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# The MoCo Weekend Brief: your weekend event guide
- URL: https://www.themontgomerybrief.org/the-moco-weekend-brief-your-weekend-event-guide-2/
- Published: 2026-10-16T20:29:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-16T20:29:17.000Z
- Author: Aline Barros
- Tags: Community

Welcome to **The MoCo Weekend Brief**, your community weekend guide from *The Montgomery Brief*. 

Your curated roundup of community festivals, live entertainment, and family activities across Montgomery County: 

### **Festivals & Community Events**

- **Poolesville’s Annual** [**RocktoberFest**](https://visitmontgomery.com/events/poolesvilles-annual-rocktoberfest/?ref=themontgomerybrief.org)
  - **When:** Saturday, Oct. 17 | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  - **Where:** Whalen Commons, Poolesville
  - **Details:** Live music performances, local craft vendors, food trucks, and seasonal activities for community members of all ages.
- **Kentlands Market Square Fall Festival**
  - **When:** Saturday, Oct. 17 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  - **Where:** [Kentlands Market Square](https://www.kentlandsmarketsquare.com/events?ref=themontgomerybrief.org), Gaithersburg
  - **Details:** Neighborhood fall festival featuring live music, local artisans, family entertainment, and seasonal dining options.
- **Harvest Market at The Family Room**
  - **When:** Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  - **Where:** Laytonsville, MD
  - **Details:** [Community harvest market](https://www.thefamilyroomlaytonsville.com/events/harvest-market-at-the-family-room-6?ref=themontgomerybrief.org) with local farm goods, seasonal items, and handcrafted decor.
- **The MoCo** [**SmokeShow**](https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/news/inaugural-moco-smoke-show-brings-barbeque-culture-competition-downtown-wheaton-saturday-oct-17?ref=themontgomerybrief.org)
  - **When:** Saturday, Oct. 17 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  - **Where:** Montgomery County Grounds
  - **Details:** Regional barbecue competition and food showcase with live entertainment.

### **Family & Outdoor Activities**

- **Pumpkin Festival at** [**Butler’s Orchard**](https://www.butlersorchard.com/festivals/pumpkin-festival/?ref=themontgomerybrief.org)
  - **When:** Saturday, Oct. 17 & Sunday, Oct. 18
  - **Where:** 22222 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown
  - **Details:** Pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn maze, farm animals, and fall treats for families.
- **Flashlight** [**Halloween Hunt**](https://visitmontgomery.com/events/flashlight-halloween-hunt/?ref=themontgomerybrief.org)
  - **When:** Saturday, Oct. 17 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  - **Where:** Montgomery Village
  - **Details:** Evening family hunt; attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and bring flashlights.
- **The Park Goes Pink for Breast Cancer**
  - **When:** Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  - **Where:** [Wheaton Regional Park](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aahp-the-park-goes-pink-annual-breast-cancer-awareness-event-tickets-2000262293365?ref=themontgomerybrief.org) (Shorefield Area)
  - **Details:** Community event hosted by Montgomery Parks featuring wellness walks, awareness resources, and family activities.
- [**Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hike**](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/woodlawn-manor-cultural-park/underground-railroad-experience-trail/?ref=themontgomerybrief.org)
  - **When:** Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  - **Where:** Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, Sandy Spring
  - **Details:** Docent-led historical hike covering local Underground Railroad history and natural resource conservation.