The City of Gaithersburg and the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Fire Department will celebrate the unofficial end of summer with the 88th Annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 7, beginning at 10am.
The longtime Gaithersburg tradition will feature high school marching bands, dance groups, costumed characters, antique cars, fire engines, equestrian units, community organizations and more making their way through Olde Towne.
This year’s parade will debut a brand new route designed to improve flow, visibility and convenience for participants. The parade will begin on Russell Avenue, continue along East Diamond Avenue and conclude on Melvin Street.
Patricia De Lima and Chepe, morning co-hosts of El Zol 107.9, will serve as this year’s emcees. John Sanchez, the City of Gaithersburg’s 2026 Distinguished Resident, has been selected as Grand Marshal.
Food vendors and activities will also be available along the parade route. From 10am to 12:30pm, attendees can visit the Community Museum parking lot and Olde Towne Plaza along East Diamond Avenue for food, activities and a community celebration that will also recognize America 250. Food vendors scheduled to participate include DM Sliders, Sara Michael Catering, Sides BBQ, Judy Makes Juices, Stony Man Coffee & Donuts and Clayboy’s.
There are also several parking and transportation changes for this year’s event. Shuttle service will be limited to parade participants, with no shuttle service or designated parking areas available for attendees.
Limited free parking will be available at the Olde Towne Parking Garage at Olde Towne and South Summit avenues. Accessible parking for vehicles with disability placards or plates will be available behind the Victor Litz store on the north side of Diamond Avenue and behind the Shell station on South Summit Avenue.
Parade units will park at Gaithersburg Middle School, Gaithersburg Elementary School and the Girard Business Center. The Labor Day Parade has been a Gaithersburg tradition for nearly nine decades and remains one of the city’s signature annual community events.
