This Labor Day weekend, Montgomery County comes alive with a variety of events for all ages. Whether you’re into hands-on crafting, exploring local art, or celebrating Ethiopian culture, there’s something for everyone. From Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1, enjoy a unique blend of entertainment, education, and community spirit. Don’t miss these nine exciting events to make your holiday weekend memorable.
Friday, August 30
Open DIY Studio at Hammer & Stain
Try crafting at Hammer & Stain’s studio in Rockville Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Projects start at $15 and may be completed during the open studio session. Make a handmade gift or DIY project for your home. Projects are first-come, first-served. Most take 45-90 minutes, depending on your choice. Prices are based on the project, not the time. Kid friendly and adult projects are available. Hammer & Stain is located in Rockville Town Square at 107B Gibbs Street. Find more information and how to reserve a time slot here.
Katherine Knights Art Exhibit
Explore Katherine Knight’s solo exhibit, “Pool,” at VisArts’ Concourse Gallery, on display from Aug. 30 through Oct. 27. Knight creates mixed media collages that transform figures into 3D installations. A free opening reception is scheduled for Sept. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. Gallery hours Saturday and Sunday are noon to 4 p.m. VisArts is located at 155 Gibbs Street, within walking distance of the Rockville Metro station. Learn more on the VisArts website.
Summer Evenings at Glenstone
Glenstone Museum extends its hours until 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Sept. 28. In addition to ticketed entry to the museum, guests can enjoy guided Outdoor Walks. Snacks, wine, and local beer are available for purchase at the Cafe and Patio. Live music performances are held on the Patio the second Saturday of each month from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Glenstone Museum is located at 12100 Glen Road in Potomac. Reserve free tickets and learn more here.
Saturday, August 31
Bubbly Family Storytime
This activity is for children ages 3-7 at Aspen Hill Library. Children will enjoy a storytime followed by activities to enhance language skills and imagination. After storytime, stay to play with educational toys. Story time starts at 10:30 a.m. for one hour. Aspen Hill Library is located at 4407 Aspen Hill Road in Rockville. Learn more about the event.
Guided Hike on the Underground Railroad Trail
Discover the experiences of 19th-century freedom seekers on a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, Saturday, Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. Hike covers two miles on a natural surface hiking trail. The trail is not ADA accessible and may not accommodate all strollers. Content appropriate for ages 7 and up; $8 fee charged for ages 6 and up. Limited walk-in tickets are available at the Woodlawn Visitor Center. The Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park is located at 16501 Norwood Road in Sandy Spring. Purchase tickets in advance with ActiveMontgomery.
MCM walked the trail with Montgomery Parks Program Manager Mark Thorne in 2020. Take a look:
Explore the Main Street Farmers Market
The market operates every Saturday year-round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located in the Kentlands neighborhood around the Main Street Pavilion at 301 Main Street. Explore fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, microgreens, and mushrooms, along with plants, flowers, prepared dinners, homemade bread, and artisan sweets. Local musicians perform monthly. Learn more at the Gaithersburg website.
Sunday, September 1
Celebrate Ethiopia Day Festival
Ethiopia Day is an annual celebration that unites the Ethiopian community and friends to honor and showcase Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, history, and traditions. The festival features traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring.
Check out this video from the 2021 festival.
Kensington Paint the Town Labor Day Art Show & Sale
The Town of Kensington and Montgomery Art Association invite you to the Paint the Town Labor Day Show, held August 31 through September 2, at the Historic Armory. The exhibition and sale are free and open all weekend. The armory is located at 3710 Mitchell Street. Find more details here.
Free Social Dance at Glen Echo Park
Enjoy two days of free social dances with live music at the Social Dance Showcase. Beginner lessons start each dance, and all skill levels are welcome. No partner needed. Explore open studios and galleries throughout the weekend. Glen Echo Park is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Learn more here.
