October 2
Wheaton Farmers Market
Evans Neighborhood Park, Wheaton, MD
Celebrate the harvest season at this bustling community market, held every Thursday in October from 3–7 PM. You'll find fresh local produce, artisan breads, baked goods, and small-batch jams, perfect for anyone who loves farm-to-table freshness. The relaxed, family-friendly vibe makes it a great spot to grab a snack, chat with local growers, and soak in the fall spirit.
visitmontgomery.com/events
October 2
Clarksburg Farmers Market
Clarksburg Yard, Clarksburg, MD
Don’t miss the final weeks of this charming suburban market, open Thursdays through October. Enjoy fresh vegetables, seasonal baked treats, and warm apple cider from passionate local makers. It's a casual but curated experience where visitors can shop, dine, and mingle with vendors who know their harvests by heart. Bonus: Live acoustic sets and pop-up food stalls keep things festive.
visitmontgomery.com/events
October 4
Taste of Bethesda
Bethesda Row, Bethesda, MD
Experience the best of Bethesda’s restaurant scene in a single afternoon. This open-air festival features tastings from more than 50 local eateries, covering everything from sushi to crepes. Live music on multiple stages and family activities round out the offerings. Get there early, it draws a crowd.
bethesda.org
October 4
Powhatan’s Festival of the Grape
Historic Courthouse Green, Powhatan, VA
Just over two hours from Potomac, this award-winning festival features over 30 Virginia wineries, food trucks, live bands, and boutique shopping. Sip cabernets and chardonnays under the fall leaves while enjoying wood-fired pizza, barbecue, and sweet Southern desserts. It’s a day-long indulgence worth the drive, perfect for groups looking to toast the season with flair.
www.powhatanwinefestival.com
October 5
Takoma Park Street Festival
Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD
This iconic street fair blends community charm with serious culinary delights. With over 185 booths, visitors can sample street eats from empanadas to Korean fried chicken. Multiple live music stages and a family zone make it fun for all ages. It’s walkable, vibrant, and packed with small-town energy in the best way.
mainstreettakoma.org/festival
October 6
Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Fall Fair
Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD
This evening street fair turns downtown Silver Spring into a lively art and food mecca. Discover fall-inspired crafts and artisan goods while nibbling on gourmet donuts, empanadas, and international street food. With the plaza lit up and live music filling the air, it's a perfect after-work destination for casual foodies.
eventbrite.com
October 7
CocktailPRO – Spiced & Stirred
National Harbor, MD
Join mixology lovers at this showdown where local bartenders compete to craft the best “spiced” fall cocktail. Guests sample each drink, cast their vote, and enjoy small bites along the way. Expect seasonal ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, and apple shrub in every glass.
nationalharbor.com/events
October 11
Potomac Day 2025: Annual Community Festival 9812 Falls Road, Potomac, MD
The much-loved, community festival hosted by the Potomac Chamber of Commerce is a celebration which brings together residents, businesses, and families in a spirited day of Fall fun. Expect a lively parade, business fair booths, a classic car show, petting zoo, and kids’ festival with rides and games. Rain or shine, the event fosters community pride, enjoyment, and connection under Maryland’s crisp October skies.
October 11-12
Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival
Amherst, VA
A deliciously unusual pairing, this fest celebrates the bold flavors of Virginia wine and farm-fresh garlic. Expect garlic ice cream, garlicky crab cakes, and robust reds to wash it all down. Add in live bluegrass, craft booths, and mountain views, and it’s a full-sensory weekend retreat.
rebeccaswish.com/wineandgarlic
October 12
Oktoberfest in Kentlands
Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, MD
Live oompah music, authentic bratwursts, soft pretzels, and locally brewed beer? Yes, please. Oktoberfest at Bohrer Park is a can't-miss fall staple. This free, family-friendly event also features mead tastings, cider vendors, and a huge crafts market. Plus, shuttle service from satellite lots makes it stress-free.
gaithersburgmd.gov/oktoberfest
October 17-19
Harvest Fest at Droumavalla Farms Winery
Leesburg, VA
Celebrate the grape harvest with wine flights, autumnal charcuterie boards, and scenic strolls through the vineyard. Local artisans and food trucks round out the day, offering everything from lavender jams to harvest empanadas. It’s cozy, uncrowded, and perfect for a fall date or friend group outing.
droumavalla.com
October 10–12
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Mount Vernon, VA
Held on the East Lawn of George Washington’s estate, this elegant festival pairs Virginia’s finest wines with breathtaking views of the Potomac River. Each evening ends with a candlelit tour of the mansion. Bring a picnic blanket and savor the sunset with a glass of Chardonnay in hand.
mountvernon.org/winefest
October 26
Harbor Halloween
National Harbor, MD
This family-friendly Halloween celebration blends spooky and sweet with trick-or-treating, a pet costume parade, live entertainment, and delicious fall-themed treats from local vendors. With waterfront views and festive energy, it’s a top pick for foodies and families alike.
nationalharbor.com/events
Savor the Season with the Areas Newest Restaurants
Potomac and Potomac Village culinary landscape is becoming increasingly vibrant, with openings that range from cozy gastropubs to Mediterranean concepts and even a new bakery favorite.
Duke’s Grocery (Readers Choice Winner!)
A beloved D.C. gastropub made its debut in Potomac Village, taking over the former Lock 72/Tavern space. Known for its playful British charm, the restaurant boasts leather booths, a copper-top bar, and iconic dishes like burgers, oversized sandwiches, crispy fries, and white‑truffle mac‑and‑cheese. Currently open for dinner, Duke’s plans to expand with happy hour, lunch, and weekend brunch.
Mykonos Restaurant
A fresh location of Rockville’s Greek staple, Mykonos, is set to open in Cabin John Village. Making its debut in June, this new spot showcases an open kitchen, a horseshoe-shaped indoor/outdoor bar, and imported interior details from Greece. The menu is robust with traditional and modern takes and flavors from the mediterranean.
The Grove Bar & Grill
Nestled in Cabin John Village, The Grove offers modern American cuisine in a family‑friendly and stylish setting. A local mainstay, it provides everything from brunch and happy hour to weekend specials, live music, and private event services.
Cava Mezze Group’s New Concept
The founders of Cava Mezze have taken over the former Renato’s space in Potomac Place, introducing an Italian‑inspired concept. This marks an exciting expansion of the best of Italian and Mediterranean flavors to the Potomac dining scene.
Bethesda Bagels (New Location)
The Bethesda Bagels establishment is open at Cabin John Village at 7951‑A Tuckerman Lane, and bringing their beloved bagels even closer to Potomac residents.
Chevy Chase and Chevy Chase Lake are experiencing a fresh wave of dining excitement. Here are the latest openings—and soon-to-arrive spots—that food lovers should know:
Elena James All Day
A versatile, all‑day café‑restaurant at 8551 Connecticut Avenue, nestled within the Ritz‑Carlton Residences. From breakfast and lunch counter service featuring pastries, soups, and sandwiches, to an elevated dinner experience with pastas, pizzas, duck wings, and inventive cocktails, the menu reflects playful, polished comfort food crafted by partners Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic. Open since December 2024.
Dok Khao
A Southern Thai concept opened in July at Chevy Chase Lake. The restaurant offers coffee, tea, desserts starting mid-morning, and authentic Thai dishes for lunch and dinner .
Osteria Divina
Also planned for the Chevy Chase Lake development, this traditional Italian-style eatery combines classic dishes with a modern Osteria style. It will feature a curated wine list, crafted cocktails, seafood, prime meats, and artisanal pasta. Coming soon!
Bird Song
A new modern Thai restaurant in Chevy Chase, D.C., opened in May under Chef Kitima Boonmala (known for her pop-up Toh Roong). The menu roams beyond the familiar, featuring specialties like spicy boat noodle soup, fried chicken khao soi, garlic‑oil tossed sen lek noodles, and street food inspired dumplings, eschewing pad Thai for creative regional fare.