Montgomery Parks November special events and programs

WHEATON, Md. — Fall is settling in and winter is around the corner, but Montgomery Parks has events and activities for all seasons. Garden of Lights opens, the return of the popular Acoustics and Ales, celebrating Maryland Emancipation Day and an opportunity to buy your pup’s love at our Holiday BARKet.

Montgomery Parks November events highlights include: 

Garden of Lights | November 17‒December 31 (closed November 20-23 and December 24-25) | 5:30‒9:30 p.m.

Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton

Brookside Gardens’ ever-popular seasonal light display is back! The display is a one-half mile, walk-through, outdoor exhibit featuring more than a million twinkling lights formed into tunnels, flowers, animals and other natural elements.  The rose garden is turned into a winter wonderland filled with white lights, more than 20 large sculptures and falling snow. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be sold at the event as well as unique seasonal items in the Gift Shop. Tickets for Garden of Lights required for ages 5 and older. $10 per person.

Maryland Emancipation Day | November 4‒5 | 10 a.m.‒ 4 p.m.; 12‒ 4 p.m.

Celebrate Maryland Emancipation Day.

November 4

Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park:

• Guided Underground Railroad Experience Trail hikes at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (register for the Guided Underground Railroad Experience Trail for ages 6 and older) $8.
• Woodlawn Museum admission, 10 a.m. ‒ 4 p.m. Free.

Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park:

• Live music, guided tours, storytelling, unveiling of the Oakley Cabin “Freedom Quilt.” 12 ‒ 4 p.m. Free.

November 5

Josiah Henson Museum & Park:

• Free museum admission. 12 ‒ 4 p.m.

Thomas Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center:

• Tours, storytelling, and live music. 1 ‒ 4 p.m. Free.

Acoustics and Ales | November 4 | 11 a.m. –2 p.m.

North Four Corners Local Park, 315 University Boulevard W., Silver Spring

Kick back and relax to the sounds of the Loose Ties trio while enjoying a cold pint from Two-Story Chimney Ciderworks, Lone Oak Brewing Company and Saints Row Brewing, and eats from Rice Around the World, El Cumpa, and Churros, Inc. All ages. Free.

Hike to Parks Unknown: Seniors | November 10 | 10–11:30 a.m.

Rock Creek Regional Park, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville

Join a park naturalist for a 75-minute, off-site hike, followed by a social chat. Montgomery Parks mobile nature center, Nature on Wheels will provide seating, water, and bathroom access (stairs). Ages 55 and older. Register for Hike to Parks Unknown. $10.

Veterans Day Skate | November 11 | 12–10 p.m. (Cabin John); 12:30–6:30 p.m. (Wheaton)

Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville

Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton

Salute to our servicemen and women. Active-duty military and veterans skate free (skate rental included). Skate times– Cabin John Ice Rink: 12–2 p.m., 4–6 p.m., 8:30–10 p.m. Wheaton Ice Arena: 12:30–2:30 p.m., 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Socials for 55+ | November 15 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville

Socials for 55+ is a program tailored for individuals aged 55+, and this session will include a cozy and memorable campfire gathering at Maydale Nature Classroom. We will provide coffee and tea as well as materials to make smores. Please feel free to bring snacks and a light picnic.  We will provide coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Register for Socials for 55+. Free.

Candlelight Tours | November 17 and 18 | 6–8 p.m.

Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood

Learn about the history of the farm and the families that lived there from costumed re-enactors. There will also be live music and refreshments. All ages. Register for Candlelight Tours. $20.

Holiday BARKet | November 18 | 11 a.m. –2 p.m.

Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda

Music, shopping and dogs…oh my! Pick up some holiday gifts for your pup or pet-loving friends and enjoy a performance by Capital Effect. Pose for a photo with your dog and the Grinch. Enjoy cider, gluten-free beer and good food. All ages. Free.

Fall Wedding Vendor Showcase | November 19 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton

Planning a wedding? Join us at the Brookside Gardens Fall Wedding Vendor Showcase to taste food samples, talk to caterers, photographers, planner, musicians and other wedding professionals, get a tour of the Gardens, and preview our We Speak Weddings Workshop. Door raffle will offer over $3,000 in prizes, including a rental at Brookside Gardens. Register for the Fall Wedding Vendor Showcase. Free.

The Garden Railway Exhibit | November 25‒December 31 (closed December 25) | 10 a.m.–3:45 p.m.

Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton

In partnership with the Washington, Virginia, Maryland Garden Railway Society, this beloved attraction is back this year, showcasing G-scale trails and custom model buildings of Montgomery County landmarks. Sponsored by the Friends of Brookside Gardens. All ages. Free. 

Montgomery Parks is a co-sponsor of the following events taking place in parks during the month of November:

• Discover Long Branch 5K | November 19 | 10 a.m. –4 p.m. | Long Branch-Garland Neighborhood Park

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 2023 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.

About Montgomery Parks        
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. 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          
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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