11 things to do in Montgomery County this week
From pizza night on the farm to Mermaid Day, there are plenty of local options
By
Michelle CalderonAugust 17, 2026 4:32 p.m. | Updated: August 17, 2026 4:40 p.m.
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When it comes to things to do each week, there’s no place quite like Montgomery County. The region is a hub for activities of all sorts, from art exhibits and theater to craft fairs, food festivals, and inventive workshops. Yet with all the happenings across the area, it can be a challenge to figure out exactly which things to do. To get started, below are our top picks for the week, and here is an events calendar for things to do in August.
Tuesday-Aug. 22: Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Various times
Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg
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“Barn in the USA” is the theme of this year’s fair, which features carnival rides and games, farm animals, craft and hobby contests, and grandstand entertainment that includes monster truck, rodeo and demolition derby shows.
Tickets: $18 at the gate, $20.24 online. Admission is free for children age 11 and younger.
Wednesday: 12th Annual Joint Community Preparedness Fair
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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9605 Medical Center Drive, Rockville
Held in conjunction with the weekly Milk Lady Farmers’ Market, the 12th annual Preparedness Fair will offer safety demonstrations, information about emergency preparedness and opportunities to meet local emergency response organizations. The event will also feature the CERT 700 Navigator emergency vehicle. Admission is free. If this event is rained out, it will be held Aug. 26.
Wednesday-Aug. 23: ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’
Various Times
Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
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This week is your last chance to see A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. After the death of his mother, Monty Navarro discovers he’s distantly related to the wealthy D’Ysquith family but is eighth in line to inherit the title Earl of Highhurst in this musical comedy at Olney Theatre Center. Navarro hopes to advance his place by dastardly deeds, and local actor Tom Story plays all seven members of the D’Ysquith family who are killed.
Tickets: $52-$130, including fees.
6-8 p.m.
Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood
Dancers age 16 and older can learn swing, ballroom, line dancing and the country two-step during an evening of music and dancing in the park’s rustic barn. No partner or prior experience is required and drinks will be provided.
Tickets: $15
Thursday: Glen Echo Park Summer Concerts
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
Glen Echo Park’s free concert series wraps up the season with a performance by Patrick Albán & His Buena Vista Social. The group mixes world music, Cuban, salsa, Mexican and Brazilian music. A limited number of folding chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and guests are encouraged to bring their own. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
8-10 p.m.
Israel Park, 357 Frederick Ave., Rockville
Rockville’s free Movies in the Parks series ends with a screening of “Turning Red.” Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, food and nonalcohol beverages. All movies are rated G or PG. In the event of inclement weather, films will be shown at the Rockville Senior Center.
8 p.m.
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
Grammy-winning artist Ledisi pays tribute to blues legend Dinah Washington by blending Washington’s style with Ledisi’s R&B and jazz influences.
Tickets: $29-$139. Tickets include a $1 contribution to support the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.
1-3 p.m.
Gaithersburg Water Park, 512 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg
Celebrate Mermaid Day with music from DJ Spyder, themed crafts and a chance to meet a mermaid named Seanna. This event is included with regular water park admission.
Admission is $7 for Gaithersburg residents and $17 for Montgomery County residents
Saturday-Aug. 29: Pizza Nights on the Farm
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Calleva Farm, 19120 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson
Calleva Farm’s pizza nights continue through Aug. 29. Families can eat pizza, salads, ice cream and locally produced beer and wine while exploring the farm. Reservations are required and capacity is limited.
Tickets: A $30 non-refundable reservation fee is required and will be applied as credit toward the tab. Credit cards are accepted; cash is not accepted.
Noon- 5 p.m.
Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton
The annual Friendship Picnic brings people from different cultures and faiths together for a free afternoon of food, live music, dancing and friendly activities. Food options include American, kosher, halal and vegetarian meals, along with a petting zone, moon bounces, carousel and miniature train rides. Admission is free.
Sunday: Washington Folk Festival
Noon-7 p.m.
Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
Hundreds of performers present dancing, storytelling and music ranging from Americana to international at this free event organized by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington at Glen Echo Park. Food trucks will be on site. Read more about it here.
– Stephanie Siegel Burke contributed to this article.
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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine