Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass to host Pride Month events in June

Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass (D - At-Large) will once again host or appear at a series of Pride Month events in June. This will be the fifth year Glass will perform this leadership role. The events will include Rockville Pride, an annual event hosted by the City of Rockville at Rockville Town Square, which will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 this year. 

June 11 will be Takoma Park Pride Day. Bethesda's Big Train baseball club will also hold a Pride Night on June 17. Pride in the Plaza will take place at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring on June 25. Events will kick off with the raising of the Pride Flag at the Montgomery County Executive Building on June 1. 

“I’m excited to host Montgomery County’s fifth annual LGBTQ+ Pride month events,” Glass said in a statement. “This is a time for celebration, reflection and unity. Today, the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans are under relentless attack. Members of the LGBTQ+ community — especially people of color and trans people — continue to face discrimination and efforts to undermine their human rights. As we continue our struggle for greater civil rights and liberties, Pride Month is a time to not only reflect on our progress but to focus on the work ahead.”

Circus coming to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this June

The Do Portugal Circus will present its Cirque show under the big top next month at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Tracing its roots back to 1911, the Mexican circus troupe has been touring with this show around the world for 25 years. You won't see elephants or tigers, but you will see just about everything else you expect from a circus starting June 9, 2023 and continuing through June 25: Trapeze artists, magicians, roaring motorcycles in the Cage of Death, and more.

Tickets to all performances are available now online, and VIP seats are an option for the biggest circus aficionados. No outside food or drinks will be allowed, but the circus will have its own concessions with hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pickles, cotton candy, snow cones, soda, water, juice, Powerade, coffee and hot chocolate.

Photos courtesy Do Portugal Circus

Rockville Planet Fitness grand opening set for April 12

The new Planet Fitness gym in Rockville is scheduled to host a grand opening celebration this Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 4:00 PM at 5520 Randolph Road, in the Montrose Shopping Center. It will be hosted by Nick Gomez from Hot 99.5 FM. Enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony, a 30-minute circuit workout with the owners and trainers, food & drinks, and a chance to win fabulous prizes (65" Smart TV, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo) and more. Planet Fitness replaces Gold's Gym at the shopping center.

Find out how your Montgomery County business can work with Rockville City government

Jessica Lewis, Director of Procurement
for the City of Rockville

Local businesses can learn about opportunities to do business with the City of Rockville at a special event this month. Register now for the "Rockville Means Business" event, which take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive. Doors will open at 8:30 AM.  

Information sessions, exhibits and strategy sessions with city employees will help you find out if your services or products are needed by the city. You'll also receive advice on how to most effectively to bid on procurement opportunities, and how to use the city's online vendor collaboration portal.

A continental breakfast will be served during the event. If you cannot attend, the event will be available online. You can register for the virtual option on the same page as the in-person registration.Minority-, female-, disabled- or veteran-owned businesses are especially encouraged to attend the event. Seating will be limited, so don't delay in registering. 

Summer job hiring event at Rockville Swim Center

Looking for a swimming pool or fitness-related job for the summer? Mark your calendar for the special hiring event at the Rockville Swim Center at 355 Martins Lane on March 29, 2023 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The walk-in event will provide the opportunities for preliminary interviews, and to participate in tests to demonstrate your skills. Training will be available. Job seekers should bring their swimsuit, a towel, and their summer calendar. The swim center is owned and operated by the City of Rockville.

St. Patrick's Day event at Finnegan's Wake in Rockville today

Keep the celebration of St. Patrick's Day going all weekend at Rockville Town Square. Irish pub Finnegan's Wake at 100 Gibbs Street will be hosting a special event today, March 18, 2023. Start with a St. Patrick's brunch at 10:00 AM. Then enjoy live music, face painting and a balloon twister from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

N'SYNC, 98 Degrees, LFO, O-Town members to perform at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda April 1

Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda will transport you back to the golden age of Y2K on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Members of the boy bands that ruled the charts at the dawn of this century will converge on Level 1 of the Nordstrom wing at 1:00 PM that afternoon for a live concert. Hosted by N'SYNC's Chris Kirkpatrick and 98 Degrees' Jeff Timmons, the Y2k Pink Party concert will include live performances by LFO and O-Town. The concert is free, but if you RSVP online and agree to receive promotional emails from the mall, you will be entered to win a meet-and-greet with the boy band stars.

Between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM on that day, before and after the concert, a DJ will be playing so many records from the Y2K era that you'll feel like you're outside the MTV studios screaming, "Bring me up, Carson!!" A pop-up biergarten will take over the Blossom Lounge near the Lego Store, serving Lone Oak Brewery's Sandbar Tropical Hazy IPA, The MoCo Show MoCo Lite Lager, and Rose Hard Seltzer. The mall is encouraging you to wear pink to the concert.

