FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Sept. 7-8
Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Original artwork in categories including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, woodworking, textiles and jewelry is on display and for sale at this outdoor show in downtown Bethesda. A jury of local artists chooses a winner in each discipline and a Best in Show grand prize winner bethesdarowarts.org
Sept. 8
Salvadoran Independence Festival
Sept. 15 marks the 203rd anniversary of El Salvador’s independence, and thousands of people are expected to celebrate the occasion at this festival at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Musical guests include Zacarias Ferreira, Orquesta Hermanos Flores, Marito Rivera and Grupo Bravo, Orquesta San Vincente, and La Maquina. festivalsalvadoreno.com
Sept. 13-15
Washington Ukrainian Festival
Experience traditional Ukrainian music, dance, clothing and food at this event on the grounds of the St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring, where you’ll also find handmade crafts by folk artisans and activities such as face painting for children. ukrainefestdc.com
Sept. 14
A Day of Belonging
Veterans, active-duty military personnel, their families, caregivers and community members are invited to participate in art workshops, demonstrations, performances and readings at this event produced by Community Building Art Works and Strathmore. The gathering at The Mansion at Strathmore is open to anyone age 16 and older. strathmore.org
Sept. 21
Parks Ale Trail
Part festival, part hike, this event includes a walk by Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park in Rockville as well as beer stations, live music and food trucks. Start at the main festival area, where you can see live bands and grab a bite or a beverage. Kids can play on inflatables. Then hit the 2.5-mile round-trip trail, where you’ll find another beer garden and acoustic musical performances mid-hike at Needwood Mansion. montgomeryparks.org/event/parks-ale-trail
Sept. 28
Polo Classic
Wear your fanciest topper to Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland’s fifth annual polo event to benefit the nonprofit. In addition to the matches at the Congressional Polo Club in Poolesville, there will be a “divot stomp” and contests for best hat, best dressed and best tailgate. classy.org/event/5th-annual-polo-classic/e575708
Sept. 28
Rocktobierfest
Beer and bands are among the highlights of this free German-themed festival in Rockville Town Center. Live performances—rock music and traditional German music and dance—take place on two stages. You also can enjoy drinks from local breweries, food and checking out the crafts for sale. rockvillemd.gov/1952/rocktobierfest
Sept. 29
Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival
Watch as spectacular floats, dance groups, bands and artists march around the Wheaton triangle to start this festival dedicated to art and community. The event at Marian Fryer Town Plaza also features a visual arts market, live musical performances by local talent and activities for kids such as face painting and balloon art. wheatonartsparade.org
Oct. 5
Harvest Festival
Candle dipping, tin smithing, quilting and yarn spinning are a few of the traditional hands-on activities you can try at this event at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. You also can paint a pumpkin, make a scarecrow, go on a hayride and enjoy live music and storytelling. Don’t forget to check out the farm equipment demonstrations and say hello to the resident farm animals. montgomeryparks.org/event/harvest-festival
Oct. 5
Taste of Bethesda
You can sample cuisine from newcomers and old favorites during this annual event in the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. More than 30 restaurants are expected to participate in the festival, which also features five stages of live entertainment. bethesda.org/bethesda/taste-bethesda
Oct. 13
Oktoberfest
This fall festival in the Kentlands features Bavarian music and dancing, performances by local bands, and traditional American autumnal activities, such as pumpkin carving and painting, and cider pressing demonstrations. For kids, there’s also face painting, balloon twisting and inflatables, while grown-ups can try beverages from local breweries and cider and mead distilleries. gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/special-events/oktoberfest
Oct. 19
Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show
There’s sure to be something that will rev your engine at this free event, where you can see all types of automobiles dating from the 1920s to the ’80s and ’90s. The show, which takes place on the grounds of Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Center Park, has a car sales area, flea market, live music, and food and drinks for purchase. rockvillemd.gov/667/antique-classic-car-show
MUSIC
Sept. 13-14
Will Downing
Early in his career, the R&B singer was a backing vocalist for artists such as Kool & The Gang, Billy Ocean and Jennifer Holliday. Later, his album All the Man You Need was nominated for a Grammy Award. He’ll stop by the Bethesda Theater for two shows. bethesdatheater.com/shows
Sept. 14
The Sweater Set
Lifelong friends Maureen Andary and Sara Curtin make up this contemporary folk music duo known for charming harmonies. They’ll perform a free outdoor concert at Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center in Silver Spring. Pack a picnic and chairs or blankets, but no alcohol. strathmore.org
Sept. 20
Yo-Yo Ma
