By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(July 16, 2026) Downtown Berlin’s festivals, arts programs and streetscape improvements received a monetary boost after the state awarded the town’s Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District two grants totaling $50,500.

The funding involves a $34,000 Main Street Maryland grant through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and a $16,500 grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

According to a Facebook post by the town’s Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District, the grants will help pay for many of the community events and amenities that have become staples of downtown Berlin.

These grant dollars support the petting farm at the Berlin Farmers Market, entertainment during Oktoberfest and the town’s New Year’s Eve celebration, seasonal activities such as the Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, and various downtown beautification projects.

“The Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District has been awarded two grants that help make so many of the things you enjoy downtown possible,” the social media post reads.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for believing in our community and continuing to invest in Berlin.”

The Main Street and Arts and Entertainment Advisory Board, which meets quarterly, will determine how this year’s funding will be spent on events, programming and downtown improvements.

Town officials said the funding helps retain community traditions while supporting efforts to bolster the appearance and liveliness of Berlin’s historic district.

In other downtown enhancement news, community development leaders this year plan to create a self-guided walking tour highlighting Berlin’s eye-catching murals.

The initiative was presented during the annual report of the Main Street Arts and Entertainment District Advisory Board at Monday night’s Town Council meeting.

Cassandra Brown, the committee’s chair, told the mayor and council that the group intends to create informational brochures directing visitors to the artistic walls.

Berlin’s current murals available for reviewing include the inside of 410 Social, Noble Beast on Main Street, the Berlin Welcome Center, the Berlin Opera House Sign, Pitts Street Advertisements, Love Locks on Gay Street, Pollinator Way, Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, Roadie Joes, and the Henry Park basketball court.