Germantown October Fest

A Parade, a Costume Contest and a Free Carnival

Germantown's fall festival has a new name this year. What used to be Lil' Pumpkins Fest is now Germantown October Fest, and it takes over the area around BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown Town Center on Saturday, October 10, from 11 to 5.

With kids, plan around the morning. A spooky dance party and costume contest start at 11 and the parade steps off at 11:30, so come in costume and you're set for both. The carnival is free, the Seneca Valley marching band plays from noon to 12:30, and there are dance performances through the day.

Later on, Nappy Roots plays from 3 to 4, and there's an artisans market all day, food trucks, and a beer garden for the adults. I couldn't find an admission price on BlackRock's page, so I'd expect to walk in free and pay for food. If you have a toddler, the morning is the sweet spot, and you can still be home for nap time.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Come in costume. The costume contest is at 11, right before the parade.
• ✓Be there by 11. The best part for little kids happens in the first hour.
• ✓Plan the morning. Toddlers can catch the parade and carnival and still make nap time.
• ✓Bring money for lunch. Food trucks are the easy plan.
• ✓Older kids? Stay late. Nappy Roots plays from 3 to 4.