The City of Gaithersburg is commemorating the 250th anniversaries of both the United States and Montgomery County with a yearlong series of events celebrating history, culture, and community.
Activities throughout 2026 will include educational programs, concerts, exhibits, and festivals highlighting the diverse stories and heritage of the region.
Per the City of Gaithersburg: ” The City of Gaithersburg is proud to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of both America and Montgomery County with a series of special events and programs celebrating the diverse communities that shape our nation and our county. In 1776, the original 13 colonies declared independence on July 4, setting the United States on its path as a new nation. Just months later, on September 6, Frederick County was subdivided to accommodate a growing population, creating three counties, one of which became Montgomery County. Learn more at gaithersburgMD.gov.
Celebrate America’s 250th Through Food & Story
Benjamin Gaither Center – Members Only
The Benjamin Gaither Center (BGC) is celebrating America’s 250th by sharing stories that shape our community through food. BGC members are invited to submit a meaningful recipe along with a short personal story that is tied to family, heritage, or a special memory. One recipe and story will be featured each month in the BGC newsletter throughout 2026.
Museum on Tap: Freedman’s State Park
Wednesday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Saint’s Row Brewing
Peter Morrill, Historic Preservation Planner for the Maryland Park Service, introduces Freedman’s State Park, a new historical site in northeastern Montgomery County. The park is connected to Enoch George Howard, an enslaved man who purchased his freedom and became a landowner.
Discovery Day: History at Home
Saturday, April 25, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Gaithersburg Community Museum
Join us as we explore how history shapes our everyday lives. Displays and presentations will cover genealogy, research, documenting family stories, and more.
Montgomery County 250th – Municipalities Trivia Feature
May 2 – October 11
Miniature Golf Course
Throughout the season, the Miniature Golf Course will incorporate a course-based trivia feature highlighting Montgomery County’s 19 municipalities in celebration of the County’s 250th anniversary.
Let Us Resound: Gaithersburg Chorus 2026 Spring Concerts
Friday, May 8: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Tuesday, May 12: Asbury Methodist Village – Rosborough Cultural Arts & Wellness Center
Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m.
Join the Gaithersburg Chorus for a program celebrating the diverse sights and sounds of our nation, featuring melodic favorites, iconic poets, and classic songwriters from sea to shining sea. The program will showcase a collage of American composers, such as Francisco Nunez, J. Rosamond Johnson, Irving Berlin, Dolly Parton, and Brandi Carlile. The concerts are free and great for all ages.
Quilt Square Craft Day
Tuesday, May 19, 10 a.m. – noon
Kentlands Mansion
Join us for a fun, creative activity as we decorate fabric squares that will be sewn into a memory quilt in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. All materials are provided for this free event, just bring your creativity.
Memorial Day Observance
Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m.
Christman Park
Loyalty and patriotism will be on full display as the City of Gaithersburg joins the nation in honoring all who have given their lives in military service at its Memorial Day Observance. Join the Mayor and City Council, Junior Mayor, City staff, and honored guests in a tribute to those of all generations who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Exhibit: Money of the 13 Colonies
June 3 – August 2
Gaithersburg Community Museum
Trace the story of America’s path from royal rule to independence through rare paper money from all 13 colonies and the Continental Congress on loan from the Maryland State Numismatic Society. This currency reveals shifting loyalties, colonial identities, and the chaotic evolution of systems during the birth of a nation.
Museum on Tap: NIST in Your Neighborhood: 125 Years of Research for the Nation
Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m.
Location TBD
Join Jennifer Huergo, director of NIST Public Affairs, as she traces through NIST’s timeline from its humble beginnings as the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C., to its current role as a staple for American innovation just down the street in Gaithersburg.
Heritage Days
Saturday, June 27, noon – 4 p.m.
Gaithersburg Community Museum
The Gaithersburg Community Museum will host a variety of activities to celebrate both America’s and Montgomery County’s 250th Anniversary. Musician Ray Owen will perform his program “Hats Off to America” at 1 and 3 p.m.
SummerFest
Saturday, June 27, 6 – 11 p.m.
Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm
Celebrate America’s independence with friends and family at SummerFest, Gaithersburg’s illuminating summer festival on the expansive grounds of Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local breweries, and family-friendly activities, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display and SummerGlo After Party. This event is free.
Stars, Stripes & Putts
Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Miniature Golf Course
Join us for a patriotic themed Fourth of July mini golf experience, with red, white, and blue décor. Guests will receive a limited edition “USA 250th” mini golf ball.
Museum on Tap: Becoming Americans 1774
Wednesday, July 8, 7 p.m
Location TBD
In late spring 1774, ten men from lower Frederick County (later Montgomery County) met at Hungerford’s Tavern in Rockville to sign historic resolves boycotting trade with Britain in response to its retaliation against Boston for the Tea Party. Guest speaker Sandra Heiler, treasurer of Montgomery Preservation, Inc., and a chapter historian for the DAR and Daughters of 1812, explores these actions in the larger context of the Revolutionary War.
Skywatching: Solar Science
Saturday, July 18, 2 – 4 p.m.
Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory
Discover the science behind the Sun and Earth at the historic Latitude Observatory. Join experts from leading science and engineering organizations for hands-on activities and learn how science has shaped our nation.
Storytime Station: “J” is for July 4th
Tuesday, July 28, 11 a.m.
Gaithersburg Community Museum
Mayor Jud Ashman is our special guest reader as for this story time celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Museum on Tap: Ten Days in September 1956
Wednesday, August 12, 7 p.m.
Location TBD
A documentary retelling pivotal events at Poolesville High School during desegregation in 1956. The film explores the town’s history through newspaper reports and interviews with historians. Director and producer Joey Geerheng will host a Q&A following the screening.
Museum on Tap: #FreedomWalk2026 – My Walk on the Underground Railroad
Wednesday, September 9, 7 p.m.
Location TBD
Gaithersburg History Project’s Anthony Cohen recounts his 800-mile journey from Maryland to Canada. Cohen will share the inspiration behind the trek, along with images of people and places encountered, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County and the nation.
Museum on Tap: Elevating Indigenous Voices in the Maryland State Archives
Wednesday, October 14, 7 p.m.
Location TBD
Maria Day discusses the Indigenous Archive Project for Maryland’s Eastern Shore, developed to fill gaps in Native American community archives and record contemporary lifeways and history of Tribal communities in the Delmarva region.
Museum on Tap: Immigration Archives
Wednesday, November 11, 7 p.m.
Location TBD
Maria Sprehn, Ph.D., and Sarah Hedlund explore how Montgomery County evolved into one of the most diverse counties in the U.S. through 200 years of immigration stories, oral histories, archival documents, census data, and more. Stories include immigrants from Ukraine, Latvia, El Salvador, India, Palestine, China, Congo, and others.
Winter Walk: Celebrating 250 Years of Community
December 7 – 20, 4:30 p.m. – close
Casey Community Center
Join us for a festive Winter Walk honoring 250 years of community spirit! Stroll through outdoor displays featuring colorful inflatables and yard decorations that showcase the diversity of our City. Along the way, discover fence post signs sharing the history of Casey Community Center, from its beginnings as a dairy barn to its role today as a hub for fitness, dance, family programs, and community events.
Museum on Tap: Latino Dining in Gaithersburg
Wednesday, December 9, 7 p.m.
Location TBD
Speaker: Maria Sphren, Ph.D.
