WHEATON, Md.– We survived below-freezing temps, the “snowcrete,” and the ups and downs of early spring. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the season at Montgomery Parks! Tour a historical site, take a guided twilight hike on the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, get some native plants for the garden at a plant sale, or make a gourd birdhouse at Oakley Cabin’s Wood and Wine. Check out these programs and more happenings this month.
Plant Sales
Black Hill Discovery Center Native Plant Sale | May 2-3 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (Saturday); 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sunday)
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Sale hosted by Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs (FOBH). Most plants are grown by our volunteer gardeners with all proceeds supporting Black Hill Discovery Center and the SEED Classroom. FOBH members shop early, from 9-11 a.m., on Saturday. For the plant list, how to become a member, and more details about the sale, visit the Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs website. Free admission.
Locust Grove Nature Center Native Plant Sale | May 16 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Pope Farm Nursery, 7400 Airpark Road, Gaithersburg
Beautify your backyard with native plants! Shop a unique selection of the highest quality plants. Ask the experts your questions about growing low-maintenance and pest-resistant varieties that help attract wildlife to your garden. Sales support educational programs at Locust Grove Nature Center. (Note: Pope Farm Nursery is only open to the public during these sale hours.) No registration required. Free admission.
More May events include (registration required for all programs unless indicated):
Archaeology Day | May 2 | 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Needwood Mansion, Rockville
Get a glimpse into the world of an archaeologist. This family-friendly day is filled with hands-on activities, demonstrations, games, costumed interpreters, food trucks, music, and more! Free.
Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hike | May 2, and 16 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, Sandy Spring
Learn about the experience of 19th-century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in this guided hike. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food/shelter on the perilous journey. Hike covers two miles on a natural surface hiking trail and is not ADA accessible or appropriate for all strollers. Appropriate for ages 7 and up. Advanced registration is encouraged. $8-$10.
Kingsley Schoolhouse Tours | May 3 | 1 – 4 p.m.
Little Bennett Regional Park, Clarksburg
Join us on the first Sunday of each month, April through October, for free tours of the 1893 Kingsley Schoolhouse. This historic one-room schoolhouse served children in the rural farming community of “Froggy Hollow” from 1893 until 1935.
Oakley Cabin Guided Tours and Open House | May 9 and 23 | 12 – 4 p.m.
Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park, Olney
Step inside Oakley Cabin, a living history museum, and learn about the African American roadside community that lived and worked on this historic site from emancipation well into the 20th century. Their culture and traditions heavily influenced those of surrounding communities, and their story is deeply woven into Montgomery County’s rich history. Oakley Cabin guided tours are on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, April through October.
History Book Club | May 13 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park Virtual
Commemorate 250 years of American independence by delving into diverse narratives and experiences that shaped this country. Through fiction and nonfiction, we’ll examine our shared past and its impact on today. The book to be discussed this meeting is “97 Orchard: An Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement,” by Jane Ziegelman. Become a member of the History Book Club.
Wood and Wine | May 16 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Oakley Cabin African American Park, Olney
Celebrated local artist, AnnA Fogg, will inspire you in creating your own, one-of-a-kind gourd bird house. Set against the unique backdrop of historic Oakley Cabin, you’ll enjoy camaraderie around the hearth with craft cider and beer and a rustic spread of meats, cheeses, roasted vegetables and bread. Ticket includes an exclusive, handmade artisan mug. $50.
Swing Dance in the Barn | May 20 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Agricultural History Farm Park, Derwood
We invite dancers of all levels to step inside our charming rustic bank barn and enjoy an unforgettable evening to the upbeat rhythms of swing music. Whether you’re a newbie or already love to swing, friendly instruction at the start of the evening will help everyone feel comfortable and ready to dance. Drinks will also be provided so you can stay refreshed throughout the night. Grab a partner, or meet someone new, and join us for a fun-filled night of dancing, great music, and barnyard charm! $15.
Queer Ecology | May 24 | 4:30- 5:30 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center, Bethesda
Join a naturalist to learn about queer ecology, an interdisciplinary field that challenges traditional binary views to show the complexity of the natural world. There will be a short presentation and discussion followed by a nature hike. Free.
Guided Bird Walk‒Celebrating Black Birders Week | May 27 | 8- 9:30 a.m.
Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Join Brookside Gardens and Maria-Elena Montero of the DC Bird Alliance as we celebrate Black Birders Week, supporting and increasing the visibility of black birders. Learn about the amazing variety of birds that make their homes in these gardens while helping to build a welcoming community. $12.
Twilight Trek | May 30 | 7– 8:30 p.m.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, Sandy Spring
The Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hike at night! Learn historical context and techniques used to navigate the way North to freedom including the challenges and opportunities nighttime travel presented. Traverse the trail with the help of stars and moonlight while learning which plants were helpful along the journey. Participants are highly encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear light colored or reflective clothing. Appropriate for ages 15 and older. Advance registration is encouraged. $8-$10.
More ways to explore and enjoy
- Check out the Park Academy Series for fitness, wellness, and learning classes.
- See our special programs for 55+.
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 Spring 2026 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages 416 parks and more than 37,000 acres of parkland. Our parks, programs, and facilities promote physical activity, social connection, and environmental stewardship. As part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks is committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible park experiences. M-NCPPC has been stewarding public lands since 1927 and has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services.
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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