The mall's Center Court will be set up to accept donations of Spring and Summer clothing, which will earn you coupons for mall restaurants. Donate your old jeans, and American Eagle will turn them into insulation for homes - and give you a coupon for $10-off a new pair. 

Montgomery Mall will be counting down to the concert all this month, with the Cherry Blossom-themed Blossomfest. Find Instagram-ready flower displays for your selfie backdrops in the Nordstrom wing during March, courtesy of Edge Flowers. The Blossom Lounge near the Lego Store will feature displays of pink flowers designed by the region’s premier creative props firm, Brightly Ever After, along with white leather seating. Enjoy free, live jazz music every Friday from March 17 to April 14 from 5:00 - 7:30 PM. Treats from Adonni’s Desserts will be available for purchase.

A female artist showcase will include the mall's new mural, Carpe Diem, by local artist Nicole Bourgea on Level 2, and displays of works by Maggie O'Neill and Cris Logan throughout the mall. Kids will enjoy playing in the cherry blossom-themed playhouses designed by Brightly Ever After.

The April 1 concert won't be Bethesda's first direct connection with N'SYNC, LFO and O-Town. That involved Bethesda company Dynasty Construction, the now-demolished Westwood Center II mini-mall, and a missing sum of $775,000. The true story is no April Fool's joke.

Rockville brewery launches Mardi Gras-themed beer with all-day party today

Toast Mardi Gras with a beer inspired by the holiday today at True Respite Brewing Company at 7301 Calhoun Place, #600, located off of E. Gude Drive in Rockville. The brewery is rolling out its limited-edition Party Gras, a 6.3% ABV fruited sour ale fermented with passionfruit, and conditioned on tangerine, lime, and a touch of rum extract with an all-day Mardi Gras party today, February 17, 2023. Special guests will include the Calypso N' Roux food truck selling Cajun food, Zydeco band Little Red & the Renegades, and Twitch-streaming tarot coach Skye Marinda.

Photo courtesy True Respite

Montgomery Mall Lunar New Year celebration starts today (Photos)

Celebrate the start of the Year of the Rabbit at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, starting today, Sunday, January 22, 2023, and again next Sunday, January 29. As you can see, the mall is already decorated inside. Today and next Sunday, enjoy a traditional dragon dance, performances and exhibits from 2:00-4:00 PM on Level 1 in the Nordstrom wing. As a bonus, save 15% both days on the latest in high fashion from China at Fangyan.

Rockville's Soulfull Cafe offers volunteer opportunities for Martin Luther King Day 2023

Rockville's Soulfull Cafe and Main Street Connect are offering area residents two volunteer opportunities for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in Montgomery County on January 16, 2023. Volunteers will gather at the cafe at the Main Street development at 50 Monroe Place in Rockville from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM that day. The two volunteer activity options will be making cards for the patients at Children's National Medical Center, and making dog toys for the canine residents of Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

Volunteers will receive a 10%-off coupon for the Soulfull Cafe, a community dining and gathering space that offers employment opportunities for people of all abilities. Students can earn Student Service Learning hours, as well. To sign up for these volunteer opportunities on MLK Day, click here.

Rockville Town Square tree lighting 6:00-8:00 PM tonight, November 18, 2022

The annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockville Town Square will be held tonight, Friday, November 18, 2022, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Free to attend, the event will include ice skating on the outdoor rink in the town square, live music, crafts, and appearances by Rockville City officials and Santa Claus himself! For safety purposes, Maryland Avenue will be closed to automobile traffic from noon until 10:30 PM tonight. Parking garage access from Maryland and Beall Avenue will be maintained throughout the day, however.

What's happening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda for holiday shopping season 2022 (Photos)

The countdown to Black Friday 2022 is on at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Many favorite holiday decorations have been brought back, alongside some new ones we haven't seen before. An elf was seen testing Santa's chair, to make sure everything is just right for Father Christmas when he arrives. Here are some of the exciting events and new features the mall has planned for 2022:

Jingle Lounge

A new Christmas-themed seating area called the Jingle Lounge has been set up, with upscale white chairs, sofas and tables, near Talbots on Level 1. Nutcrackers stand guard, and a pillow promises "Christmas cheer here." From November 18 to December 24, the Jingle Lounge will offer pizza delivery from Frank Pepe's Pizza, and cocktails, along with scheduled activity events.

Jingle Lounge

Jingle Lounge

Jingle Lounge

Mario Lopez

Speaking of events, the mall will start the holiday shopping season with a bang this coming Sunday, November 20, with Mario Lopez hosting a Home for the Holidays Kickoff Concert from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The concert is free, but you are being asked to RSVP online. By RSVPing, you also could win a meet-and-greet with Mario Lopez. Consider making a generous donation when you RSVP, as 100% of the proceeds will go to the Children's National Medical Center, and the Seacrest Studios at CNMC.