The world-famous cellist joins conductor Jonathon Heyward and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) for this concert at The Music Center at Strathmore. The concert is the classical season opener for the BSO and its largest fundraiser of the season. Expect appearances by special guests, including student musicians. bsomusic.org
Sept. 21
Musica Viva Kentlands
Head to the Kentlands Clubhouse lawn for a free outdoor classical music concert by a professional orchestra. The performance is part of an ongoing initiative sponsored by the Kentlands Community Foundation, which aims to bring affordable, high-quality classical music concerts to the community, presented in a relaxed atmosphere for audiences of all ages. kentlands.org
Oct. 4
Blockbuster Broadway
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is led by conductor Stuart Chafetz and joined by guest vocalists in this tribute to the Great White Way at The Music Center at Strathmore. Expect songs from Broadway favorites including The Phantom of the Opera, Jersey Boys, Wicked, Annie, The Sound of Music, Cats and The Lion King, just to name a few. bsomusic.org
Oct. 11
Elle King
The “Ex’s & Oh’s” singer and four-time Grammy nominee is back on the road. King, whose dad is actor Rob Schneider, stops by The Fillmore Silver Spring on a tour promoting her single “Baby Daddy’s Weekend.” livenation.com/venue/kovzpza6tfla/the-fillmore-silver-spring-events
Oct. 18
Afro-Cuban All Stars
If you were around in the late 1990s, you probably remember the Buena Vista Social Club, the name of both an album by a group of aging Cuban musicians and a documentary about them. Bandleader Juan de Marcos González was an instrumental member of that project and has devoted his career to keeping Cuba’s musical heritage alive. With the Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban All Stars, he’ll bring the sounds and rhythms of Cuban music to The Music Center at Strathmore. strathmore.org
FILM
Oct. 25
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Just in time for Halloween, see a screening of the Disney film by Tim Burton while the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra plays Danny Elfman’s memorable score at The Music Center at Strathmore. The movie follows the misadventures of Halloween Town’s Pumpkin King Jack Skellington as he attempts to take over Christmas. bsomusic.org
ON STAGE
Sept. 13-29
Red Herring
Set in 1952, this black comedy at the Arts Barn in Gaithersburg follows the attempts of three couples to overcome the obstacles of love and marriage, while also solving a murder mystery and uncovering a Soviet spy plot. The show is presented in partnership with The Montgomery Playhouse. gaithersburgmd.gov
Sept. 20-29
Veronica’s Room
This thriller written by Ira Levin, author of Rosemary’s Baby, is full of twists and turns. A young couple, Susan and Larry, are out on a date when they meet the Mackeys, a sketchy older couple who serve as caretakers at the Brabissant mansion. They convince Susan to pose as the long-dead Veronica Brabissant to console Veronica’s dying sister, but the line between reality and fantasy soon begins to fade in this production by Rockville Little Theatre at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. rlt-online.org/veronicas-room
Oct. 1
Better With Age Comedy Special
Think aging is no laughing matter? This free comedy show presented by Montgomery Parks as part of Active Aging Week will prove you wrong. Comedians will riff on growing older, family, friends, relationships and all the trials and tribulations that go with them. The event at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park in Silver Spring is geared toward audiences 55 and older. montgomeryparks.org
UP AND RUNNING
Setting a goal, trying something new, spending time with friends—people join races for all kinds of reasons. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced marathoner, there’s a run nearby that’s just your speed.
Sept. 7
Damascus Freedom 5K
This family-friendly 3.1-mile race at Damascus Recreational Park commemorates 9/11, honors veterans and first responders, and raises money for organizations that support members of the military and their families. The out-and-back route is a partly paved trail, with a portion on a wooded grassy path. There’s also food, entertainment and a quarter-mile fun run for kids. damascusfreedom5k.com
Sept. 8
Parks Half Marathon
Imagine running through parkland as the sun rises above the trees—along with about 2,000 others. Known for its friendly vibes, it’s a favorite among casual and competitive runners, and is open to participants age 13 and older. The course starts near the Shady Grove Metro station, winds through Rock Creek Park and ends with a Finish Festival on Beach Drive in Kensington. parkshalfmarathon.com
Sept. 15
Revenge of the Penguins
This race gets its name in part from marathoner and author John Bingham, who promoted jogging and walking marathons and was nicknamed “The Penguin” for his slow pace. Choose the 10-mile or 20-mile course; both follow the flat, shady and tree-lined C&O Canal towpath. The race is organized by Marathon Charity Cooperation, a nonprofit that raises money for charities that work to improve the lives and comfort of disadvantaged children and families. mc-coop.org/rotp
Oct. 12
Black Hill 10K
The scenic route snakes through Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds. The race, introduced in 2009, is organized by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club, which offers training programs, group runs and races for participants of all levels. mcrrc.org/calendar-event/black-hill-10k-2024