Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, announces its lineup of special events and programs in May for people of all ages. Events include the start of Acoustics and Ales and Salsa in the Park programs, guided hikes on the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, and Family Archaeology Day. May events in Montgomery Parks include:
Kingsley Schoolhouse Tour | First Sunday of the month through October 2023 | 1 – 4 p.m.
Little Bennett Regional Park, 24472 Clarksburg Road, Clarksburg- Free tours of the historic 1893 Kingsley Schoolhouse that served children in the rural farming community of Frog Hollow from 1893 to 1935. Free.
Cultivating Calm and Peace with Nature (Ages 55+) | Wednesdays, May 3 – 24 | May 3 and May 10, 6 – 7 a.m. | May 17 and 24, 7 – 8 p.m. Rock Creek Regional Park, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville- Meditation has been proven to provide long-lasting positive benefits to the body, mind and spirit. Connect to the Earth and quiet your mind. Registration required. $9.
Never Grow Up: Playdates for 55+ | May 3 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. North Four Corner Local Park, 315 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring- Come out and play at Montgomery Parks! Spend time outdoors sipping coffee or tea, playing games, sharing stories and laughs with friends old and new. Enjoy a fun visit with PAL therapy dogs. These four-legged special guests are ready for cuddles and tugs! Registration required. Free.
Acoustics and Ales | May 4 and 25 | 5 – 7:30 p.m.
May 4 | North Four Corners Local Park, 315 University Blvd., Silver Spring May 25 | Flower Avenue Urban Park, 8746 Flower Avenue, Silver Spring- Enjoy an evening outdoor happy hour filled with live music, locally made craft beer and food from your favorite small businesses. Concessions, beer and non-alcoholic beverage options will be available for purchase. All ages. Free.
Guided Hike on the Underground Railroad Experience Trail | May 6 and 20 | 10 –11:30 a.m. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring- Learn about the experience of 19th-century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. The hike covers two miles on a natural-surface trail which is not ADA-accessible or appropriate for all strollers. Content appropriate for ages 7 and older (fee charged for ages 6 and older). Registration recommended. $8.
Family Archaeology Day | May 6 | 10 a.m. –3 p.m.
Needwood Mansion at Rock Creek Regional Park, 6700 Derwood Road, Derwood- Free family-friendly day filled with hands-on activities, presentations and live music. All ages. Registration recommended. Free.
With Parks in Mind: Mental Health Awareness Month | May 6 | 2 –4 p.m. Germantown Town Center Urban Park, 19840 Century Boulevard, Germantown- Kick-off Mental Health Month by walking a mindfulness maze created by Chalk Riot, doing yoga, guided meditation, breathwork, vision boarding, journaling and other mindful activities. This event launches the month-long campaign, “Every Mile for Every Mind” a series of walks to encourage people to spend time outdoors hiking a Montgomery Parks trail. These events are coordinated in partnership with local mental health organization, EveryMind.
Salsa in the Park | May 17 and 19 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Germantown Town Center Urban Park, 19840 Century Boulevard, Germantown- Learn salsa fundamentals at the May 17th workshop with Yoii Moore from Salsa with Silvia and return on Friday, May 19, to practice your skills at Salsa in the Park Night of Music with live music, food and drink. Free.
Senior Fish and Sip at Kings Local Park (Ages 55+) | May 22 | 6 – 8 p.m. Kings Local Park, 23715 Clarksburg Road, Clarksburg- Fish and sip locally crafted wine and beer at the freshly stocked Kings Local Pond. Fishing equipment, bait and instruction provided, as needed. One glass of wine or beer and snacks included. Registration required. $15.
Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following events taking place in parks during the month of May:
Cinco de Mayo in Long Branch: May 5 | 5 – 8 p.m.| Flower Avenue Urban Park- Visit the Spring 2023 Montgomery Parks Program Guide. Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery.