Gaithersburg Oktoberfest

Free Admission, Free Parking and a Quiet Room for Kids

The City of Gaithersburg holds its 33rd Oktoberfest in Kentlands on Sunday, October 11, from noon to 5. It spreads across the Arts Barn, Kentlands Mansion, the Village Green and Main Street, and both admission and parking are free.

For kids there are crafts, balloon twisting, bubbles and inflatables, plus pumpkin painting for a small fee that goes to a fundraiser. The detail I want every parent to know about is the Sensory Zone inside Kentlands Mansion, a quiet room for kids who need a break from the noise. Not many festivals bother with that.

Instead of circling Kentlands for a spot, use the city's free, wheelchair accessible shuttle from the satellite lot at 101 Orchard Ridge Drive, off Quince Orchard Road. Artisans and food vendors fill in the rest. If you want a full fall day, Butler's Orchard in Germantown is about 20 minutes up the road and open on Sunday.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Use the shuttle. Free, and it saves you circling Kentlands.
• ✓Find the Sensory Zone early. It's inside Kentlands Mansion, so you know where to go if someone melts down.
• ✓Bring a few dollars. Pumpkin painting has a small fee for a fundraiser.
• ✓Come right at noon. The kids' activities are easier before the afternoon crowd.
• ✓Add a farm. Butler's Orchard is about 20 minutes away and open Sunday.