The City of Gaithersburg is celebrating America’s independence with SummerFest, the illuminating summer festival on the expansive grounds of Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm on Saturday, June 29th.
The free event takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. The festival features live music, food trucks, local breweries, family-friendly activities, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display & SummerGlo After Party. SummerFest kicks off at 6 p.m. with The District, one of DC’s top dance bands. Enjoy delicious offerings from food and local craft beverage vendors. ATMs available onsite.
The Water Park & Miniature Golf Course open at 11 a.m. and the Skate Park opens at Noon. Note that the Water Park will be open for the exclusive use of City residents & aquatics members only on June 29. There are entrance fees for the Water Park & Miniature Golf Course. The air-conditioned Activity Center will serve as a comfort station with indoor bathrooms & space to relax up until 9 p.m.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food, or purchase a meal and treats from a variety of vendors & food trucks. Coolers are allowed, but for safety reasons, personal grills, outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers, weapons (real or facsimile), and fireworks of any kind (including sparklers) are strictly prohibited. Pets are not recommended due to crowd & noise issues. If brought, they must be leashed. Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades & bikes will be confined to the Skate Park. Smoking & vaping are not permitted in public spaces in Gaithersburg.
MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| 6 PM | Kick-Off with Live Music by The District |
| 8 – 8:30 PM | Mayor & City Council Welcome Ceremony |
| 8:30 – 9:20 PM | Live Music by The District |
| Approximately 9:20 PM | Fireworks Display |
| 10 – 11 PM | SummerGlow After Party with Live Music by The District |
VENDORS
Beer Vendors are located on the lawn in front of the Main Stage under a large tree. Available from 6 to 9 p.m., these local artisans offer much more than just beer, so come find your new favorite! All patrons must be 21+ and show valid ID for service from these fantastic vendors: Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company, Saint’s Row Brewing, Two Story Chimney Ciderworks, and Waredaca Brewing Company.
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Once it gets nice & dark (approximately 9:20 p.m.), a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night with bursts of amazing colors & styles that launch up to 500 feet. Bohrer Park is the best place to watch them, but there are several viewing options in surrounding locations. A map identifying best viewing spots is available here.
SUMMERGLO AFTER PARTY
Wait out the traffic after the fireworks by staying for our SummerGlo After Party. The District will give an encore performance while LED hoopers, jugglers, and stilt walkers entertain the crowd. The playground will be fully lit, and you can purchase glow-in-the dark merchandise to be part of the fun.
PARKING
Limited parking is available onsite. It is recommended that those who park onsite stay and enjoy the SummerGlo After Party as significant traffic delays are anticipated following the fireworks display. Bohrer Park is within a ¼ mile walk of Olde Towne, Gaithersburg, where there is free parking in a variety of lots and in the parking garage. A parking map can be found here.
TRAFFIC NOTICES
Note that the Gaithersburg Police Department is planning lane reductions along Route 355 adjacent to Bohrer Park and there will be a change in traffic patterns during the event. Cars will not be allowed to cross over or turn left onto Route 355 between Cedar & Central Avenues. Plan your route accordingly. If you are not attending the festival, please take alternate routes to avoid the area completely.
Crossing guards will be stationed along Route 355 at the intersections of South Summit Avenue, Education Boulevard & Deer Park Road. There will be many pedestrians in the area; please use caution. To ensure pedestrian safety, Summit Avenue between Hutton Street & South Frederick Avenue will close to vehicles at 5 p.m.
Please do not stop your vehicle on Route 355 to watch the fireworks display. You will be ticketed, and if you are not with your vehicle, it will be towed.
RAINDATE
If the fireworks are canceled due to inclement weather the fireworks ONLY will be rescheduled for Sunday, June 30. There will be no fireworks on July 4.Check the City’s website regularly for updates & follow us @GaithersburgEvents on Facebook and @GburgMD on Facebook & Twitter.
Featured photo and information courtesy of the City of Gaithersburg