By Kendall Floor
Get ready to soak up the sun and enjoy everything Montgomery County has to offer this summer. From massive fireworks displays to vibrant food festivals, there are a variety of ways to celebrate with your community. We’ve rounded up the best local events to keep your summer calendar packed, from live music in the park to a deep dive into local history.
Key takeaways
- The big picture: The event lineup features major cultural milestones, including the region’s largest Juneteenth celebration and the annual Heritage Days. Residents have multiple options for July 4th, including Germantown Glory and a special celebration in Rockville.
- The details: Foodies can sample diverse culinary offerings at the Taste of Wheaton.
- The more you know: Beyond one-time festivals, the county offers recurring free entertainment.
Bethesda Summer Concert Series
- Date: Fridays, May 15-Sept. 18
- Location: Corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo avenues, Bethesda, MD
- Time: 6 p.m.
Visit Bethesda on Fridays for live music! The lineup features a mix of genres, including rock, reggae, soul and Latin music, creating a lively outdoor atmosphere for families and visitors. Visit local shops and restaurants in the surrounding area to turn the concert into a full night out.
Art Walk in the Park at Glen Echo Park
- Date: First Fridays, May-August
- Location: 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
- Time: 6-8 p.m.
Glen Echo Park hosts Art Walk in the Park Fridays, with open studios and artist demonstrations as part of its First Friday series running May through August. It’s a free, family-friendly evening in a historic park setting.
Taste of Wheaton
- Date: June 7
- Location: 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton
- Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Taste of Wheaton celebrates food vendors, diverse restaurants and small businesses that define Wheaton’s vibrant culinary scene. Visitors are welcome to sample dishes from many of Wheaton’s popular restaurants.
Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival
- Date: June 13-19
- Location: Potomac
- Time: First event begins at 5 p.m. June 13
This festival is the DMV region’s largest Juneteenth celebration. Enjoy rides, food, games and culture for the whole family. Celebrate freedom, culture and community as the festival supports initiatives for economic growth, social progress, expanded educational opportunities and more.
SummerFest
- Date: June 27
- Location: 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg
- Time: 6-11 p.m.
Kick off summer at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm. This free event features food trucks, live music, local breweries and family-friendly activities. Stick around for the fireworks spectacular and the SummerGlo after-party, which includes a musical performance and LED hoopers, jugglers and stilt walkers.
Heritage Days
- Date: June 27-28
- Location: Various locations across Montgomery
- Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Heritage Days is a free festival that highlights cultural, historic and outdoor recreation sites, offering exhibits and demonstrations, live music, activities for children and more. This year marks the 27th annual Heritage Days weekend and will feature Civil War and agricultural history, the stories of local railroads and trolleys, musical entertainment, refreshments and crafts for children.
Independence Day Celebration
- Date: July 4
- Location: 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville
- Time: 7-10 p.m.
This event is held at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park offers live music and a 20-minute fireworks display. It will additionally feature celebratory touches in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
Parks Summer Concert Series
- Date: Thursday nights in July and August
- Location: Various parks
- Time: 6-8 p.m.
Concerts are free and held at various parks throughout Montgomery County. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The lineup of artists includes Chesapeake Sons, Ocho de Bastos, Unity Reggae and more.
