Parks Ale Trail - Montgomery Parks

Prost and Welcome

Mark your calendars for the Parks Ale Trail on Saturday, September 19, from 11 am to 3 pm. This event promises to be a fantastic day filled with live music, local craft beer, delicious food, and a bit of hiking adventure – truly something for everyone!

Outdoor enthusiasts will love our scenic 2.5-mile round-trip hike, which offers the perfect opportunity to soak in the beautiful sights and sounds of Lake Needwood. Take a refreshing break at the Mid-Hike Beer Garden located at the Needwood Mansion. Here, you can grab a cold drink or a tasty snack and enjoy live music before continuing your adventure.

We can’t wait to see you at Parks Ale Trail, a celebration that brings together the best of nature and local flavor!

ON THIS PAGE:

Main Festival Area
Mid-Hike Beer Garden
Getting to the Festival

Family standing in front of large PArks Ale Trail cutouts sign.

Main Festival Area

Main Stage

Born of a mutual passion for the deep, down home sounds of an earlier time, eight-piece band King Soul is bringing the excitement of old school Southern Soul to a new audience. Featuring original songs, powerful vocals and a badass horn section, King Soul has become a top draw at area clubs and events. The all-star band includes members of the Slickee Boys, the Rhodes Tavern Troubadours, the Recliners, the Grandsons, the Hula Monsters, the Thangs and the J Street Jumpers. King Soul’s membership holds more than 30 Washington Area Music Association Wammies and Austin Music Awards to its credit. King Soul is Washington music.

Additional Entertainment

Bubble performer swings net of bubbles at Parks Ale Trail

Enjoy additional live entertainment at the Main Festival area, to include a bubble performance and stilt walker.

Stilt walker dressed up in German attire smiling

Food and Drink

Come hungry! A variety of food and beverage options will be available throughout the event. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food or may purchase food, drinks, or treats from one of our many vendors. Below is a list of the vendors who will be at the Main Festival area. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Food Vendors:

Anchor Bar (American, Wings)
Catalyst Hotdogs (American, Hot Dogs, Burgers)
Crabby Pretzel (Maryland-Inspired)
Kona Ice (Shaved Ice)
Maryland Brat & Butcher Co. (Handcrafted Sausages)
Palmetto Bay Cuisine (Sandwiches, Soups, Salads)
Silver & Sons BBQ (American Barbeque)
The Icecream Yard (Ice Cream, Milkshakes)

Guest gets food from food vendor at event.

Drink Vendors:

Brookeville Beer Farm
Crooked Crab Brewing Company
Denizens Brewing Co.
Fresh Squeezed Please (Lemonade, Non-Alcoholic)
Hub City Brewery
Silver Branch Brewing Company
Smoketown Brewing
Third Hill Brewing Co.
Waredaca Brewing Company

Mid-Hike Beer Garden

Mid-Hike Beer Garden Stage:

DJ Performance

Enjoy an engaging mix of music as you make your way through the Mid-Hike Beer Garden. Expect a lively soundtrack featuring a variety of hits throughout the event.

Food and Drink

Take a rest at the Mid-Hike and re-fuel with food and beverages provided by the vendors below!

Food Vendors:

I C Dream (Frozen Desserts)
Lavish Ice Cream (Soft-Serve, Bubble Tea, Smoothies)
Nina’s Cookie Explosion (Cookies)
Pizzeria CoCo (Brick-Oven Pizza)
The Stuffed Potato Company (Loaded Potatoes)

Drink Vendors:

7 Locks Brewing
Baby Cat Brewery
Prospect Point Brewing

Attendee grabs beer from vendor at Parks Ale Trail

Getting to the Festival

Whether you prefer to walk, hike, bike, or drive, there are plenty of ways to reach the Montgomery Parks Ale Trail. With both vehicle and bike parking available on-site, your journey can start however you like.

Plan your visit today and let the trail guide you to scenic views, fresh air, and great local brews!

Plan Your Visit

Thank you to our supporting sponsor, Patient First!

Frequently Asked Questions

Restrooms:: Portable restrooms will be available at both the Main Festival area and the Mid-Hike Beer Garden. Both locations 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. Outside alcohol is NOT permitted.
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 trash receptacles.
Program Accessibility:: This park and event space are generally accessible. The trail is not accessible as it is mainly loose gravel and compacted dirt. If you or a member of your party needs additional accessibility accommodations for this event, please contact the Montgomery Parks Program Access office via email Program Access or phone (301) 495-2581.
Transportation:: Check out our Parks Ale Trail – Plan Your Visit page for more information on getting to the event.
Seating:: Limited seating will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs.
Cost:: This event is free to attend. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Weather:: If this event is cancelled due to inclement weather, there will not be a rain date.
Additional Information:: For additional questions, please contact the Montgomery Parks Public Information and Customer Service office at (301) 495-2595 or email Info@MontgomeryParks.org.

The Montgomery Parks Foundation offers unique sponsorship opportunities for special events and festivals that inspire connection, enrich lives, and strengthen our community. Sponsoring an event is a meaningful way to showcase your brand, connect with community members, and support experiences that bring people together in our parks.

For more information, please visit the Sponsorship package linked here.