Montgomery Countians do not have to wait for July 4 – this year, the holiday falls midweek, on a Thursday – to celebrate Independence Day with fun activities, live entertainment and of course, fireworks.

The City of Gaithersburg’s SummerFest will take place on the weekend – for most, a far more accessible day – on Saturday, June 29, 5 to 11:30 p.m., at Bohrer Park at Summit Hill Farm (,506 South Frederick Ave.).

The event will begin at 5 p.m. with the dance band Nation, which will perform classic R&B, soul, pop and rock until the fireworks begin and then again, during the SummerGlo After Party

Strolling entertainers, inflatable amusements (including a dual-lane zip line), children’s activities, face painting, balloon twisting, volleyball and field games are planned. An interactive Touch-A-Truck area where children can explore a variety of rescue, construction and news media vehicles will make its debut. Also on the agenda are aerialist shows by In the Dark Circus Arts  and pop-up parades throughout the festival grounds led by a marching band.

The air-conditioned Activity Center will offer space-themed activities that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing as well as inflatables, DJ Sweet Pea and children’s crafts

The Activity Center also will serve as a comfort station with indoor bathrooms and space to relax until 9 p.m.

Fireworks will start at about 9:25 p.m.

At the SummergGlo After Party, from 10 to 11:30 p.m., Nation will give an encore performance, and LED hoopers, jugglers, stilt walkers and glow balloons entertain the crowd. The playground will be fully lit, and glow-in-the dark merchandise will be available.

Food and craft beverage vendors will be onsite, but guests may bring their own food and blankets to picnic. For safety reasons, personal grills, outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers, weapons (real or facsimile) and fireworks of any kind (including sparklers) are prohibited.

Limited parking is available onsite. Bohrer Park is within a ¼ mile walk of Olde Towne, Gaithersburg, where there is free parking in a variety of lots and a parking garage.

If inclement weather causes cancellation of the fireworks, select SummerFest activities will be moved inside the Activity Center at Bohrer Park on Saturday, June 29, and the fireworks ONLY will be rescheduled for Sunday, June 30. There will be no fireworks on July 4.

For updates, visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/leisure/summerfest or call 301-258-6350.