Gaithersburg Special Events

10/09/2026

Happy Friday! 🎉

Oktoberfest is just 2 short days away (but who’s counting?! 🍻)
A quick reminder that this event is held rain or shine. The City will continue to monitor weather conditions with the safety of our organizers, participants, and spectators in mind.

If a cancellation becomes necessary, we’ll post an update on the City website and across our social media channels. Otherwise, we can’t wait to celebrate with you as scheduled!

🌭🍂🎶 See you soon for all the Oktoberfest fun!

10/07/2026

🍂🎉 Oktoberfest is this SUNDAY, October 11! 🎉🍂

Get ready for an afternoon filled with fall fun, festive food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.

Before you head out, be sure to check the event map and full schedule so you can plan your perfect Oktoberfest experience:
https://gburg.md/Oktoberfest

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🍺🍁

10/06/2026

Will you be joining us on Sunday, October 11 for Oktoberfest?! 🍂🎉

We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you — admission and parking are FREE!

A free wheelchair-accessible shuttle will run regularly during festival hours to and from satellite parking at 101 Orchard Ridge Dr., just off Quince Orchard Road.

For full event details, visit: https://gburg.md/Oktoberfest

We hope to see you there! 🍻🍁

09/30/2026

🎉🌟 Celebrate a Century of Tradition with Us! 🌟🎉

This year marks the 100th anniversary of our beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony, and we want YOU to be part of the magic!

The City is looking for performers to join us for the Jingle Jubilee Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4, from 6–8 p.m.

Performances will take place outdoors at the City’s Concert Pavilion in 10–20 minute timeslots.

✨ Deadline to apply is October 23!

Learn more and apply today at: https://gburg.md/4z7yLaJ

Let’s make this historic celebration truly unforgettable! 💫🎶🌲

09/28/2026

Calling all ghouls and goblins! 🎃✨

Join us on October 17 at 10 a.m. for Casey Community Center's Boo Bash, a spook‑tacular family Halloween party where magic and mischief come to life! Wear your favorite costumes and step into a world of enchantment filled with crafts, games, photo ops, and a special performance that will whisk you away on a carpet ride to a magical place full of wonder, genies, heroes, and princesses.

Young adventurers will begin their journey in a vibrant marketplace buzzing with excitement. Kids can create their very own genie lamp and enjoy themed crafts and games before unlocking the magic as our show unfolds.

And the adventure doesn’t end there! Finish your magical day with a festive Trunk‑n‑Treat, offering a sweet ending to a spellbinding experience. 🍬🧙‍♂️

Designed especially for families with young children, this event is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween—all fun, no scares! 👻💜

Reserve your spot by registering for one of our hourly time slots (registration is per household and includes up to six people).

✨ NEW THIS YEAR: We’re offering a sensory‑friendly hour from 12–1 p.m. with fewer people, low lighting, reduced noise, and other accommodations to ensure a comfortable experience for all families.

Secure your spot today!

Register here: https://gburg.md/4d2FYAm

Let the Halloween magic begin! 🧡🖤

09/15/2026

Dust off your dirndl, grab your lederhosen and get ready to Prost! 🍻

The 33rd annual Oktoberfest returns to the Kentlands on Sunday, October 11, from noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy a lively afternoon of festive activities, German-inspired food, Bavarian music, and more. Admission and shuttles are free! 🥨🍂🎶

Get all the details: https://gburg.md/Oktoberfest

09/05/2026

Ever wonder how Gaithersburg’s Labor Day Parade became the tradition we love today?

The Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department started the Labor Day Parade during the late 1930's. It included hose and ladder competitions at the fairgrounds, carnival booths, and a dance. Eventually, the carnival and dance segments of the celebration ceased to be a profitable way for the Fire Department to raise funds. They continued to sponsor the Labor Day Parade until 1977, when a citizen's committee undertook the task of organizing the end-of- summer festivity. Now the City of Gaithersburg spearheads the event.

This photo of an early Labor Day Parade was taken some time between the 1930s and 1950s and is part of the Museum’s Murray Walker collection donated by Kim Walker.

That tradition continues on Monday for the 88th annual Labor Day Parade!

Photo: GCM 1999.132.005b donated by Kim Walker

09/04/2026

🎊 The 88th Annual Labor Day Parade is THIS Monday, September 7, at 10 a.m. in Olde Towne! 🇺🇸

Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with more than 80 parade units, including high school marching bands, dance groups, costumed characters, antique cars, fire engines, and community groups as they march through the streets of Gaithersburg! 📣🚒🥁

📍 Parade route, parking, and details: https://gburg.md/labordayparade

09/03/2026

We can't wait for Monday!

Sept. 7 event includes marching bands, dancers, floats, fire trucks