WHEATON, Md.— With crisp air, vibrant colors, and yes, pumpkin spice; it’s officially fall at Montgomery Parks, and we’ve got a full lineup of events to help make the most of the season. From celebrating Active Aging Week and honoring LGBTQ+ History Month to fall fun with apples and scarecrows, there’s something for everyone this October.
Montgomery Parks’ February events highlights include:
Go, Grow and Get Active: Active Aging Week Signature Event | October 6 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center
Active Aging Week is October 6 through October 12, to shine a spotlight on the benefits of staying physically, mentally, and socially active for adults 50 and older. Join us at the signature event, where guests can participate in a variety of workshops and activities designed to boost wellness. Click the link above for more information on Montgomery Parks-sponsored Active Aging programs. Registration required. (Special Event Code: R07107-150). Free.
Walk and Talk: Queer History and Ecology | October 10 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with a walking tour through Takoma Park. Learn about significant local events and people who made an impact on LGBTQ+ culture and history while exploring the new field of queer ecology. $10 per person.
Special Events at Woodlawn Manor: Fall Harvest Family Day | October 11 | 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Bring the whole family to Woodlawn Manor for a day of fall fun. Enjoy free admission to the Woodlawn Museum and dive into hands-on activities including butter churning, autumn bingo, decorating a cardboard pumpkin and more. Free.
Fall Apple Harvest | October 17 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
Celebrate a day off school with apple crafts, games, tasting and other activities from our apple harvest. $12 per person.
W.A.N.D.E.R: Outdoor Cooking | October 18 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center
Join W.A.N.D.E.R (Women and Non-Binary individuals Deepening their Environmental Relationships) for a hands-on cooking class around the campfire. Learn how to whip up tasty treats for your next glamping trip. All are welcome. $20 per person.
History Hour: Crafting History – African Fabric | October 18 | 2 to 4 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park (Parking is located at Wall Local Park at 5900 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda)
Textile artist Tisha Thorne of Sew Creative Studio will discuss the vast world of African fabrics. From their production and symbolism to the way they look and feel; these textiles will be explored in their historical and modern form. Fabric will be available for purchase. Arrive early and take a self-guided tour of the museum; doors open at 5 pm. Light refreshments provided. $5 per person.
Celebration Station: Pumpkin Bird Feeders; Scarecrow Making | October 20 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Black Hill Discovery Center
Get into the Halloween spirit with some seasonal crafts! Make a pumpkin birdfeeder to fill with treats for our migratory friends and make a scarecrow to decorate your yard. Don’t forget to bring your creativity (and old clothes for the scarecrow). $8 per person, per program.
More ways to explore and enjoy
- Check out Park Academy Series for fitness, wellness, and learning classes.
- See our special programs for 55+.
Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following event taking place in parks during the month of October:
MoCoEpic: October 11 to 12 | South Germantown Recreational Park
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Fall 2025 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 414 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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