Taking a vacation doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. There are many free things to see and do when you visit Montgomery County, Maryland. From cherry blossoms and farmers’ markets to museums and music festivals, discover free attractions just outside Washington, DC that will keep your trip within budget.
1. Gaithersburg Book Festival
The annual Gaithersburg Book Festival is a free celebration of great books and great writing. It’s known as one of the nation’s top literary events. People will see over 100 of featured best-selling and award-winning authors including Alice McDermott, Angie Kim, Clint Smith, Liza Mundy, and more participating in presentations and panel discussions. The festival, held on Saturday, May 18, will have interactive writing workshops, a children’s village, book sales, author signings, and more.
2. GreenFest
The Montgomery County GreenFest is the largest annual environmental festival in the county. People of all ages come to celebrate, learn, and start or continue their journey to improving our community and the environment. It will be held at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
3. Tour the Local Art Scene
Montgomery County’s art scene is bustling with local makers and artisans. The Bethesda Fine Arts Festival on May 11-12 will feature fine art curated by more than 120 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment, and Bethesda restaurants and eateries. This event is held rain or shine. Immerse yourself in the local artwork of Montgomery County with the Countryside Artisans Studio Tour. The studio opens its galleries and studios for special art tours. Another art festival to look for is the Rockville Fine Arts Festival held May 4-5. Visitors can shop and stroll the outside festival and artisan market with over 130 artisans participating.
4. Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park
Discover the history of Oakley Cabin and those who lived and worked there with a free guided tour. On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays in April – October from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, head to Brookeville to hear stories of the culture and traditions of the area by exploring features from the open hearth to the tools and artifacts excavated during archaeological digs. Learn about more historic African American sites in Montgomery County.
5. Stroll around Local Farmer’s Markets
Take a stroll through more than 45 booths and stalls at the Downtown Silver Spring FRESHFARM Market. Experience excellent people-watching and explore local produce and products. Many of the vendors even offer delicious free samples of their fruits or vegetables. The Bethesda Central Farm Market is open rain or shine. It’s one of the largest markets in the region with over 100 vendors and artisan food producers year round. In Olney, there’s the Olney Farmers and Artists Market. Their mission is to provide the community with fresh, locally grown produce and a gathering place to spend quality time with family and friends.
6. Hometown Holiday Music Fest
Over Memorial Day Weekend, listen to a lineup of local bands play at the Hometown Holiday Music Fest. Set out your chairs and blankets at any of the four stages in Rockville Town Square and enjoy additional entertainment like kids’ activities, a beach, and community partners and organizations on-site.
