Wheaton, MD – Montgomery Parks invites the community to come together on Saturday, April 18, 2026 for Shine Brighter Together, an inclusive, family‑friendly event celebrating Autism Acceptance Month. The free event brings together families, community partners and individuals of all abilities for a welcoming afternoon of sensory‑friendly activities, performances and hands‑on experiences. It also highlights resources available to the autism community across Montgomery County.
What: Shine Brighter Together
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Rd., Wheaton, MD
Details: Free and open to the public
“Autism acceptance means creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued,” said Ashlyn Thompson, Montgomery Parks’ inclusion and outreach specialist. “Shine Brighter Together reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusion and ensures our parks are places where people of all abilities can connect, learn and have fun.”
Participants can enjoy a wide range of activities designed with accessibility and sensory needs in mind, including tree‑climbing sessions, group music experiences, sensory play stations, interactive art projects, and live performances by ArtStream. Community partners and exhibitors will also be on site with resource tables offering information on programs and services for individuals with autism and their families.
Shine Brighter Together is presented in partnership with Montgomery County Recreation, The Arc Montgomery County, Autism Society of Maryland, the cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg, and many additional local organizations working together to support a more inclusive Montgomery County.
For more information about Shine Brighter Together, including a full schedule of activities and exhibitor list, visit Montgomery Parks Shine Brighter Together webpage. The rain date for this event is Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages 416 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
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 Accessibility for more information.
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