Montgomery County invites residents to the free Damascus Placemaking Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20. The event will transform Main Street into a vibrant community space with food, music, art, and interactive activities, showcasing the potential for future improvements. The festival will take place along Main Street in Damascus (9801 Main St, Damascus).
The event invites the community to help transform Main Street into a vibrant space with local food, music, arts, and interactive activities. The initiative is inspired by community input calling for more green spaces and public art.
“We’ve heard from the community about how Main Street could become a more vibrant space,” said Audrey Vogel, project lead. “This festival will bring that vision to life.”
Watch the kickoff event video here:
The Damascus Placemaking Festival is part of a broader effort to redesign a portion of Main Street. Residents, businesses, and civic groups have collaborated with the project team throughout the summer and fall. The goal is to inspire permanent improvements that highlight the town’s small-community charm.
Community Involvement and Festival Highlights
Planning for the Damascus Placemaking Festival began in June, when nearly 100 residents gathered at Damascus High School to share their ideas. An online questionnaire collected 279 responses that helped shape the festival’s plans. Feedback will inform design choices for a revitalized Main Street that aligns with the community’s vision.
Festival highlights will include local food vendors, live music, art displays, and activities for all ages. The goal is to offer a glimpse of what a vibrant, community-centered Main Street could look like while fostering local engagement.
Watch more about the project and community feedback:
A Vision for the Future
The festival serves as the culmination of a collaborative planning effort aimed at improving Main Street. Organizers hope the temporary transformation inspires long-term changes that will enhance the area’s appeal and foster a stronger sense of community.
“Placemaking is about bringing people together to reimagine public spaces,” said Vogel. “We want the community to see the potential of their Main Street.”
Learn More and Get Involved
To learn more about the Damascus Placemaking Festival and stay updated on the event, visit the project’s website. You can also sign up for the project’s e-letter to receive updates on designs and volunteer opportunities.
The Damascus Placemaking Festival will be held on Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
