Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for the Christmas Weekend, Saturday, Dec. 24, through Monday, Dec. 26.
- County offices—Closed Dec. 24-26.
- MC 311—Will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23.
- State offices and courts—Closed Dec. 26.
- State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed Dec. 24 and 26.
- Libraries—Closed Dec. 25-26.
- Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores will be open Saturday, Dec 24, on a holiday schedule of 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stores will be closed Sunday, Dec 25. Stores will be open regular hours on Dec 26.
- County-operated COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Clinics—Clinics at UpCounty Regional Services Center in Germantown, Dennis Avenue Center in Silver Spring and the East County Regional Services Center will be open on Monday, Dec. 26. All sites will be closed for testing and vaccinations Dec. 24-25. Montgomery College-Rockville campus and Germantown campus testing and vaccination sites will be closed from Dec. 24-Jan. 2.
- Department of Permitting Services—All offices, including customer service lobby, are closed on Dec. 26
- Ride On—Operates a Saturday schedule until 10 p.m. on Dec. 24. Operates on a Sunday schedule on Dec. 25-26. All schedules can be found at Routes and Schedules.
- Ride On extRa and Ride On Flex—Not in service Dec. 24-26.
- Flash—Will operate on a weekend schedule Dec. 24-26 (Orange Line only).
- MARC Train and Commuter Bus—See schedules at https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule?type=marc-train.
- TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Closed Dec. 25-26.
- TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store—Closed Dec. 25-26.
- Metrorail—Will operate from 7 a.m.-1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, from 7 a.m.-midnight on Sunday, Dec. 25, and from 7 a.m.-midnight on Monday, Dec. 26.
- Metrobus—Will operate on its Sunday schedule on Sunday schedule on Sunday, Dec. 25, and on Monday, Dec. 26.
- MetroAccess—Customers will be able to travel on the holiday; however, subscription trips will be canceled.
- Public Parking Garages, Lots, Curbside Meters–Posted rates and restrictions in effect on Dec. 24. Parking is free on Dec 26.
- County-provided trash and recycling collections—Regular collection schedules on Dec. 26.
- Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center— 25: Entire facility closed. Dec. 26: Transfer Station and Recycling Center open.
- Aquatic Centers— Will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. Will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 25. Open on Monday, Dec. 26.
- Community Recreation Centers—Will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. Closed on Dec. 25-26.
- Senior Centers: Closed Monday, Dec. 26.
- Montgomery Parks—Visit MontgomeryParks.org for complete information. Additional schedule changes:
- 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, Dec. 24, at 9 a.m. until Tuesday, Dec. 27, 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, De 27, 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)
- Garden of Lights display at Brookside Gardens—Closed Dec. 24-25.
- Brookside Gardens grounds open daily sunrise-sunset, Visitor Center open daily 9 a.m.-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 Dec. 24-26).
- Montgomery Parks Headquarters and Permit Offices—Closed Dec. 26.
- Black Hill Visitor Center and Nature Programs—Closed 24-25.
- Brookside Nature Center— 24: Open 1-5 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.
- Josiah Henson Museum and Park— 24: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.
- Locust Grove Nature Center—Closed 23ꟷJan. 2.
- Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena— 24: Closes at 3 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.
- Pauline Betz Addie Tennis and Wheaton Indoor Tennis— 24: Closes at 3 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.
- South Germantown Driving Range— 24: Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 25.
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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!!!
