By Claire Linders
As summer begins to wind down and the school year fast approaches, Montgomery County’s event calendar heats up. Whether your family enjoys adrenaline and carnival rides or outdoor adventures and live music, August and September offer plenty of opportunities to make memories before fall arrives.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Families can find free and low cost adventures in Montgomery County throughout August and September.
- The details: Many events are outdoors, so arriving early and monitoring weather forecasts is recommended.
- The more you know: Many spots require a reservation, so be sure to check each website for more information.
Homestead Farm
As September arrives, Homestead Farm welcomes families to pick their own fresh produce. This spot is perfect for the whole family, especially curious kids who want to learn more about where their food comes from.
- Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
- Address: 15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville
- How long families usually stay: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Cost depends on purchases
- Tip: Try to visit on a week day, as weekends during harvest season are typically the busiest times of the year.
BlackRock Center for the Arts Family Performances
BlackRock Center for the Arts launches its fall season with family-friendly theater, music and cultural performances. These shows provide an excellent indoor option when late-summer weather becomes unpredictable. Whether it’s a puppet show for young children or musical performances for older kids and teens, BlackRock offers a diverse range of entertainment for all ages.
- Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; noon-4 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
- Address: 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown
- How long families usually stay: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Varies by performance
- Tip: Check the event calendar before visiting and purchase tickets in advance for popular family shows, as many performances have limited seating and can sell out quickly.
Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens
Families can walk among hundreds of native butterflies inside Brookside Gardens’ seasonal butterfly exhibit. Children will love spotting colorful butterflies while learning about pollinators and local ecosystems through interactive displays.
- Dates: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 1-Sept. 7
- Address: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton
- How long families usually stay: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Tickets are $15.99 for visitors 13 and older; $10.99 for ages 3-12; and free for children 3 and younger
- Tip: Reserve tickets ahead of time, especially for weekend visits, as popular time slots often sell out during the final weeks of the exhibit.
Summer Family Day at Woodlawn Manor
Families can explore hands-on historical and nature-themed activities including leaf-rubbing journals and traditional herb crafts. This free event is a great way for families to spend time together outside.
- Date: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 8
- Address: 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring
- How long families usually stay: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and dress for outdoor activities.
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
One of the largest county fairs in the region, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, games, fair food and live entertainment. Families can spend an entire day exploring the fairgrounds, meeting farm animals and snacking.
- Dates: 3 p.m.-midnight Aug. 14; 10 a.m.-midnight Aug. 15, 21 and 22; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 16-20
- Address: 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg
- How long families usually stay: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Admission and ride pricing vary
- Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance and arrive early in the day to avoid the largest crowds and longest ride lines.
Insect Palooza
Brookside Nature Center turns creepy-crawlies into family fun with insect-themed crafts, games, live insects and a family- friendly movie. It’s a unique event for nature lovers of all ages and a fun way for kids to learn more about the fascinating world of bugs.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. Aug. 15
- Address: 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton
- How long families usually stay: 1-2 hours
- Cost: $40 per vehicle
- Tip: Register early, as nature center events often fill quickly.
Silver Spring End of Summer Celebration
This community festival brings together local artists, crafters, food vendors and live performances for an afternoon of culture and creativity. Families can browse booths while enjoying live music and entertainment at Veterans Plaza. Consider bringing your furry friends along as this is a pet friendly event.
- Date: 2-7 p.m. Sept. 13
- Address: 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring
- How long families usually stay: 2-4 hours
- Cost: Free admission
- Tip: Street parking can fill quickly, so consider arriving early or using nearby parking garages.
NCOS International Orchid Show & Sale
With a wide range of orchids and tropical plants and vendors from around the globe, this show is perfect for all plant lovers. This orchid show is one of the largest orchid shows on the east coast making it an easy choice for families who love nature.
- Dates: noon-6 p.m. Sept. 18; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 19; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 20
- Address: 16 Chestnut St., Building 6, Hall 3, Gaithersburg
- How long families usually stay: 1-2 hours
- Cost: $10 per person, children 12 and under free
- Tip: To request preorder plant offerings, contact vendors directly.
Poolesville Day
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This annual community festival brings thousands of visitors to downtown Poolesville for a day of entertainment, local vendors, food, a parade and family activities. With games, performances and exhibits, it’s an easy way to spend a full day celebrating the end of summer.
- Date: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 19
- Address: Whalen Commons, 19701 Fisher Ave., Poolesville
- How long families usually stay: 2-4 hours
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Arrive early if you plan to watch the parade, as downtown streets become crowded throughout the day.
Montgomery County Family Bike Fest
Families can celebrate cycling with bike safety demonstrations, helmet fittings, skills courses, bike decorating and opportunities to test ride bikes. The festival is designed for riders of all ages and experience levels, making it a fun and active way to spend a September afternoon together.
- Date: 1-4 p.m. Sept. 27
- Address: Rockville Town Square, Rockville
- How long families usually stay: 1-3 hours
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Bring your own bike and helmet if possible so kids can participate in skills activities and group rides.
