facepainting

Face painting is a Strawberry Festival feature for kids of all ages.

Four Fun and Fabulous Festivals Take to MoCo’s Streets and Parks

Montgomery Countians have much to look forward to in terms of reveling outdoors during the next two weekends. Really big festivals will take place in Rockville, Bethesda, Glen Echo Park and Sandy Spring. Hometown Holidays…

Montgomery Countians have much to look forward to in terms of reveling outdoors during the next two weekends. Really big festivals will take place in Rockville, Bethesda, Glen Echo Park and Sandy Spring.

Hometown Holidays

Dates/Hours:

Music Festival & Taste of Rockville: Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26, noon to 8 p.m.

Memorial Day: Monday, May 27, Ceremony (9:30 a.m., Rockville Town Center plaza) & 75st annual Parade

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Location: Music Festival at Rockville Town Square, 30 Maryland Ave., Rockville; Taste of Rockville along Courthouse Square; Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at North Washington Street beginning at Martins Lane.

Description: Music Festival features 30-plus live performances on four stages. Taste of Rockville offers food, specialty beverages and desserts from Rockville restaurants.

What’s new? Hours of operation for Hometown Holidays & Taste of Rockville have changed, starting and ending earlier than last year. New musical lineup, new participating restaurants.

Admission: Musical performances are free. Taste of Rockville tickets are $1.25 each, and may be purchased at a Taste of Rockville ticket booth.

Information: www.rockvillehometownholidays.com


25th Annual Imagination Bethesda

Dates/Hours: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine

Location: Streets along Elm Street and Woodmont Avenue, downtown Bethesda

The 25th annual Imagination Bethesda is a children’s street festival that celebrates children and the arts.
[/media-credit] The 25th annual Imagination Bethesda is a children’s street festival that celebrates children and the arts.

Description: Children’s street festival celebrating children and the arts. Performances and professional children’s entertainers on stage; 20-plus local business and arts organizations provide hands-on arts and crafts activities for ages 12 and younger. Face painters, balloonists and giveaways.

What’s new? Brand-new performers include Zig Zag the Magic Man and Jayamangala. Artworks Fine Art Studios and Bach to Rock will return after a few years off.

Admission: Free

Information: 301-215-6660, www.bethesda.org


39th Washington Folk Festival

Dates/Hours: Saturday, June 1 & Sunday, June 2, noon to 7 p.m., rain or shine

Location: Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo

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Description: The festival, which opens each day with a parade, celebrates the diverse American and international music, dance and storytelling styles found throughout the Washington area. 450-plus performers on seven stages plus jams in the picnic area, participatory dancing, fine crafts market, storytelling stage and Dentzel Carousel rides.

What’s new? Lots of new – as well as returning – performers. New square dance, especially geared to families and younger folks, added to the all-day schedule in the Spanish Ballroom.

Admission: Free — except carousel rides ($1.25 per ride, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 1 & 2)

Information: www.glenechopark.org/folkfestival, www.washingtonfolkfestival.org


38th annual Strawberry Festival

Dates/Hours: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., & Sunday, June 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location: Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring

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Description: Local fresh strawberries, multicultural regional rock music performances on the MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Main Stage, handmade arts & crafts vendors, pony rides, face painting, carnival games, obstacle courses, moon bounce, petting zoo.

What’s new? Some new Main Stage acts as well as some returning favorites. Pony rides are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday. New attraction: The Badlands Adventure Zone, by Badlands Play Space in Rockville. Christopher’s Hardware Beer & Wine Garden will expand to the entire festival grounds.

Admission: $3 single admission, $10 family, $15 unlimited play wristband, $50 family fun pack

Information: 301-774-0022, www.sandyspringmuseum.org/strawberryfestival