Bowie hosts a variety of special events each year. Our major celebrations are listed below and are organized by the Special Events Coordinator. Many more events take place throughout the year at different City venues. For a complete list of upcoming events, check out the Calendar on our home page.

To volunteer to help plan one of the events listed below or to help on the day of the event, please contact Matt Corley.

Annual Events

Parade
Bowie's annual parade is held on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. This parade is a celebration of hometown Bowie with floats, marching bands, dancers, and lots of marchers representing local organizations.

Bowiefest 
Bowiefest takes place at Allen Pond Park on the first Saturday in June. It features local bands, games, rides, an arts and crafts fair, a variety of food selections, and a Home Expo inside the Ice Arena.

International Festival
The food, dance, and music of different cultures are featured at the Bowie International Festival, which is scheduled on the first Saturday in October each year. Children can participate in a variety of activities throughout the park while they learn about other cultures.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 

For more than 50 years, the Bowie community has come together to sing holiday songs and to celebrate the lighting of a decorated tree. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus usually make an appearance on the back of a fire truck at the end of the ceremony, which will take place this year in the lobby at Bowie City Hall.  

Holiday House Decorating Contest

Each December, Bowie residents who deck their houses and yards with boughs of holly or other holiday decorations are invited to compete in the annual Holiday House Decorating Contest.