WHEATON, Md.— Spring into adventure, music and history this April at Montgomery Parks. Whether you’re jamming to live music, soaking in nature’s beauty, or diving into local history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Montgomery Parks’ April events highlights include
Festivals and special events
Acoustics and Ales | April 4 | 5–7:30 p.m.
Elm Street Urban Park, Chevy Chase
Enjoy a dynamic performance of Dueling Pianos by Bialeks Music, eats from Two Smooth Dudes, Catalyst Hot Dogs, and Churros and drinks from Waredaca Brewing and Saints Row Craft Collective. All ages. Free.
History in the Parks Volunteer Recruitment Fair | April 5 | 10:30 a.m.‒12:30 p.m.
Olney Library, Olney
Calling all history buffs! Stop by the Montgomery Parks Volunteer Fair to learn more about our historic sites and the available opportunities. Free.
Shine Brighter Together | April 5 | 11 a.m.‒2 p.m.
Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton
Celebrate Autism Awareness Month with hands-on, sensory-friendly activities and discover valuable community resources. All ages. Free.
Sunday Serenade | April 6 and 13 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda
Start the week off on a good note with Sunday Serenade:
- April 6, King Soul (classic Southern Soul)
- April 13, Zachary Smith and the Mardi Gras Kings (Zydeco, Cajun, New Orleans jazz and funk)
Bring blankets, chairs, and friends and pick up some bites from Ella’s Bake Shop onsite for a cozy outdoor vibe. All ages. Free.
Earth Month Family Celebration | April 26 | 10 a.m.‒2 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Bring the family to celebrate Earth Day with creative, eco-friendly projects and activities to inspire young minds. All ages. Registration for Earth Month Family Celebration encouraged but not required. Free.
Seasonal attractions to explore
Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hike | April 5, 18, and 19 | 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 a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Recommended ages 7 and older. $8 per person. For more information and to register in advance, visit www.ActiveMontgomery.org. (Limited tickets will be available to purchase the day of at the Visitor Center.)
Kingsley Schoolhouse Tour | April 6 | 1‒4 p.m.
Little Bennett Regional Park, Clarksburg
Travel back to the late 1800s with a visit to this historic one-room schoolhouse that served children in the rural farming community of Froggy Hollow from 1893 to 1935. Tours run the first Sunday of the month, April–October. All ages. Free.
Wheaton Spring Ice Show | April 6 | 5:15–6:45 p.m.
Wheaton Ice Arena, Wheaton
Glide into spring with captivating figure skating performances set to a variety of music. All ages. Free.
The Butterfly Experience | April 10 – September 21 | Times vary
Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Experience a magical world of butterflies. A must-see event! All ages. $14, ages 13 and older; $9, ages 3–12; Free, ages 0-2. Timed tickets are required for entry and available for purchase online only. Buy tickets to the Butterfly Experience.
Celebrating African Rhythms Through Dance and Song | April 12 | 12‒4 p.m.
Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park, Olney
Oakley Cabin opens for the season with this free dance workshop. Oakley Cabin is open the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, April–October and daily, year-round with the Oakley Cabin Augmented Reality Experience. All ages. Free.
Brookside Gardens Plant Sale | April 27 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Get a head start on spring gardening with native perennials, shrubs, and small trees grown at Montgomery Parks’ Pope Farm and local nurseries. Get expert advice from staff horticulturists. Proceeds support Brookside Gardens. Registration for Brookside Gardens Plant Sale optional. Free admission.
Hikes, lectures and more
Guided Mindfulness Walks | April 5 and 17 | 10 a.m.‒12 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Reconnect with nature on themed mindfulness walks:
- April 5, Connections in Nature. Ages 18 and older. Register for Connections in Nature. $28 per person.
- April 17, Motherhood in Nature. Ages 18 and older (babies in strollers welcome). Register for Motherhood in Nature. $28 per person.
Archaeology Tours | April 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 1‒1:30 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, North Bethesda (Parking is located at Wall Local Park at 5900 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda)
Learn about the archaeological features and artifacts that inform our understanding of Josiah Henson’s life on the Riley Plantation. Ages 6 and older. No registration required, tickets available onsite. $3 per person.
Rachel Carson Conservation Park Walking Tour | April 10 | 10 a.m.‒12 p.m.
Brookeville
Discover vibrant native plants and songbirds on this guided exploration. Ages 18 and older. Register for Rachel Carson Conservation Walking Tour. $30 per person.
History Hour: The Religion of Rev. Josiah Henson: Uncle Tom or Theology of Liberation | April 10 | 6–7 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, North Bethesda (Parking is located at Wall Local Park at 5900 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda)
Delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the Methodist theology of Rev. Josiah Henson and the culture that shaped his worldview as an enslaved minister with Rev. Dr. Douglas Tzan. Refreshments provided. Ages 12 and older. $5 per person. Purchase tickets for History Hour.
- Looking for a spring break camp? Click here to find out about some available camps.
- Check out 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 2025 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
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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