15 Fall Events in Montgomery County That You Don’t Want to Miss

Fall is a time of celebration. This is when people come together, savor the cooling weather, and celebrate the changing of the seasons. While the colorful leaves put on a show for us here in Montgomery County, you can also enjoy these great autumn events.

October 1
The Taste of Bethesda food and music festival returns for its 31st year! Enjoy some of Bethesda’s best restaurants, five stages of live entertainment, a kids’ area, and much more. Admission is free, but you’ll need to purchase taste tickets to enjoy the delicious food. Each food serving costs one to four tickets; tickets are sold on-site in bundles of four for $5.

Address: Norfolk Avenue in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle
Admission: Free, taste tickets must be purchased on-site

October 1
Join NASA and astronomy enthusiasts around the world on International Observe the Moon Night. Suitable for ages six and up, this event will feature hands-on activities to learn about the moon and the upcoming Artemis mission to the moon in 2024.

Address: Observatory Park, 100 Desellum Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Admission: Free, advance registration required, donations appreciated

October 2
Visit Pike & Rose on October 2nd for North Bethesda’s premier fall festival! You’ll enjoy all the fan-favorite attractions plus new experiences for all ages. If you register in advance, you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card for Pike & Rose. Dogs are welcome!

Address: Pike & Rose, 11870 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Admission: Free

October 2
Soothe your sweet tooth and support the Tree House CAC of Montgomery County by buying and eating delicious baked treats at the 7th Annual Tree House Bake Sale. Tree House provides care and critical resources to abused and neglected children. Last year’s bake sale raised $4,000! You can also volunteer as a baker to support the event further.

Address: 205 Tschiffely Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Admission: Free, baked goods for purchase

October 5
Join the St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families at their annual fall social on October 5th. Your ticket purchase includes heavy hors d'oeuvres plus beer and wine. This event features some of the best guest bartenders around and live music provided by the inn!

Address: Irish Inn, 6119 Tulane Avenue, Glen Echo, MD 20812
Admission: $30 - $50, purchase in advance

October 8 - October 9
In its 24th year, the Bethesda Row Arts Festival takes over the heart of Bethesda to showcase 165 artists from all over the country. Enjoy art in multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, jewelry, photography, sculpture, fabric, glass, ceramics, wood, and many others. Meet artists, get inspired, and even purchase a piece to take home with you! This festival is also a juried art show, and a panel of experts will award prizes for the best artist in each category.

Address: In the heart of Bethesda, near the intersection of Elm Street and Woodmont Avenue
Admission: Free

October 8
Love barbecue? Visit Strosniders Bethesda on October 8th for the annual Smokeout BBQ Festival! Activities include the best grill deals of the year, live demos from grill masters, and of course, delicious samples. Participate in exciting raffles and giveaways, too! Buy a grill (at a discounted festival price) and get a free goodie bag.

Address: Strosniders Hardware, 6930 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
Admission: Free

October 8
Welcome the fall with Montgomery Village’s Fall Festival. Enjoy live music, great food, and family-friendly activities all day long, and cap it all off with the Great Pumpkin Race! Make and decorate a pumpkin race car and face off with competitors in a unique side-by-side, single-elimination race. The referee rules the race, building excitement as registered pumpkin race car owners compete for the Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy!

Address: North Creek Community Center, 20125 Arrowhead Road, Montgomery Village, MD, 20886
Admission: Free

October 9
Oktoberfest returns to Gaithersburg for its 29th year! In addition to beer, mead, and cider, enjoy multiple stages of live entertainment. The event will feature Bavarian music and dancing as well as local, regional, and national talent. There will be fall-themed activities for families as well as local artisans and delicious food.

Address: Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Admission: Free

October 16
Presented by Pleasant Prospect Farm, this charity event showcases one of Maryland’s most historic sports. Witness horses and riders racing across the open countryside, jumping natural fences and obstacles while you sip drinks and enjoy a picnic with other spectators. Proceeds benefit Bridges to Housing Stability, Respite Retreats, and other local causes.

Address: Pleasant Prospect, 4389 Jennings Chapel Road, Brookeville, MD 20833
Admission: from $25, purchase in advance

October 29
Ready for the cutest festival you’ve ever seen? Get ready for the 3rd Annual Lil’ Pumpkins Festival! This kid-friendly community event includes trick-or-treating, a photo booth, lil' pumpkin painting, free pumpkins for kids under 11, and a costume parade! Adults can enjoy the beer garden and a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live cast.

Address: BlackRock Center for the Arts - Lawn, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874
Admission: Free

October 29
The City of Gaithersburg and Gaithersburg Cluster Schools present this fall festival for families and students of all ages! Join in the fun for games, arts and crafts, student performances, and free food while you meet MCPS staff and learn about community programs.

Address: 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Admission: Free

October 30
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Silver Spring Holiday Crafts and Treats Fair. Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts, jewelry, bath products, and more. With these unique offerings, you’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. While you’re there, enjoy homemade desserts and kid-friendly activities like pumpkin decorating, storytelling, a costume contest, and more!

Address: Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Admission: Free

November 10
Visit Plants Alive! for a drink and a painting workshop with Jimmy Potters. No experience is necessary for this two-hour class. At the end, you’ll have a beautiful lantern of fall leaves—ready for pickup in two weeks. All materials and pottery firing included.

Address: Plants Alive!, 15710 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906
Admission: $65, includes materials and class, purchase in advance

Multiple dates
Enjoy a little bit of the country in the middle of the city! The Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market has been around since its founding in 1932 and features local produce, fresh baked goods, and artisan cheeses as well as all-natural soap and body care, flowers, and handcrafted treasures. The market is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Address: 7155 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
Admission: Free

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