Montgomery Parks Announces October Special Events and Programs

Montgomery Parks has a full lineup of special events in October, including Halloween train rides, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, fall-themed happy hours and Sunday jazz brunch.

October events in Montgomery Parks include: 

Halloween Eye Spy Trains | Every Saturday and Sunday | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.   

Cabin John Miniature Train, 7410 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Wheaton Miniature Train & Carousel, 2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, Maryland 20902             

Board the miniature Halloween Eye Spy Trains at Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Parks to ride through “Transylvania” Riders receive an “Eye Spy” card with seasonal items to find along the tracks during the ride. Advance ticket purchase through ActiveMontgomery is recommended to guarantee a seat. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the venues. All ages (ticket required for ages 2 and older). $6- $8.

Sunday Serenade | October 2, 16 and 30 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.   
Cabin John Regional Park Amphitheater, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20817             

Experience a relaxing Sunday fall morning listening to jazz at Sunday Serenade. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for seating. Free.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” | October 7 | 6 – 9:30 p.m.  
Northwest Branch Recreational Park, 1450 Norbeck Road, Aspen Hill, Maryland 20906

Dust off your platform boots, throw on a leather corset and join us for a screening of the 1970s cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Attendees can begin arriving at 6 p.m. with blankets and chairs to get a spot on the lawn. At dusk, shadow cast company Bloody Mayhem will take the stage to introduce the film and perform scenes along with the film. Audience participation and costumes are encouraged. Prop bags will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Food and beer will be available for purchase from Liquidity Aleworks, Catalyst Hot Dogs and O’Boy Pizza & Ice Cream. Ages 17 and older. Free.

Bilingüe: Birdwatching 101 ꟷ Los Basicos: Avistamientos de Aves | October 8 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20855

Learn how to identify common Maryland birds by sight and sound from this naturalist-led beginner’s crash course on birding. Get the skinny on naked birding and bird behavior. Binoculars and previous birding experience not required. This program is offered in English and Spanish. Free.

Cider Pressing | October 8 and 9 | 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville, Maryland 20905      

Learn about pollination, different apple varieties and the history of cider making during this hour-long experience. Cider will be made using a traditional hand-crank cider press. Registration required. All ages (please register all adults and children older than two) $8. Free.

Drag Queen Story Hour | October 8 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20902

Drag Queen Story Hour is exactly what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Educational and fun for kids of all ages. Free.

Brookside Nature Center 60th Anniversary | October 9 | 1 – 7 p.m.                                 
Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Enjoy a slice of cake and participate in a nature program to celebrate Brookside Nature Center’s 60th anniversary. The first 100 visitors will receive a free commemorative souvenir. Advance registration is required for some programs. Free.

Yappy Hour | October 13 | 5 – 7 p.m.  
Elm Street Park, 4600 Elm Street, Bethesda, Maryland 20815

Come to Yappy Hour with your pooch and share some drinks and food (available for purchase) and enjoy live music with neighbors! Free. 

Acoustics and Ales | October 15 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
North Four Corners Local Park, 315 University Boulevard W., Silver Spring, Maryland 20901

Enjoy local craft beer, live music and eats at Montgomery Parks’ Acoustics and Ales outdoor happy hour. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase along with beer from Waredaca Brewing Company and food from El Cumpa and O’Boy Pizza. Live music from Vinyl Tap. All ages. Free.

Tequila Walk and Talk | October 14 | 6 – 7:15 p.m.  
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20855

Learn about the surprising ways bats bring some of our favorite foods–and poisons of choice–to the table at the Tequila Walk and Talk. After a Tequila Moonrise mixology demonstration and bat talk, attendees will take a short walk in the park, guided by Park staff, to locate bats using the bat echo meter touch mobile app. Spanish interpreter available. Registration required. Ages 21 and older. $15. 

Parks Spooktacular | October 23 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
South Germantown Recreational Park, 17920 Germantown Park Drive, Germantown, Maryland 20874

Parks Spooktacular will feature performances of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs by the Puppet Co. and a magician. Participants can wander through a haunted maze, jump on Halloween-themed moon bounce inflatables, have their faces painted, dance to a DJ and more! Concessions from Steeze Burger and Blondie’s Doughnuts will be available for purchase. Stop by the photo booth to take a photo keepsake of your Parks Spooktacular experience. Costumes are encouraged and dogs on leash are welcome. Ages 2 to 12. Free.

Freedom’s Footsteps | October 28 through 30 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852

Freedom’s Footsteps is a celebration of Josiah Henson’s emancipation. On October 28, 1830, the Henson family reached Canada and gained their freedom. There will be activities all weekend, for all ages, to reflect on the past and consider ways to build a better future. Free.

Not So Spooky Skate | October 28 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Cabin John); 5:30 – 7 p.m. (Wheaton) 
Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Ice skate into Halloween at the Not So Spooky Skate. Skaters should come in costume so they can trick or treat at the rink and participate in the Halloween costume parade. Beginners welcome. Registration required. Ages 3 – 12. $12.

Bilingüe: Papel Picado Nature Craft | October 28 through 30 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20855

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with the ancient Mexican artform of papel picado. Attendees will learn about the origins of the artform and how to create a DIY papel picado with materials found in the outdoors. Registration required. $7.

Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following events taking place in parks during the month of October: