Bethesda, MD is a vibrant, lively community year-round, but it really comes to life in the summer. A wide range of events are happening this summer, from outdoor movies and concerts to its very own fine arts festival. Here is a preview of some of the great things going on in Bethesda this summer.
Outdoor Movie Series – July 24-28, 2013Â
In July, Bethesda hosts a 5-night free outdoor movies series. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and watch blockbuster movies under the stars in downtown Bethesda. Enjoy a picnic or dine at one of the neighborhood’s diverse choice of restaurants before the show.
Summer Concert Series – May through July, 6-8 p.m.
Between May and July, Bethesda’s live music series rocks the downtown! Rock, funk, soul, jazz, reggae and swing bands play every Thursday evening in Veterans Park in downtown Bethesda.
Imagination Bethesda – Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This charming festival, held in June, celebrates children, art and education. Twenty-five activity tents set up by local arts businesses give kids their choice of free arts and crafts activities, dance lessons and more. The event has everything from free face painting and balloon animals to jugglers and roving entertainers. A stage provides musical entertainment that gets everyone dancing in the streets. Popular local restaurants are represented at a wide selection of food stands.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival – Saturday, May 11 through Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On May 11th and 12th, 2013, Bethesda holds its popular outdoor Fine Arts Festival, featuring 130 artists displaying paintings, sculpture, handicrafts, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, prints and photography.
Local bands provide continuous live rock, jazz, reggae and Latin music. Several local restaurants will have food stands set up, including Mamma Lucia, Freddy’s Lobster and Clams, Yamas Mediterranean Grill and the Hard Times Café.
Bethesda/Chevy Chase Restaurant Week – Summer dates to be announced
In July/August, dozens of Bethesda area restaurants offer diners prix fixe lunches for between $12 and $16 and three-course dinners for $33 at dozens of restaurants. The wide variety of local restaurants include American, French, Italian, Japanese, Indian, Greek and much more.
Montgomery County’s world-class concert hall offers free outdoor concerts every Wednesday night through the summer months. You can food on-site or bring a picnic, and lawn chairs or blankets are welcome. Performers include major national artists bringing blues, jazz, rock, pop, folk and world music to Bethesda. The venue is in North Bethesda, next to Grosvenor Metro station on the Red Line.
Bethesda hosts two popular summer farmers’ markets. The Bethesda Central Farm Market is held every Sunday morning between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Bethesda Elementary School, featuring a wide selection of high-quality food vendors, local farmers and growers. The market hosts chefs’ demonstrations, children’s entertainment and farm dinners featuring the vendors’ products.
The Bethesda Farm Women’s Cooperative has been a Bethesda institution since 1932. A year-round indoor market in the heart of Bethesda, the Farm Women’s Cooperative includes a flea market with over 75 vendors selling home furnishings, crafts, artwork, jewelry and more. The indoor market stalls sell flowers, fresh produce, meats, herbs, baked goods and prepared foods.
The outdoor market takes place every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday when weather permits.
