September Festival, Parade Guide For Montgomery County

SILVER SPRING, MD — Summer may be over, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end.

There are plenty of things to do in Montgomery County during the fall. And September is poised to be a month packed with fun, family-friendly festivals.

Here's what's in store this month:

Pawpaw Festival (Sept. 7)

• Meadowside Nature Center's annual Pawpaw Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 7. The event, which starts at noon and ends at 4 p.m., is dedicated to pawpaws — a custard-like fruit grown in North America. There will be music, crafts, games, and expert advice on pawpaw cultivation, according to the festival's website. Admission is $5. Click here to learn more about the Pawpaw Festival.

Onam for All Festival (Sept. 8)

• The City of Gaithersburg is bringing Onam, a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India, to Montgomery County. On Sept. 8, you can swing by Bohrer Park and celebrate Onam with pookalam (flower carpets), thiruvathira (circular dance with traditional attire), and onam games. Click here to learn more about the Onam for All Festival.

Takoma Park Folk Festival (Sept. 8)

• This free, rain-or-shine event begins Sept. 8 at 10:30 a.m. The annual folk festival celebrates the arts and the Takoma Park-Silver Spring community, according to the event page. There will be six stages of music and dance, international food, a juried crafts show, children's activities, and more. Click here to learn more about the Takoma Park Folk Festival.

Shade Mural Fest (Sept. 14)

• Sept. 14 marks the first annual Shade Mural Fest. Presented by Denizens Brewing Co. and Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring, the event will feature 12 to 15 murals and street artists. There will be DJs playing music at both locations throughout the event. The party starts at noon. Click here to learn more about the Shade Mural Fest.

KID Museum's FutureFest (Sept. 15)

• On Sept. 15, head over to One Veterans Place in Silver Spring and check out FutureFest. It's a free festival that celebrates technology and innovation. There will be hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, live performances, and more. Click here to learn more about FutureFest.

D.C. South Asian Film Festival (Sept. 20-22)

• The eighth annual D.C. South Asian Film Festival, which highlights innovative films from the subcontinent, will be held Sept. 20 to 22 at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Theater in Rockville. Click here to learn more about the D.C. South Asian Film Festival.

27th Annual Poolesville Day (Sept. 21)

• The 27th Annual Poolesville Day is scheduled for Sept. 21 and will include free carnival rides, food vendors, live music, and activities for all ages. The festival is located along Fisher Avenue from Whalen Commons to historic downtown Poolesville, according to the event's page. Click here to learn more about the 27th Annual Poolesville Day.

Culture Fest (Sept. 21 - Oct. 13)

• Culture Fest — a free, family-friendly art exhibit — encourages visitors to embrace different cultures and lifestyles. Countries that will be represented in this year's Culture Fest are England, France, Germany, Italy, and Russia. The event takes place at Westfield Montgomery. Click here to learn more about Culture Fest.

28th Annual Aspen Hill Community Festival (Sept. 21)

• The free festival is for kids of all ages. It will be held in Aspen Hill on Sept. 21, starting at 11 a.m. Scheduled events include: 4H Reading Buddies, KayDee Puppets - "Rhyme & Rhythm," free book giveaway, and balloon animals. The event will also include bookmark making and face painting. Click here to learn more about the 28th Annual Aspen Hill Community Festival.

Children's Day Festival (Sept. 21)

• The annual celebration is focused on children's games, crafts, and education. Visitors can explore Brookside Gardens, participate in different activities, and enjoy live music and entertainment. The Children's Day Festival is free and takes place on Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here to learn more about the Children's Day Festival.

Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival (Sept. 22)

• At the Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival, everyone is an artist. Join local artists, neighbors, and community groups as they march up Georgia Avenue to a community arts festival near Wheaton Veterans Urban Park. The free event is slated for Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here to learn more about the Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival.

Honey Harvest Festival (Sept. 22)

• Brookside Nature Center and the Maryland State Beekeepers Association are hosting the event, which celebrates honeybees and other pollinators. Talk to beekeepers, buy local honey and bee products, and take part in various activities and crafts. The celebration starts at noon on Sept. 22. Click here to learn more about the Honey Harvest Festival.

3rd Annual Washington Grove Fall Festival Arts & Crafts (Sept. 28)

• On Sept. 28, dozens of artisans will be showing and selling their creations in historic Washington Grove. The festival will feature a pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, food trucks, a musical petting zoo, live performances, and more. Admission is free. Click here to learn more about the 3rd Annual Washington Grove Fall Festival Arts & Crafts.

Health Expo and Dance Fitness Festival (Sept. 29)

• The annual Health Expo & Dance Fitness Festival is an outdoor community event centered on (you guessed it) health and dance. Swing by One Veterans Place in Silver Spring to learn more about healthy food and habits. Admission is free. Click here to learn more about the Health Expo and Dance Fitness Festival.