WHEATON, Md. – November is the month in which we take time to give gratitude and Montgomery Parks gives us many reasons to be thankful. Our bountiful lineup of events includes a fall garden tour, a traditional spooky autumn campfire, wreath making, Garden of Lights, and more.
November events include (registration required for all programs unless indicated):
Glory of Fall Garden Tour | Tuesday, November 3 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton
This walking tour highlights the spectacular fall colors in the woody and herbaceous plant collections with a closer look at our staff’s favorite fall-blooming perennials like asters, coneflowers, sedums, and grasses. $12.
Boot, Ballroom, and Boogie! | Wednesday, November 4 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood
This special edition of Dance Nights in the Barn features a variety of dance styles, from swing and ballroom to line dancing and the country two-step. Friendly instruction throughout the evening will help everyone, from newbies to seasoned dancers, feel comfortable and ready to dance. Drinks and snacks will be provided. $15.
Night Hike! | Friday, November 6 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville
Hike through the woods, meadow, and ponds of Maydale exploring the sights, sounds, and stars that surround us. Who knows what we might find! $7.
Sparks, S’mores and Spooky Stories | Friday, November 6 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Halloween’s over but it’s always a good time for scary stories. Enjoy a campfire followed by the ultimate campfire tradition: roasting marshmallows and building delicious, gooey s’mores. With sticky fingers and full bellies, we will then settle onto the benches around the warm glow of the fire to share a collection of spooky stories. These tales are carefully selected to provide just the right amount of spine-tingling for ages 12 and older. $7.
Remembrance and Reconciliation Family Day | Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sat.); 12 to 4 p.m. (Sun.)
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda (Parking available at Wall Park, 5900 Executive Boulevard)
Special archaeology tours and hands-on programs for families will be offered throughout the weekend in commemoration of Montgomery County Remembrance and Reconciliation Month. On Saturday, November 14, author and historian, Dr. Cheryl LaRoche will read from her new children’s book “The Resurrectors: Henry Highland Garnet and the Spirit of the Wind”at 11:30 a.m. and host an official book launch and author talk at 1:30 p.m. No registration required. The weekend is sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission in Remembrance and Reconciliation. Free.
Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop | Wednesday, November 18 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Brookside Gardens Virtual
Follow gardener Paula Whyman’s humorous and humbling journey restoring a 200-acre former pasture in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. See the land through her eyes as she navigates hands-on conservation, battles invasive species, questions traditional ideas of nature, and forms a deep, unexpected connection with the natural world. Free.
History Hour: Woodlawn Manor and the Underground Railroad | Thursday, November 19 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda (Parking available at Wall Park, 5900 Executive Boulevard)
Education Program Manager Christian Murgia sets the stage of the county and Woodlawn during slavery and then discusses many of the freedom seekers who are talked about during the Underground Railroad Experience hikes conducted on the trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Doors open at 5 p.m. to allow visitors to enjoy the museum prior to the presentation. Admission includes light refreshments. $5.
Garden of Lights | Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 | 5 p.m. to closing
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton
Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout this horticultural gem in Wheaton. $13.99 to $16.99.
Rockwood Manor Retreats and Events: Open House and Vendor Showcase | Sunday, November 22 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rockwood Manor, 11001 MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac
Rockwood Manor, an elegant, 30-acre wooded estate in Potomac, is the perfect venue for hosting weddings, social events, and business retreats with its variety of picturesque, flexible indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Stop by our Open House to tour the venue, check out some recently revamped spaces, meet with our staff and professional area vendors including caterers, event planners, entertainment and more. Registration is encouraged but not required. Free.
Hands-on History: Wreath Making | Sunday, November 22 | 1 to 3 p.m.
Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood
We invite kids, ages 10 to 14 years old, to step into the past and discover the fascinating history behind one of our most beloved seasonal traditions. They will explore how wreaths have been used throughout history, what different cultures believed about evergreens and other natural decorations, and how wreath making became part of holiday celebrations. Then students will use traditional and natural materials to design and make their own beautiful wreath to take home. $15.
Gratitude Gardening | Monday, November 23 | 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville
Celebrate this season of thanks by starting a gratitude garden. Decorate a pot, write a seed paper note of thanks, and plant it inside the pot to watch it grow! $7/child.
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 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.
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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