This Labor Day weekend, Montgomery County comes alive with a variety of events for all ages. Whether you enjoy crafting, exploring local art, or celebrating Ethiopian culture, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a unique blend of entertainment, education, and community spirit from Friday, August 30th through Sunday, September 1st. Don’t miss these nine exciting events to make your holiday weekend unforgettable.

Friday, August 30

Open DIY studio at Hammer & Stain

Try making something at Hammer & Stain’s Rockville studio on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. Projects start at $15 and can be completed during the open studio session. Make a handmade gift or DIY project for your home. Projects are first come, first served. Most last 45-90 minutes, depending on your choice. Pricing is based on the project, not time. Projects are available for kids and adults. Hammer & Stain is located in Rockville Town Square at 107B Gibbs Street. For more information and how to reserve a time slot, click here.

Art exhibition by Katherine Knights

Discover Katherine Knight’s solo exhibition, “Pool,” at VisArts’ Concourse Gallery, on view August 30 through October 27. Knight creates collages from various media that transform figures into 3D installations. A free opening celebration is planned for September 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. The gallery is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. VisArts is located at 155 Gibbs Street, a short walk from the Rockville Metro station. For more information, visit the VisArts website.

Summer evenings in Glenstone

The Glenstone Museum is open every Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m. through September 28. In addition to ticketed admission to the museum, guests can enjoy guided outdoor walking tours. Snacks, wine and local beer are available for purchase in the cafe and on the patio. Live music performances are held on the patio the second Saturday of every month from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Glenstone Museum is located at 12100 Glen Road in Potomac. Reserve free tickets and learn more here.

Saturday, August 31

Sparkling family stories

This activity is for children ages 3-7 at the Aspen Hill Library. Children can enjoy a story time followed by activities to encourage language skills and imagination. After the story time, play with educational toys. Story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and lasts one hour. The Aspen Hill Library is located at 4407 Aspen Hill Road in Rockville. Learn more about the event.

Guided hike on the Underground path

Discover the experiences of 19th-century freedom seekers on a guided hike on the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, Saturday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. The hike covers two miles on a nature trail. The trail is not ADA accessible and may not accommodate all strollers. Content appropriate for children ages 7 and up; $8 fee for children ages 6 and up. Limited tickets available without advance registration at the Woodlawn Visitor Center. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park is located at 16501 Norwood Road in Sandy Spring. Purchase tickets in advance at ActiveMontgomery.

MCM walked the path in 2020 with Mark Thorne, Program Manager for Montgomery Parks. Check it out for yourself:

Discover the Main Street Farmers Market

TThe market is open every Saturday year-round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located in the Kentlands neighborhood around the Main Street Pavilion at 301 Main Street. Discover fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, microgreens and mushrooms, as well as plants, flowers, prepared foods, homemade breads and handmade sweets. Local musicians perform monthly. Visit the Gaithersburg website for more information.

Sunday, September 1st

Celebrate Ethiopia Day Festival

Ethiopia Day is an annual celebration that brings the Ethiopian community and friends together to honor and showcase Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, history and traditions. The festival features traditional music, dance, art and cuisine on Sunday, September 1, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring.

Check out this video from the 2021 festival.

Kensington Paint the Town Labor Day Art Exhibition and Sale

The Town of Kensington and Montgomery Art Association invite you to the Paint the Town Labor Day Show, August 31 through September 2 at the Historic Armory. The show and sale are free and open all weekend. The Armory is located at 3710 Mitchell Street. For more information, click here.

Free ballroom dancing at Glen Echo Park

Enjoy two days of free ballroom dancing with live music at the Social Dance Showcase. Each dance starts with beginner classes and all skill levels are welcome. No partner required. Explore open studios and galleries all weekend. Glen Echo Park is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Learn more here.