Welcome to our Weekend Roundup of events in Montgomery County. Here are 12 things to do this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-4.
FRIDAY, Sept. 1
Back to School First Friday Event: The final summer Needwood First Friday event features outdoor live music, drink specials, food specials, giant Jenga, golf chippo and more activities for the whole family. The event takes place Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Needwood Golf Course, 6724 Needwood Road in Derwood. RSVP for a free gift.
Bethesda Summer Concert: The local band, Soul Crackers, performs Friday at The Streetery located at the corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo avenues in Downtown Bethesda. Enjoy some sweet soul music from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Park in the Dark: Explore the world of bats at Brookside Nature Center on Friday from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Registration is required and the fee is $7. Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton Regional Park is located at 1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton.
SATURDAY, Sept. 2
Summerfest 2023 at Olney Theatre Center is the culmination of Olney Outdoors with free activities and performances happening all day starting at 1 p.m. Enjoy performances, backstage tours, food, sales and more. Learn more and explore the schedule of performances here. Activities take place at the outdoors Root Family Stage, Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road.
The Sorcerer: The Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents “The Sorcerer” at Rockville’s F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and $24 for students. Learn more and purchase tickets. The theater is located at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive in Rockville.
Storyline: The rich but witless Alexis is recently betrothed to the beautiful Aline. After having a vision, he plots to bring the joy of marriage to the entire town at his wedding ceremony. Alexis calls in the old family sorcerer, Jonathan Wellington Wells to concoct the perfect love potion. Naturally, this backfires and hilarity ensues.
Labor Day Weekend at Glen Echo Park: Immerse yourself in the arts at Glen Echo Park. The 52nd Annual Labor Day Art Show, held in the historic Spanish Ballroom from Saturday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 4, features the work of more than 300 artists. The Social Dance Showcase features two days of free social dances with live music. Short beginner lessons are held at the start of each dance, and all dances are open to people of any skill level. No partner required. Open studios and galleries are scheduled throughout the weekend. Learn more here. Glen Echo Park is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo.
Here is promo video for last year’s Labor Day Art Show:
SUNDAY, Sept. 3
Explore Rockville B&O Railroad Edition: Learn how the arrival of the railroad changed Rockville forever in this self-guided tour and scavenger hunt organized by Peerless Rockville. In the summer of 1873, the Metropolitan Branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad opened its station in Rockville. The arrival of the Railroad brought enormous change to Rockville, then a small agricultural village. Join this self-guided outdoor tour and scavenger hunt that will walk you through the sites and stories of how this exciting new transportation system spurred Rockville to grow by leaps and bounds. There are more than 10 stops located across the city. Learn more and register here. Cost is $15 per household.
Butterfly Bonanza: Learn about the variety of pollinators you can see at Locust Grove Nature Center, Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m. Butterflies abound in September! Join a naturalist as you explore the meadow and look for butterfly eggs, caterpillars, chrysalis and butterflies. Learn how important butterflies are as pollinators for fall flowers. Fee is $7. Learn more and register here. The nature center is located at 7777 Democracy Blvd. in Bethesda.
The 7th Great Gilbert and Sullivan Sing Out: The Victorian Lyric Opera Company will kick off its 45th Anniversary by giving Gilbert & Sullivan fans the opportunity to experience and sing through the complete musical scores of all 13 of the intact operettas that comprise ‘The Sorcerer” in five performance blocks from Friday through Sunday. Learn more and purchase tickets here. The performances take place at Rockville’s F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre located at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive in Rockville.
Learn about the Victorian Lyric Opera Company in this video:
MONDAY, Sept. 4
City of Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade: The 85th annual Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade is one of the most popular parades that will hit the streets of Olde Towne. High school marching bands, dance groups, and cheerleaders will perform on the street along with costumed characters, clowns, equestrian units, antique cars, and fire engines. This event will happen rain or shine. Food vendors will be at Olde Towne Plaza and in the parking lot next to the Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Fire Station. Learn more about the event here.
Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival: The Town of Kensington hosts a Labor Day parade and a festival afterward. The parade is a lively showcase of local pride, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, community organizations, and residents of all ages participating in the festivities. The parade route typically winds through the streets of Kensington, offering a chance for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy the festivities. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and the festival runs until 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Tastemakers Trail Self-Guided Craft Beverage Tour: Get your IDs ready as you stop at local brewers, fermenters, distillers, and roasters on this self-guided craft beverage tour. Featuring loads of Montgomery County’s finest drink suppliers, the Tastemakers Trail is designed to be your ultimate resource for the perfect beverage-centric weekend. For more information about the featured venues, the trail map, or more, click here.
