WHEATON, Md. – Raise a glass and lace up your hiking boots for Montgomery Parks popular Oktoberfest celebration, Parks Ale Trail on Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park. This free, family-friendly festival blends live music, local craft beer, tasty food, and a scenic two-and-a half-mile round-trip hike along Lake Needwood.
At the heart of the festival, visitors can enjoy live music on the main stage, delicious food and drinks, and family-friendly entertainment like kids’ tree climbing with Montgomery Parks staff—plus hikers can pause at the mid-hike beer garden at Needwood Mansion to refuel with more music, good beer, food, and fun before continuing their adventure.
“The Parks Ale Trail is the perfect way to welcome fall in Montgomery County,” said Megan DeMillo, special events supervisor with the Montgomery Parks Activation Program. “We’re excited to showcase local breweries and food vendors while offering families and friends a chance to unwind, explore, and celebrate the season together.”
WHAT: Parks Ale Trail
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Lake Needwood, Rock Creek Regional Park, 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville
Main Festival Area
Entertainment
- La Unica (Irish Latin Rock)
- Kids tree climbing
- Bubble show and yard games
- Stilt walkers and roving entertainers
Food
- Anchor Bar
- Catalyst Hot Dogs
- The Crabby Pretzel
- Silver and Sons BBQ
- The Daily Crepe Co. and more
Beer and Wine
- BabyCat Brewery
- Brookville Beer Farm
- Silver Branch Brewing
- Denizens Brewing Co.
- Saints Row Brewing
- Two Story Chimney CiderWorks & Silly Yak Beer
Mid-Hike Beer Garden (at Needwood Mansion)
Entertainment
- Chris Compton (Folk/Soft-Rock)
- Park Police and their horses
- Kids archaeology activity from Montgomery Parks Archaeology team
- Yard games
Food and Drink
- Blue Nile
- IC Dream
- Kush
- 7 Locks Brewing
- Third Hill Brewing Co.
Guests must provide valid identification to purchase alcohol. No outside alcohol is permitted. Limited seating will be available; guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs.
Whether you come for the beer, the bands, or the view, there’s something for everyone.
Help Fight Hunger in Montgomery County
This year, we are partnering with Manna Food Center to help fight hunger in Montgomery County. Look for the collection point at the main festival area and bring non-perishable items like canned fish (in water), soups, brown rice, pasta, natural nut butters, and more. Your donation helps ensure our neighbors in Montgomery County have access to safe, healthy food year-round. Learn more at mannafood.org.
*In the event of inclement weather, please check our website, Montgomery Parks’ Facebook page or X to confirm if the program is still taking place.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 414 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), 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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