Experience Montgomery County’s rich history, natural beauty, and family-friendly fun.
WHEATON, Md. – From learning about and indulging in the pawpaw to historic stories, afternoon tea and a one-of-a-kind costume ball, Montgomery Parks is inviting residents to make the most of September with our special programs. With hands-on experiences, local food, music, dancing and opportunities to learn something new, this month’s lineup offers memorable ways for people of all ages to explore, connect, and have fun.
September events include (registration required for all programs unless indicated):
Crabs, Creeks, and Cold Brews: A Maryland Day Celebration | September 5 | 6–8 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Experience the ultimate summer date night or evening out with friends and honor Maryland Day at the same time. The evening starts with a twilight stroll along the creek. After the walk through the woods, enjoy live music and fresh, steaming blue crabs with two sides, along with some crisp local beers. Complimentary childcare is available with separate registration. $80.
History Hour: Before It Was Leisure World There Was an Edmonson Farm | September 10 | 6–7 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda
Presenters Dianne Bradley and Juanita Selay-Williams will discuss the remarkable story of Paul Edmonson, a formerly enslaved man who built what became one of the largest Black-owned farms in Montgomery County, including his 14 enslaved children, the family’s escape attempts, and their participation in the abolition movement. $5.
The Ag Farm Ball | September 16 | 6–8 p.m.
Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood
At The Ag Farm Ball, the boundaries of time disappear as emperors mingle with pirates; Victorian ladies dance beside medieval nobles, and adventurers from every era. Set within our beautifully preserved rustic historic bank barn, this enchanting evening invites guests to step into a living tapestry of history and an evening filled with music, merriment, games, and dancing. Light refreshments, including water, sodas, and snacks, will be provided. $15.
Foodie Fridays: History in the Kitchen, Two Montgomery County Cooks | September 18 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda
Claudia Kousoulas and Ellen Letourneau will share stories from their book, “A Culinary History of Montgomery County, MD,” that explore local historical foodways—how we grow, sell, prepare, and serve food. From the varied diet of Indigenous peoples to our current industrialized, global food chain, the book traces how food has shaped the county. This talk and slide presentation particularly explores cookbooks written a generation apart by Elizabeth Ellicott Lea and Maria Brooke Watkins, and how each collection of recipes reflects life in Montgomery County in their times. $20.
Tea at Woodlawn | September 19 | 2–4 p.m.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring
Commemorate International Underground Railroad Month with an educational tea party. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the parlor of Woodlawn Manor catered by Clarksville Caterers featuring a menu of English Tea sandwiches, assorted pastries, and fresh fruit. As you sip on a special Woodlawn Blend of tea, learn about local freedom seekers and the Underground Railroad of Montgomery County through a lecture by Education Program Manager, Christian Murgia. Part of a quarterly series. $55.
Paws, Pawpaws and Pints | September 26 | 1–2 p.m. and 2–3 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Join us in celebrating a harvest of a local, native staple fruit with samplings of edible and potable treats for both humans and canines. Enjoy a hike and learn about the ecology and history of a plant that has captured the taste buds of creatures of all kinds. $25.
More ways to explore and enjoy
- Check out the Park Academy Series for fitness, wellness, and learning classes.
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 2026 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages 417 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. MontgomeryParks.org
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/TTY), 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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