUA
If you want to keep the little ones busy, Kid-Tauqua programming and the Splash Pad offer hours of play while you enjoy immersing yourself in the past. The family will see live music, storytelling, and a robotics demonstration. Two workshops will introduce playing the guitar and learning to juggle. Face painting, bubble making, make 'n' take, and much more await you.VAUDEVILLE IN THE STREET
Vaudeville In The Street highlights live music and unusual acts all introduced by our top-hatted barkers, Dallas and Hash. The 30-minute performances in the round unfold at the festival midway near the Ticket Office Museum. You will see a live magic act, violin, classical guitar, and Circus Stella, a five-dog act. Stick around for a special surprise event to close Saturday's festivities.TICKET OFFICE MUSEUM
Take some time to tour the Ticket Office Museum and Gift Shop. You can learn the story of Mountain Lake Park's rise to national acclaim as a summer resort destination along the B&O Railroad at the turn of the last century. The comprehensive exhibition includes notable people, places, and the charm of a simpler life built around railroad travelers.
FOOD VENDORS
Start off your day with scrumptious Deep Creek Donuts, and enjoy some of your favorite treats like pulled pork barbecue by D's Eats and burgers, melts, and loaded fries from FireBox, hand-dipped ice cream from Lakeside Creamery, The Popcorn Factory's Kettle Corn, and famous hand-pressed lemonade from the GaCo Robotics Team.DEACONESS CAFÉ
New this year is the Deaconess Café, which will be held on the porch and lawn of the Thompson Rest Home for Deaconesses. The building is the oldest standing cottage in Mountain Lake Park, which now serves as the Mountain Lake Park Historical Association headquarters. Experience an old-fashioned sit-down meal, or box lunches on the lawn. Make your reservation in advance to ensure available seating.
Visit the Victorian Chautauqua website for more information and become a subscriber to receive updates as the festival approaches.Video
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Date and Time
Saturday Jul 11, 2026
11:00 AM - 6:30 PM EDTJuly 11th & 12th, 2026
Saturday from 11:00-6:30
Sunday from 12:00-7:00Location
MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT
301 G Street
Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550Fees/Admission
Free Admission & Parking
Contact Information
Mark Stutzman
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