2024 Fall Fun in Montgomery County: Festivals, Mazes, and More

September 23, 2024 – By Sophia Campbell

With both temperatures and leaves beginning to fall, it’s no secret that the beginning of autumn is upon Montgomery County. But cooler days and earlier sunsets don’t mean an end to outdoorsy excitement for children and adults alike. Whether you enjoy the Halloween-esque thrill of tramping through corn mazes or prefer to soak in the blissful ambiance of a farmer’s market, Montgomery County has plenty of activities to get you in the spirit for fall. Here is a collection of the county’s best engagements for the upcoming fall season.

Pumpkin Festival at Butler’s Orchard

For the forty-fourth year running, Butler’s Orchard is hosting their famous pumpkin festival from September 21 through November 3. Attendees will be invited to pick their own pumpkins, enjoy a scenic hayride, explore a dizzying corn maze, jump into a hayloft, and experience much, much more. Those who wish to attend are strongly encouraged to reserve their tickets online at the Butler’s Orchard website; prices range from $11 to $18 depending on the day. Furthermore, groups are able to book private events to ensure a more exclusive and personal experience.

Markoff’s Haunted Forest

One of Maryland’s most popular haunted attractions, the infamous Markoff’s Haunted Forest, is back in session starting on September 27. This attraction is a perfect fit for thrill seekers and scary-movie lovers in search of something both delightfully fun and deliciously terrifying. Enjoy their assortment of spine-tingling activities, including the free-to-enter Markoff’s Midway and the adrenaline-pumping Haunted Trail, complete with spooky architecture and scare actors. Admission to any of the paid attractions can be purchased on the Markoff’s Haunted Forest website. Markoff’s recommends that participants be over the age of eleven.

Harvest Festival at the Agricultural History Farm Park

Enjoy plenty of crafts, food, activities, and music at the 30th annual Harvest Festival! Hosted at the Agricultural History Farm Park’s 455 acres of land, attendees can enjoy pumpkin painting, scarecrow creation, hay wagon rides, and live sheep herding demonstrations. Those interested in music can enjoy the tunes of a multitude of artists, including the Hickory Grove Band and Janice “The Griot” Greene. The Harvest Festival begins on October 5 and is a wonderful opportunity to explore the historic farmland and engage in a variety of seasonal activities. Admission is $20 and the event will take place rain or shine.

Fall Twilight Concert Series at Brookside Gardens

For those looking to enjoy a peaceful evening filled with music and camaraderie, this may be the perfect choice of activity during the week. Every Wednesday night for the month of September, Brookside Gardens is hosting free musical performances for attendees of all ages. Families are encouraged to enjoy hot meals from the food trucks or to bring their own picnic baskets. The next concert is on September 25 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and will feature the Latin/Cuban-style music of artists René Ibañez & Cubano Groove. Concerts will occur at the Visitor Center Lawn located by the Bluestone Terrace, and parking is available at the main entrance to the gardens. Prior registration is not required.

Halloween Eye Spy Trains

Do you enjoy Halloween, but fear the heart-pumping haunted houses and scary movie nights popular among daredevil crowds? If so, you’re in luck: those who are timid-of-heart but still want to enjoy the spirit of Halloween will particularly enjoy this themed activity at Cabin John Regional Park and Wheaton Regional Park. Hop on an “Eye Spy” train at either of the parks’ festively-decorated stations and keep an eye out for the seasonal items you might spot along the journey. Each rider will be provided a card with items to look for in the woods, including pumpkins, black cats, and ghosts. Children and adults alike are sure to be captivated by this unforgettable Halloween adventure. Tickets can be purchased here now.

The Great Pumpkin Race and Fall Festival

North Creek Community Center hosts a charmingly unique and delightfully fun Pumpkin Race each year. Decorate a pumpkin car and compete for the Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy on Saturday, October 5. Racers are known to frequently collide and veer in the wrong direction, adding to the thrill of potentially garnering the title of victor. Those who get knocked out of the competition early will want to stay to enjoy the community center’s Fall Festival, which will feature live music, food, and family-centered activities that are sure to bring joy to both parents and children alike. For more information on how to participate, visit the Montgomery Village website.

Windridge Harvestfest

On Sunday, September 29, Windridge Vineyards will be hosting their beloved Harvestfest celebration on a sprawling 6,300 acres of property. Attendees will enjoy a delectable menu of specialty meals and assortment of brews from Pup Dog Brewing, as well as have access to award-winning, estate-grown wine. You won’t want to miss the live music performances later in the afternoon, featuring Moose Jaw Bluegrass from 3 to 6 p.m. The Harvestfest is sure to be a fantastic way to begin your autumn and enjoy the scenic sprawl of the Windridge Vineyards during their peak season.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to get into the spirit of fall, you won’t want to miss any of the aforementioned festivities. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking ghost hunter or a parent looking to entertain your children during the fall, you’ll find no shortage of exciting activities throughout Montgomery County. The season of autumn commences officially on the equinox of September 22, 2024; it’s sure to be a spectacular beginning!

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