Make the most of your weekend with events happening across Montgomery County—from art exhibitions and theater to outdoor festivals and cultural celebrations.
Friday, May 16
Turning Tides Art Exhibition
Bethesda
Explore original works by emerging Black artists at this exhibition presented by the Black Art Today Foundation. Inspired by the principle of Kuumba (creativity), the foundation celebrates art from the African Diaspora and fosters a thriving, inclusive arts community.
When: Fridays-Saturdays, 12-5 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Gallery B, 7700 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda
Learn more.
Senior Class – A New Musical
Olney
Olney Theatre premieres Senior Class, a high school musical-within-a-musical where students reinvent Pygmalion after budget cuts derail their original production plans. Expect laughs, dance, and a fresh take on class and identity. Production runs through June 22.
Tickets: $41 – $101
When: Friday & Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney=Sandy Spring Rd., Olney.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Olney Theatre Center’s preview of “See What Happens” song from “Senior Class”
MoCo Pride Prom
Silver Spring
LGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming high school students can celebrate prom their way — with music, dancing, dinner, crafts, and community. Open to DMV-area students under 21.
Tickets: $15
When: 7—10 p.m.
Where: Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Saturday, May 17
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Gaithersburg
Meet 130+ authors, attend writing workshops, and enjoy kid-friendly fun at this free annual literary celebration.
When: 10 a.m.—6 p.m.
Where: Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg.
Learn more.
Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman previews the festival
Waterfest
Colesville
Splash into water-themed crafts, games, and hands-on learning about your local watershed. Great for families — no reservations needed.
When: 11 a.m.—2 p.m.
Where: Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Dr., Colesville.
Learn more.
Kids’ Train Day
Colesville
Ride historic trolleys and explore model train exhibits, including Thomas and friends. Hands-on fun with wooden train tables.
Tickets: $10.75-$12.75
When: noon—5 p.m.
Where: National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Rd., Colesville.
Learn more.
Forest Park Music Festival: A Celebration of Federal Workers
Takoma Park
Celebrate Takoma Park’s federal workers with live music, games, and community fun. Featuring The Frizz, Plastic Toys, the Groovadellics, and Not Your Dad’s Band. Free and open to all.
When: 2—6 p.m.
Where: Forest Park, 598 Elm Ave., Takoma Park.
Learn more.
Sunday, May 18
Asian American & Pacific Islander Celebration
Rockville
Enjoy bilingual storytime, cultural performances, crafts, and a community parade in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. Presented by several Rockville-area libraries.
When: 10:30 a.m.—3 p.m.
Where: Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville.
Learn more.
Spring Festival
Chevy Chase
Celebrate spring with inflatables, arts and crafts, food trucks, face painting, and live music. Free and family-friendly.
When: noon—2:30 p.m.
Where: Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase.
Learn more.
Metro Move Fest
Bethesda
Join a high-energy community celebration of movement and giving back. This family-friendly festival features performances, wellness activities, and nonprofit partners inspiring connection and action.
When: 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
Where: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
