Bowiefest
Bowiefest 2023
This long-standing city tradition will return on June 3, 2023 and will mark the 46th year that the event has taken place.
Every year, Bowiefest brings the best of Bowie’s civic organizations, entertainers, and businesses together for a day of fun at Allen Pond Park. Around the pond, there will be three stages and a wide variety of booths and activities.
Our goal is to make our 46th year the most exciting event yet, so please, join us for the festivities!
Food
At Bowiefest you will have the chance to take a real bite of Bowie!
Sample a variety of food from area vendors, including traditional fair foods such as funnel cakes, hot dogs, popcorn, shaved ice, and other favorites. There will also be a variety of other delicious snacks to savor, including cakes and cookies, cheese steaks, satay crab cakes, teriyaki, and much, much more!
Community Organizations Offer Information & Ways to Get Involved at Booths Throughout the Park
Wander through a variety of booths at this year's Bowiefest to learn about all of the services and opportunities these groups provide While some of these organizations are not strictly Bowie-based, their presence is still felt here. and they're part of our community.
Also be sure to stop by the booths hosted by City committees.
The Community Outreach Committee is holding a food drive at their booth with collection bins. Drop off nonperishable, unexpired and unopened foods for the Bowie Pantry, which works hard throughout the year to help those with food insecurity remain fed and secure in our community.
Meanwhile the Education Committee, which aims to improve childhood literacy in Bowie, will offer free books as part of its Bowie Reads! program. These reading materials range from elementary school levels all the way up to high school, so please be sure to stop by with your students and have them choose a book that interests them.
Entertainment
The headliner band for Bowiefest 2023 is The Fabulous Hubcaps! This is their 50th year in the business, and they will be sure to charm visitors with their takes on Rock 'N Roll Oldies during their lively performance!
Along with three stages of performances, (Amphitheatre, Boathouse and Children's stage), there will also be rides and entertainment for the kiddies, including:
- multiple slides
- a trackless train,
- an obstacle course, and pony ride! Tickets will be available for purchase to exchange for time on the rides, and there will be wristband options as well for all-day access to everything except for the ponies, which will require tickets.
Arts & Crafts
This year we are sporting an active and vibrant Arts & Crafts market, full of a variety of vendors ready to show case all their creative offerings! From handmade clothing, crocheted creations, waist beads, soaps, jewelry and even face painting, there is bound to be something for everyone. Get to know our local, small artisans and creators, see their wares, and maybe get a gift for someone you know - or yourself!
Shuttle Bus to Bowiefest
Again this year the City will provide a free shuttle bus for folks attending the Bowiefest. Why fight the traffic, only to waste your gas driving in circles looking for a parking space? No need to walk blocks to enjoy the festival? Instead travel with us and other members of the community in an air-conditioned comfortable bus!
Look for signs directing you to the Park & Ride lot located off Northview Drive just behind the Movie Theaters. Buses will leave the Park & Ride lot approximately every 20 minutes beginning at 10:00 AM.
Passengers will be dropped at the main entrance to Allen Pond Park near the Ice Arena. The last return bus will leave Allen Pond at approximately 6:30 PM.
Sit back and leave the driving to us. You’ll be glad you did!
Home & Health Expo
While the City is no longer accepting vendor applications for Bowiefest, the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce is still welcoming business to participate in its Home & Health Expo, which takes place inside the Ice Arena during Bowiefest.
You can find their Vendor Application here. Single and double booths are available starting at $300 for showcasing your products or services. It's also a great opportunity to network with other businesses that will be participating in the Expo.
Visit their website for more information.