Fall is a magical time in Montgomery County. The weather is still pleasant, the leaves are just starting to change color, and there are plenty of fun events to attend. The county has four full-sized museums, including the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and the Montgomery County Historical Society Museum. It has four theaters—including the Roxy Theater in Gaithersburg and Olney Theater Center—as well as many smaller venues for live music, dance, and comedy. There are also over 40 parks or open spaces that offer hiking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, pools, and other recreational facilities.
From apple cider festivals to haunted houses, there’s plenty to do and see when it comes to this fun-filled season. There are many opportunities for you and your family to enjoy this season together. Some of these events are free, while others require tickets.
Planning ahead allows you to make the most of your fall in Montgomery County. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or a new way to enjoy the changing seasons, our calendar of events has something for everyone. From festivals, fairs, and races to concerts and theater performances—even an annual pumpkin festival—there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy the best that fall has to offer.
We’ve got you covered with this list of upcoming events in Montgomery County. Scroll down to find a variety of festivals, fairs, races, and more!
Pumpkin Village at Butler’s Orchard
The Pumpkin Village at Butler’s Orchard is the place to be for fall fun in Montgomery County. The pumpkin farm has an abundance of pumpkins, hayrides, corn maze, and other activities for families to enjoy together. There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to pick their own pumpkins!
Monster Mash Bash
You can expect to see monsters, ghouls, and zombies roaming around Montgomery County’s historic downtown locations. Visit Monster Mash Bash vendors at various locations throughout downtown as they set up their scary displays for all to enjoy. Be sure not to miss out on all the fun because tickets are free! Just arrive early enough so you can find parking close by or take public transportation.
National Peanut Festival
The National Peanut Festival is a two-day event taking place September 6th and 7th, 2022. The festival is sponsored by the United Peanut Board and will feature live music, games, food vendors, and more. It’s held at Montgomery’s Lake Park Amphitheater which has a seating capacity of nearly 8,000 people!
The festival was started in 1940 as “Peanut Day” as part of a national effort to promote peanuts as an alternative crop for farmers during the Great Depression. In 1948 it became known simply as the National Peanut Festival (NPF).
Montgomery County Ghost Tours
The Montgomery County Ghost Tours are a great way to see the county while learning about its history and legends. This tour’s route has been carefully chosen to take in some of the most haunted spots in Maryland, including Fort Washington Park and Muddy Branch Tavern. All proceeds benefit local charities, so this is a great option if you want to do something fun that also benefits others.
The Train to Christmas Town
There are so many things to do this fall in Montgomery County, but the Train to Christmas Town is one of our favorites. The train ride takes you through a magical forest where you can see Santa Claus and his reindeer, meet elves and other holiday characters, and enjoy all kinds of festive decorations. Your ticket includes unlimited rides on the train as well as activities at Christmas Town that include special shows, crafts, games, and more!
There’s also a food court offering delicious treats like caramel apples, cookies, and gingerbread men. There’s plenty for adults too with beer available for purchase at the concession stand on site (you must be 21+ years old).
The Woodlands Marathon and Half Marathon (Sept. 16-18, 2022)
The Woodlands is known for its natural beauty and rich culture, but it’s also known for hosting one of the most popular marathons in the southeast. If you want to challenge yourself with a race that will get your heart pumping at 7:30 a.m., then this event is perfect for you.
Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo (September 17, 2022)
The fair is open every day from Sept. 20 to Sept. 24 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Wausau, with concerts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.* On Friday, come enjoy the rodeo and other activities such as bull riding and barrel racing.* Tickets are $5 per person or $20 for a family pass (two adults plus all children under 18). Children under 6 years old are free when accompanied by an adult.
The Fall Extravaganza Arts & Crafts Show (November 12, 2022)
The Fall Extravaganza Arts & Crafts Show is a great way to pick up some holiday gifts for the people you love. The Gaithersburg Town Center will be filled with artists and crafters selling their wares, so you can find something special for everyone on your list. There’s also a food court and live music!
The Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) (November 12, 2022)
The Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) Turkey Burnoff 5K and 10K runs at South Germantown Recreational Park. The course is flat and fast for a beginner, but still challenging enough for experienced runners. There will be separate awards for male and female runners in both the 5K run and the 10K run. Awards will be based on chip time, not gun time.
Thanksgiving Day – Taste of Bethesda (November 24, 2022)
Thanksgiving Day (November 24), 2022 – Taste of Bethesda at Woodmont Triangle on Norfolk and Auburn Avenues in Bethesda from 11 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free. The annual event features live music, family-friendly activities, a variety of food vendors, and craft beer.
Festival of Lights in Seneca Creek State Park (December 8-11, 2022)
The Festival of Lights in Seneca Creek State Park is one you don’t want to miss! Enjoy the park’s Christmas trees decorated with thousands of lights, meet Santa Claus and his elves, and take a ride on the horse-drawn wagon rides. The event is open 5-9 p.m. nightly from Dec. 8-11, 2022. Admission is $15 per car Sunday-Thursday and $20 Friday and Saturday nights.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an all-weekend adventure, Montgomery County has you covered. With so many events to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one! Luckily we’ve done the dirty work and narrowed down our favorites based on what’s happening each weekend in October and November. From pumpkin picking at Butler Orchard to a fun family Halloween event at Great Country Farms, there are plenty of fall festivities going on around here this year!
