The City of Takoma Park Recreation Department will host its traditional Monster Bash on Saturday, October 28! Scheduled for the day’s event:
Walking is encouraged due to limited parking. In order to hold the event and ensure patron safety, we will have the following road blockages:
The holiday season is approaching, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with the “Here Come the Holidays” Art Market on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event takes place at the enchanting Arts Barn and historic Kentlands Mansion, nestled in the heart of Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion are located at 311 and 320 Kent Square Road.
The “Here Come the Holidays” Art Market promises to be an exquisite celebration of art and holiday spirit, featuring a wide array of local and regional artists showcasing their talents and offering unique, handcrafted items. Attendees can expect to find a curated selection of art, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more – making it the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones or to add a touch of artistic flair to their homes this holiday season.
The Fall Makers Market & Pumpkin Fest is taking place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg on Saturday, October 21st from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Fall Makers Market is curated by Locally Crafted on Grand Corner Avenue and will feature m handmade products from 80+ local artisans, cocktails by California Pizza Kitchen, fall activities for all ages.
There will also be a Fall DIY Workshop that is free with $50+ purchase. The workshop will allow participants to decorate their own set of fall-themed burlap napkin rings. “Make a purchase of $50+ from rio shops or restaurants on Saturday, October 21stand show your same day receipt(s) at the RIO tent near Dick’s Sporting Goods.” While supplies last. Receipts exclude Target, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Prepare for an epic battle of Old School vs New School this Fall! The Teen Program in Takoma Park will be hosting a basketball game with 10 adults against 10 teens to determine the ultimate Old School vs New School match up! Who will take the crown?! The winning team is awarded a trip to a Washington Wizards basketball game! Teens (Grades 8-12) and adults wanted! If you would like to participate as a player and submit your team, please register on ActiveNet. PLAYERS MUST be registered by Wednesday, November 10th, no exceptions! Additional information below:
Register using your information and select a team number. Inform your teammates to register and select the SAME number as you. For example, if you selected “Team 1,” your teammate MUST also select the same team. Once all 3 (or 4) members have registered, you are all set!You have the option to have a 4th alternate teammate that you can switch with. This is optional and not required. No registration is required to attend the event as a spectator. Come out and have fun with a DJ, food, a 3-point contest, and raffle prizes! Registration/participation in this event is free.
Wheaton is the place to celebrate Halloween! There are fabulous Halloween events for adults, children and families in and around the Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District! Options for celebrating include adult trick-or-treating (a themed bar hop for adults), family events with Halloween crafts and activities for children as well as a beer garden for adults at HalloWheaton, and child friendly options like the nearby Eye Spy Train or Westfield Wheaton Boo Bash!
HalloWheaton (family oriented), Sunday, October 29, 12-4pm, Free Admission: Get a jump start on celebrating Halloween in the Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District for free s’mores roasting, pumpkin painting, costume contests, Halloween crafts, face-painting, photo ops, and more at HalloWheaton. This is the 3rd annual HalloWheaton event at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Drive. Adult activities include a beer garden, fire pits, yard games, and a zombie trailer.
Thomas Edison High School of Technology (12501 Dalewood Dr. Silver Spring) is hosting its Open House for this school year on October 19th from 6-8PM. All MCPS families are welcome to come learn about Edison’s programs and meet their career and technology teachers and community partners.
The City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival is getting ready to welcome visitors for another spectacular season. The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly November 24 through December 31. The festival is closed on December 25. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that light up the night. The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, conveniently accessible from I-270. Tickets now available (link below).
To ensure a positive and safe experience for all attendees, staff and event-site neighbors the following policies are in place:
People of all abilities are invited to participate in the popular hobby, October 15-22, 2023
Montgomery Parks is calling all experienced and novice birders to participate in its Birdability Week events October 15-21. This is the fourth annual Birdability Week, a national event designed to celebrate the beauty of birds and promote the accessibility of the hobby for everyone, including those with disabilities and or health concerns.
The curtain is rising on fall theater productions throughout the school system, at middle and high schools. Plan now to see these great performances, which run into early 2023. From “Shrek” and “Mamma Mia” to “Radium Girls” and “Lavender,” an original work by a 2023 Albert Einstein High School graduate, there’s something for everyone. Full list below, courtesy of MCPS:
Middle Schools
On Sunday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released a statement following the Hamas attacks on Israel that left over 1,000 Israelis dead. The area’s Jewish communities are coming together to show support for Israel. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) is hosting a vigil of Jewish Unity & Solidarity with Israel that is being held on Thursday, October 12 at 7:30pm at the Congregation Har Shalom (11510 Falls Rd) in Potomac.
The vigil is being held in partnership with Montgomery County and DC area Synagogues, as well as CESJDS, Jewish Studio Project, Ramah DC Day Camp, Americans for Ben-Gurion University, Haberman Institute, ADL, AJC, FIDF, JCRC and JFGW. Babysitting will be available to children 5- 11 years old beginning at 7:15PM – registration is required on the event page.
Tickets go on sale today for The Garden of Lights display that transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. The display allows for guests to stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton.
Garden of Lights runs from Friday, November 17, 2023, to Sunday, December 31, 2023. It will be open daily, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Garden of Lights will be closed November 20 to 23 and December 24 to 25. Event information: