This summer, Towson University is set to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an exciting array of arts and culture programs. Highlighting the festivities is a female-led cast bringing the musical “1776” to life, along with numerous free community arts activities.
The College of Fine Arts & Communication (COFAC) is proud to announce the 2026 Summer at the Center Arts Festival, titled “America 250: Voices of a Nation,” running from June 11 to July 11, 2026, at the university’s Center for the Arts. This month-long festival will engage a variety of artistic disciplines to explore the ever-evolving narrative of America. Theater, dance, music, visual arts, film, and community engagement will serve as mediums through which the nation’s diverse voices can express their cultural identities. Many events offer free admission to the public.
Entering its third year, Summer at the Center will feature a wealth of performances and exhibits by Towson University faculty, alumni, students, and professional artists from Maryland and beyond. “America 250: Voices of a Nation” seeks to highlight the unifying potential of the arts, fostering dialogue and stronger community ties.
The festival’s timing aligns with Juneteenth and Pride Month, both of which celebrate themes of freedom, resilience, identity, and authentic artistic expression. Organizers aim for the diverse perspectives shared at “America 250” to encourage reflection on the varied stories, histories, and communities that continue to shape the nation.
Event highlights include a sold-out performance of “1776: The Musical,” featuring a diverse ensemble of female-presenting actors; the “Love & Trouble” dance concert by Vincent E. Thomas and VT Dance; “Give My Regards to Broadway – A Tribute to the Great American Musical” led by Carolyn Black-Sotir and American Music Theater Artists; a free panel discussion dedicated to the Baltimore August Wilson Celebration, honoring the lasting influence of the legendary playwright, among other offerings.
Activities will be held throughout the Center for the Arts, including the Mainstage Theatre, Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall, Center for the Arts Gallery, and Asian Arts Gallery. For ticketing and further details about the festival, please visit Towson University Summer at the Center.
