The 42nd annual Takoma Park Street Festival will take place on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and once again will fill the streets of Takoma Park with music, artists and makers, community groups, green companies and great food.
Music: The free event celebrates local music with 18 performances on 3 stages, with a mix of soul, funk, roots rock, blues, swamp funk, folk, working girl blues and new grass, and more.
Field of Screams Maryland, one of the metro area’s definitive haunted attraction, has officially opened for the season (September 23- October 31). Located at 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd. in Olney, Maryland, this Hollywood-level production includes well-trained actors and an intense fright experience with decor and props not seen outside the movie industry. The event was voted as the #1 spot in USA Today’s 10 Best Haunted Attractions in the country last year.
Field of Screams Maryland has long been lauded as one of the best Halloween attraction in the DMV, with creative accomplishments that have resulted in multiple #1 rankings across the region. In addition, the creators famously won A&E’s Haunted House Design/Build Competition in 2018. Its flagship attraction is the one-hour walk through the Super Screams Haunted trail, which combines the Haunted Trail and Trail of Terror that features 55 terrifying stations in the darkest of woods as they navigate Chainsaw Hill, the City Morgue, the Catacombs, Laser Alley, and a finale that most run from crying for help.
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has received over $11 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation to support the creation of the new “National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe” exhibition. The exhibition will illuminate how the development of new and more precise tools transformed humankind’s understanding of the origin, content and fate of the universe. It is anticipated to open in 2026 and is part of the museum’s ongoing transformation of its galleries at its flagship building in Washington, D.C.
“We are very appreciative of the National Science Foundation’s generous support of the transformed ‘Discovering Our Universe’ exhibition,” said Chris Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the museum. “NSF was one of the original supporters of the museum’s prior version of this exhibition, the ‘Explore the Universe’ gallery, which opened in 2001. With NSF’s support, this new exhibition will play a critical role in educating the public about the science of astronomy.”
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 with special programs, film screenings and an all-ages festival highlighting Hispanic history, culture and stories. The month of festivities will be followed by the museum’s annual el Día de los Muertos event Thursday, Nov. 2. Featuring a video and music installation by artists MasPaz and Guache, the event also will include crafts, performances and culinary treats. Admission for the festival is free.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, the Portrait Gallery will collaborate with its friends at the bilingual children’s book publisher Lil’ Libros, who will return to the museum for the second co-hosted Fotos & Recuerdos Festival. The afternoon event is for all ages and will take place in the museum’s Kogod Courtyard and surrounding galleries from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to join gallery tours, story times, book signings with Lil’ Libros authors, live performances and crafts workshops inspired by the Lil’ Libros book series “The Life of / La vida de,” which features Latinx sitters from the Portrait Gallery’s collection. The Washington Ballet will also be attending to lead a story time and salsa and bomba workshop. This program received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the National Museum of the American Latino. NPR is the media partner.
The Block Party hosted by REWILD, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 24th, from 11am to 3pm, has been postponed until Sunday, October 1st (same time).
Cabin John Village is set to transform a central stretch into a luxurious urban escape curated by REWILD. Since it’s the end of summer, we’ve chosen a Block Party Theme! The event seeks to offer residents of Potomac, Rockville, and North Bethesda a unique blend of botanical ambiance, gourmet indulgence, art, and activities for all ages. Key Highlights:
Per Montgomery County: Governor Wes Moore today announced a record investment in Maryland arts organizations through the state’s Arts Relief initiative. Through $40 million in supplemental funding added to the Maryland State Arts Council’s annual appropriation of $28.9 million in FY23, this record investment is helping arts organizations cope with the lasting financial impacts of the pandemic, spurring arts projects and employment in all 24 Maryland jurisdictions, and has elevated Maryland to second in the nation in per capita spending on the arts in FY23.
“Even as the world continues to reopen, we know that many arts organizations are finding it difficult to return to pre-pandemic audience levels. The same is true for artists, who are still getting back on their feet after recent challenges,” said Gov. Moore. “Thanks to this historic investment, which illustrates how much we value a strong creative economy, our arts ecosystem is poised to thrive in the coming years.”
Per Westfield Montgomery: This autumn, fall fashion takes center stage at Westfield Montgomery Mall’s remix event on Saturday, October 7. The city-making destination for high-brand fashion, luxury, and entertainment will welcome the new season with appearances from reality TV personalities, designer customizations, personal styling, fun photo opportunities, and more.
Ashley Darby and Gabby Prescod will headline the event with a fireside chat from 1pm to 2pm in the Nordstrom Wing on the Lower Level. Fresh off the latest season of runway shows from New York and Paris Fashion Week, Fashion editor Gabby Prescod will lead a lively discussion with fan favorite and Montgomery County native, Ashley Darby. Get a sneak peek into their lives and behind-the-scenes tales of their most memorable fashion statements. Beyond the glitz and the glam, discover the heart, passion, and sensibilities that drive their styles.
Update: This event has been postponed until Sunday, October 1st due to inclement weather.
This Sunday, September 24th, from 11am to 3pm, Cabin John Village is set to transform a central stretch into a luxurious urban escape curated by REWILD. Since it’s the end of summer, we’ve chosen a Block Party Theme! The event seeks to offer residents of Potomac, Rockville, and North Bethesda a unique blend of botanical ambiance, gourmet indulgence, art, and activities for all ages.
Per Taiwan Sister Cities: “Dear Friends, After our board meeting tonight, our board has decided that rain or shine go forward. This festival still will be hosted on this Saturday. 風雨生信心。-TSC Team”
The 2023 Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival will take place this Saturday, September 23rd from 10am until 4pm at Rockville Town Square. The event is being held by Taiwan Sister Cities, an organization “dedicated to promoting, educating, and fostering intercultural understanding and cooperation among the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan.”
Per Poolesville Day event coordinators: “The forecasts for Saturday are not our favorite, but Poolesville Day is on RAIN OR SHINE! That includes the parade. So grab your umbrella and raincoats, be prepared to get a little wet, and come on out. It will still be an awesome day!”
The Town of Poolesville, Maryland, hosts the annual Poolesville Day for the public to enjoy all that is offered in the charming Western Montgomery County township of approximately 6,000 residents. The event takes place on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine) at the Whalen Commons, 19701 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville, MD 20837. Poolesville Day Highlights:
The 10th annual Harvest Moon Festival, a free, multicultural event of arts, entertainment and exhibitors, promises fun for all ages in Silver Spring this Sunday, September 24th at Veterans Plaza from 1pm until 7pm. The event features an eclectic array of arts and crafts exhibitors and entertainment. Schedule of Arts Activities can be seen below:
Entertainment Schedule: