Due to anticipated heavy rain in the forecast and potential saturated trail and field conditions,
the Montgomery Parks Ale Trail has been canceled.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Prost!
It may not be Munich or Theresienwiese, but Montgomery Parks is transforming Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Park into Parks Ale Trail — just in time for Oktoberfest.
Part festival and part hiking experience, Parks Ale Trail on, September 24 from 11 am to 3 pm, will have something for everyone. The main festival area features live music at the main stage, beer stations, and regional food trucks. Kids can enjoy the inflatables or try their hand at tree climbing.
You can head out on a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike and take in the beautiful sights and sounds of Lake Needwood. Take a break at the mid-way beer garden at the Needwood Mansion parking lot to wet your whistle at another beer garden, grab a snack, and listen to live acoustic music. And back in the main festival area, don’t forget to snag a Parks Ale Trail coozie before you leave!
Just a reminder, lederhosen are encouraged, but not required!
Schedule of Activities
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:30 AM: | Accessible Shuttle Cart begins service |
| 11:00 AM: | Main Festival Area and Mid-Hike Beer Garden open |
| 11:15 AM: | Tree Climbing opens |
| 3:00 PM: | Main Festival Area and Mid-Hike Beer Garden close |
| 3:30 PM | Accessible Shuttle Cart ends service Accessible Shuttle Cart ends service |
Main Festival Area
Food:
Beer and Wine:
- BabyCat Brewery
- Silver Branch Brewing
- Saints Row Brewing
- Lone Oak Brewery
- Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
Entertainment
- 19th Street Band
- Inflatable Amusements
- Kids Tree Climbing
Mid-Hike Beer Garden
Food and Drink
Entertainment
- Live Music by Ted Garber
- Petey & Furends Animal Rescue
- Montgomery Parks Archaeology
The 19th Street Band
Characterized by high energy and strong vocal harmonies, The 19th Street Band brings together a constellation of Americana, country and rock with a taste of punk. They ignite an audience with their passion for music, their magnetic presence and enthusiasm. Bridging the musical traditions of bluegrass and roots from Ireland to the Appalachian, their eclectic gypsy-rock spirit literally leaps from the stage and engages the crowd in the music. Their clever turns of phrase and unexpected syncopation teases the audience into wanting more from every song and set. They are addictive.
Ted Garber
DMV-native and music veteran Ted Garber is a genre-bending multi-instrumentalist whose “Blues Americana” combines classic showmanship with a captivating singer-songwriter sensibility. Wherever he goes, Garber showcases his trademark versatility and entertainer’s energy, with influences ranging from jazz, punk, blues, and big-band, all wrapped up into a unique live solo show!
Festival Map
Get Excited!
Ale Trail FAQs
Restrooms
Portajohns will be available at the event and will include standard and fully accessible units.
Alcohol
Alcohol will be sold at this event, and a valid form of identification is required for purchase.
Pets
Dogs are allowed at this event, but must be leashed at all times. Owners must pick up properly after their dogs and dispose of any waste in the provided receptacles.
Accessibility
This park and event space are generally accessible according to 2010 ADA Standards. The hiking trail may not be suitable for vehicles with wheels as it is made of mainly gravel and compressed dirt. The Accessible Shuttle Cart will be available for guests who need assistance getting to/from their cars and the event space. The Sensory Retreat tent will also be on-site for any guests that need a break from the activities.
Parking
There is free on-site parking at Lake Needwood.
Seating
Limited seating will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets/chairs.
Cost
This event is free to attend. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Questions?
For any additional questions, please contact Parks Customer Service at info@montgomeryparks.org or call 301-495-2595.