Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, announces programming and operating hours for the 2022 winter holiday break with a variety of events for the whole family.
Extended Open Parkways Schedule: The Open Parkways will be extended during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. During this time, parkways are open to pedestrians and bicyclists and closed to motor vehicles.
- Beach Drive between Connecticut and Knowles Avenue (2.9 miles)
- Saturday, December 24, at 9 a.m. until Tuesday, December 27, at 7 a.m.
- Saturday, December 31, at 9 a.m. until Tuesday, January 3, at 7 a.m.
- Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road and between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West
- Friday, December 23, at 9 a.m. until Tuesday, December 27, at 7 a.m.
- Friday, December 30, at 9 a.m. until Tuesday, January 3, at 7 a.m.
Two lanes open 24/7 for recreation and exercise:
- Little Falls Parkway between Arlington Road and Dorset Avenue (0.4 miles)
Fun activities available during the holiday period include:
- Garden of Lights display at Brookside Gardens (closed December 24-25)
- Special Winter Break programs at Pauline Betz Addie Tennis and Wheaton Indoor Tennis Centers
- New Year’s Day Hike at Brookside Nature Center
- Parks, trails, gardens, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor exercise stations, and outdoor tennis/pickleball and basketball courts* are open daily, sunrise to sunset. (*Select outdoor courts are available for rental.)
- The inline hockey rink at Ridge Road Recreational Park and street hockey/futsal rink at Dewey Local Park may be permitted, or are available first come, first served, if not reserved.
- Campfire rings are available for rental at several locations.
- Little Bennett Campground
- Ice Skating at Cabin John Ice Rink or Wheaton Ice Arena
- Brookside Gardens grounds open daily sunrise-sunset, Visitor Center open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Gift Shop open daily 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Conservatory open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed December 24ꟷ26)
Holiday Week Operating Hours by Facility
Montgomery Parks Headquarters and Permit Offices
December 26: Closed
January 2: Closed
Brookside Gardens Visitors Center and Conservatory
December 24ꟷ26: Closed (Garden of Lights closed December 24ꟷ25)
December 31ꟷJanuary 1: Visitor Center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Conservatory 10 a.m.- to 4 p.m.; Garden of Lights open 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Black Hill Visitor Center & Nature Programs
December 24ꟷ25: Closed
December 31: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
January 1: Closed
December 24: Open 1 to 5 p.m.
December 25: Closed
December 31: Open 1 to 5 p.m.
January 1: Closed (Closed to visitors unless they are participating in a program)
December 24: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
December 25: Closed
December 31: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
January 1: Closed
December 23ꟷJanuary 2: Closed
Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena
December 24: Closes at 3 p.m.
December 25: Closed
December 31: Closes at 3 p.m.
January 1: Opens 12 p.m.
Pauline Betz Addie Tennis and Wheaton Indoor Tennis
December 24: Closes at 3 p.m.
December 25: Closed
December 31: Closes at 3 p.m.
January 1: Open 12 to 6 p.m.
South Germantown Driving Range
December 24: Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 25: Closed
December 31: Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
January 1: Closed
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
