About this Organization
The Bel Air Recreation Committee (BARC) was formed to promote recreational and cultural activities in the Bel Air area for both youth and adults. Currently the BARC operates over 50 different programs from multiple youth sports programs to community arts programs like the Bel Air Festival for the Arts, Bel Air Community Chorus, Sunday Night Concerts and the Bel Air Community Band.
The BARC is a non-profit IRS 501(c) (3) organization and is incorporated under Maryland law. BARC operates approximately 45 recreational, athletic and cultural programs for adults and youth in the Bel Air area. BARC is an independent organization and is not an agency of the governments of Harford County or the Town of Bel Air. However, BARC does receive financial, and facility support from those government entities.
This year’s Bel Air Festival of the Arts will be on Sunday, September 14th 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The 2025 Festival will mark the 57th annual Bel Air Festival for the Arts, sponsored by the Bel Air Recreation Committee. With up to 300 artists, photographers and craftspeople, the show represents one of the largest one-day events in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Bel Air Festival for the Arts will be held in Shamrock Park on 39 Hickory Avenue in Bel Air, Maryland. Shamrock Park is located behind the Bel Air Public Library and the Bel Air Town Hall and Police Headquarters building. The show includes some of the finest and most unique fine art, photography, and hand-made crafts on the east coast. The festival features continuous live entertainment on the bandshell stage. A wide variety of wonderful foods are available. Profits from food concession sales go directly to benefit Bel Air Recreation programs. See https://belairrec.org/bel-air-festival-of-arts/ for more information.
Bel Air Summer Concerts: The Town of Bel Air Summer Concert Series, which is sponsored by the Town of Bel Air through the Bel Air Recreation Committee, was started by former local businessman, Bill Humbert, about 50 years ago. Every summer, musicians from many genres, including classical, blues, jazz, blue grass, and oldies play to audiences of all ages who bring their lawn chairs and picnic dinners for a relaxing concert at Shamrock Park. All performances are free of charge. See https://belairrec.org/community-programs/ for more information.
Wednesday Music in the Park: Starting in the spring musicians from many genres, including classical, blues, jazz, blue grass, and oldies play to audiences of all ages who bring their lawn chairs and picnic dinners for a relaxing concert at Shamrock Park. Local Food trucks attend to offer local food fare. All performances are free of charge, so bring a blanket or chair, your friends and family, and your favorite snacks for a beautiful evening of entertainment at the Bel Air Music in Shamrock Park. See https://belairrec.org/music-in-the-park/ for more information.
Bel Air Community Chorus: The Bel Air Community Chorus (BACC) is open to anyone who loves to sing a variety of music both sacred and secular, classical and popular, historical, and contemporary. Our members come from Harford County and surrounding areas to make a unique contribution to the arts in Bel Air, Maryland. Open to singers both high school and adult, our members come from a wide range of musical backgrounds and experiences. Beginners are welcome, as well as those with many years of choral experience. No auditions are required. BACC performs in the community at a variety of locations and events including area festivals, sporting events, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Our Spring 2025 concert is scheduled for June 14, 2025 at Shamrock Park in Bel Air. See https://belairrec.org/bel-air-community-chorus/ for more information.
Bel Air Community Band: The Bel Air Community Band (BACB) is proud to celebrate our 53rd Anniversary! The band exists so that the musicians of Bel Air and the surrounding areas can continue to make music. Our motto: We love to make music and that's why we're here! Indoor concerts are held in May and December at Bel Air High School. Outdoor concerts are held at the William A. Humbert Amphitheater including the Memorial Day Service, Bel Air Summer Concert, and the Bel Air Festival for the Arts. See https://belairrec.org/bel-air-community-band/ for more information.
For more information about these activities and others please visit our website at www.belairrec.org or email us at info@belairrec.org.
