Bel Air Main Street Walking Guide: Historic Stops, Parking and First Fridays

by Josh Tessier

Published Oct. 30, 2026 | Last updated: Nov. 7, 2026

The best way to see Bel Air is on foot. Park at a downtown meter or the Hickory Avenue garage, then walk Main Street past the courthouse and the 1915 Armory, and finish at the Hays House museum on Kenmore Ave. The walk itself is free.

Parking at downtown meters is free after 5 p.m., on weekends and on holidays.

Where do you park?

The Town of Bel Air has metered street parking, public lots and the Hickory Avenue parking garage. Here's what the town says:

Meters are free after 5 p.m., on weekends and on holidays.
On weekdays, your first 15 minutes are free at any meter. Press the button on the meter to start it.
You can pay with the ParkMobile app.
Parking is free at the Saturday farmers market.

What will you see on the walk?

Here are 3 stops. Go in any order.

Harford County Courthouse. The courthouse sits in the middle of downtown. The Historical Society of Harford County was founded there in 1885.
Bel Air Armory (1915). The town says it was built of Port Deposit granite to look like a medieval fort, with two towers out front. Today it's a town event space at 37 N. Main St. The Harford Artists Gallery is in the Armory Marketplace, along with small local shops.
Hays House. A house museum run by the Historical Society at 324 Kenmore Ave. The Society saved it from demolition in 1960 and moved it.

The walk itself is free and open anytime. The Hays House keeps its own hours, so check before you go.

What are the museum hours?

Here's what the Historical Society lists:

Place	Hours
Hays House	2nd and 4th Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.

Confirm before you go.

What is First Fridays?

First Fridays is a free block party at 121 S. Main St. It runs on the first Friday of each month, May through October, from 5 to 8 p.m. Some months get canceled, so check the date first. You'll find live music, food trucks, local vendors, a beer and wine garden and a kids' zone. The Bel Air Downtown Alliance runs it.

What else is downtown?

Shops and restaurants. Main Street and Bond Street are lined with local spots.
The Ma & Pa Trail. The Downtown Alliance suggests it for a walk while you're in town.
Holiday events. The Downtown Alliance runs Small Business Saturday, the Belle Aire Holiday Market and the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.

Check the Downtown Alliance site for what's on this month.

Tips for your walk

Wear comfortable shoes.
Go on a weekend so parking is free.
Plan a First Friday visit for live music, food trucks and vendors.

What's it like living in Bel Air?

Bel Air has a real small-town Main Street, with parks and trails close by. If you'd love to walk to dinner, look at homes in Bel Air, or nearby Forest Hill and Fallston. Call or text me at (443) 617-2099.

FAQ

Is parking free in downtown Bel Air?

Meters are free after 5 p.m., on weekends and on holidays. On weekdays, the first 15 minutes at any meter are free.

When is First Fridays in Bel Air?

The first Friday of each month, May through October, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 121 S. Main St. It is free to attend. Some dates get canceled, so check first.

Where is the Hays House in Bel Air?

324 Kenmore Ave., Bel Air. It is open the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Confirm before you go.

About the author: Josh Tessier is a Harford County REALTOR® with the Lee Tessier Team at eXp Realty, based in Bel Air. He has been licensed in real estate since 2011, and the Lee Tessier Team has sold 5,900+ homes. He lives in Harford County and is raising his family here. Call or text (443) 617-2099.