Five Things To Do in MoCo This Weekend (June 23-25, 2023)

Below are five things to do in Montgomery County, MD this weekend: 
1. Foodie Fridays Speaker Series
Friday, June 23: 6:30pm
Josiah Henson Museum and Park (11410 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda)
Per Montgomery County: Food lovers of all interests are sure to find something fitting their tastes this summer and fall as Montgomery Parks will host its “Foodie Fridays” speaker series this summer at Josiah Henson Museum and Park in Bethesda. The series will be held on the fourth Friday of each month, with the series opening at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 23.  Foodie Fridays will feature farmers, educators, community organizers, food lovers and changemakers. Each session will be a conversation about a different food-related topic. Admission of $10 per person includes light refreshments and one alcoholic beverage for adults 21 and older with identification. It also includes a ticket to the Josiah Henson Museum (a $5 value) that is redeemable during regular museum hours.

The topic of the first Foodie Friday falls on June 23, will be “Cultivating Traditions.” Local growers will discuss how and why history, ancestral and traditional knowledge and culturally important foods influence their farming practices.
“Food is a powerful signifier of place and time and influences us for the rest of our lives,” said Emma Layman, assistant manager of Montgomery Parks’ Community Gardens program. Everyone remembers the foods from their childhood or homeland, long after they have moved away. Our Cultivating Traditions panel will discuss how local growers’ desire to connect with their heritage has influenced their farming”

2. Rockville Pride
Saturday, June 24: 1-4pm
Rockville Town Square (131 Gibbs Street, Rockville)
Per the City of Rockville: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. The commemorative month also recognizes the impact LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history—locally, nationally, and internationally. The City of Rockville has issued proclamations declaring LGBTQ+ Pride Month since June 2017.
The event is free and open to all ages, and will feature:

• Live performances.
• Information booths and dialogue.
• Arts and crafts/children’s activities.

3. Heritage Days Events
Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25
Countywide
Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County “Heritage Days,” an annual free, countywide festival highlighting historic, cultural and outdoor recreation sites that offering special programs including exhibits and demonstrations, return for the 24th year on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25. More than 30 sites will have live music and activities for all ages. Heritage Days present the opportunity to enjoy many small sites that are not regularly open to the public. In addition to Civil War and agricultural history, Heritage Days have the stories of local railroads and trolleys, African American communities, life along the C&O Canal and astronomy. Heritage Days also highlight local arts and culture, as well as outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking and walking tours. Many venues will offer musical entertainment, activities and crafts for children and refreshments.

Among the special sites that will be part of this year’s Heritage Days are the King Farm Dairy MOOseum in Rockville, the Germantown Bank Museum, the Brookeville Academy, the Edwards Ferry Lockhouse 25 in Poolesville, the National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville, the historic Red Brick Courthouse in Rockville and the Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park in Olney. For a complete list of Heritage Days activities, go to Heritage Days.

4. Kentlands Baby Bar Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, June 24: 10am-1pm
375 Main St., Gaithersburg
Kentlands Baby Bar will hold its Grand Opening Celebration this Saturday. “Please join us for a fun day of face painting, balloon animal making, and t shirt decorating while checking out the newest baby friendly spot in Kentlands!” Carolynne Nowrouzi, founder/owner of Baby Bar, was raised in MoCo. She wanted to provide a space where parents can go with their young children to enjoy a space where they can each grab a bite and just play. The space will offer “food, fun, and socializing” where “you enjoy a coffee and a bite, while your little ones get yummy food and a baby-friendly place to play!” Baby Bar Kentlands will offer fresh fruits and veggies and will have options for babies (puréed or chopped), food for kids like grilled cheese, egg bites, croissants, and more, and food for adults like bagels, muffins, fruit bowls, and more.
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat, 09:30 am – 02:30 pm. Sundays closed.

5. Pride in the Plaza
Sunday, June 25: 12-8pm
Veterans Plaza (1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring)
Per Montgomery County: In honor of Pride Month, Montgomery County will partner with Live in Your Truth Programs, a local LGBTQ+ arts and culture organization, to host its third annual “Pride in the Plaza” event. Pride in the Plaza will feature an LGBTQ+ focused resource and vendor fair, a bilingual Drag Story Hour and the championship finale of “Live in Your Truth Program’s Drag Duels” series. The day will conclude with the third annual Pride in the Plaza Mini-Ball, a free voguing competition with cash prizes.  The mini-ball competition, sponsored in partnership with the Capitol Ballroom Council, will begin at 5 p.m.

Veterans Plaza is located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring. Free parking is available in the Ellsworth Drive parking garage adjacent to the plaza. The event is free, and registration is optional. Free tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pride-in-the-plaza-tickets-612427526217