Westfield has partnered with CNMC. The company will match donations up to $10,000 during the holiday campaign, so your $10,000 donation would turn into $20,000-worth of benefit for the hospital. Find the concert in the Center Court on Level 1.

If you can't get out of bed for Sunday's concert, keep your pajamas on and head to the mall on Saturday, November 26 for a Holiday Pajama Party with the legendary Geoffrey the Giraffe from Toys R Us, which has a shop inside Macy's this holiday season. Take a selfie of yourself in your pajamas and tag @WestfieldMontgomery on social media for a chance to win a $250 gift card from Macy's. RSVP online, and you could win a free children's birthday party performance by Zucchini the Great. The pajama party will be held in the Center Court on Level 1 .

Montgomery County to host public meeting on jail project opposed by Rockville officials

Montgomery County will host a public meeting on the proposed construction on the County detention center property at 1307 Seven Locks Road in Rockville on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the "first floor lecture hall" at the County Council building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville, and is scheduled to conclude by 9:00 PM. There will be a virtual option to join the meeting online for those who can't attend in person; log-on instructions will be posted prior to the meeting at www.rockvillemd.gov/SevenLocksProject, once determined. 

The project as currently proposed is opposed by the Mayor and City Council of Rockville. It includes a school bus depot, and a future Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Criminal Justice Complex and restoration center. Rockville elected officials have argued the proposal is inappropriate for a site that abuts eight residential neighborhoods. The existing Detention Center has been there since 1978; a police station there was built in 1963.

Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival today in Rockville

The Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival will be held today, Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Rockville Town Square. Hosted by Taiwan Sister Cities, the event will feature food, live music, cultural performances, games, and - of course - bubble tea. Maryland Avenue between E. Middle Lane and Beall Avenue will be closed off for the event from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM for the event. 

Rockville "Goes Purple" for opioid addiction awareness: "Protect Them" art installation opens tonight

"Protect Them," a mobile shipping container art installation, has arrived at Rockville Town Square. It will open to the public tonight, September 8, 2022, from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. The exhibit will also be open from 2:00 - 5:00 PM on September 9, 10, 16 and 17, and on the evening of September 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

Bethesda artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg created the exhibit after her research into patterns of drug addiction revealed that a lack of mental health support, childhood trauma and heightened environmental sensitivity were often consistent factors. The installation is constructed from the many items parents use to protect their children, such as child safety seats, bike helmets, or water wings, and questions what parents and our society are doing to keep children "psychologically safe?"

The installation is one of many events in the city this month, as "Rockville Goes Purple." The campaign is designed to raise awareness of opioid addiction, and will officially begin today at 4:30 PM with a speech by Rockville Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton at Rockville Town Square, followed by remarks by Firstenberg and Judge Karla Smith. VisArts will host a "Behind the Mask" art project on the town square stage afterward from 5:00 to 8:50 PM. Rockville City police responded to 35 reports of heroin or opioid overdoses in 2021, a 52% increase from 2020, and three reports of heroin or opioid possession, a 66% decrease. Look for the Empty Fix shipping container on the town square.

Rockville police to host open house September 10, 2022

Rockville City police will host an Open House event at the police department's headquarters at 2 W. Montgomery Avenue on Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Attendees will have the chance to meet city police officers, get a close-up look at their vehicles and equipment, and watch K-9 demonstrations. The all-ages event will also feature activities for children, including a moon bounce, games, treats and a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog. Free parking for the free event will be available two blocks away at Rockville City Hall, at 111 Maryland Avenue.

Convicted January 6 attendee to host event at Montgomery County Executive Building in Rockville

Conservative influencer Brandon Straka, founder of the #WalkAway campaign that encourages voters to abandon the Democratic Party, will hold an event discussing what happened at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 at the Montgomery County Executive Office Building in Rockville on September 11, 2022. Straka himself attended the January 6 rally supporting President Donald Trump, but later pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge, for verbally egging-on rioters during the siege of the Capitol that followed. 

Straka says he will screen "never-seen-before footage" of the riot he claims has been withheld from the public by authorities, host a panel discussion about the events of January 6, and speak about his own experiences on and after that day. Then the floor will be opened to questions from the audience. The event will begin at 6:45 PM on September 11, and is scheduled to end at 10:00 PM.

Attendees will be charged $15-35, and tickets are now being sold online. On the event page, Straka promises "light refreshments (and hopefully lighter hearts at the end)." Straka himself is described on the page as "America's favorite Super Patriot." The event is sure to be controversial, not least because it is being held in the headquarters of Montgomery County's government at 101 Monroe Street, in a county where all elected officials are Democrats.

UPDATE: Rockville outdoor Movies in the Parks tonight, August 10: The Boss Baby CANCELED

Update - 12:58 PM: Tonight's movie has been canceled due to the forecast of severe weather

The City of Rockville's feature presentation tonight, Wednesday, August 10, for the 2022 Movies in the Parks series will be 2017's The Boss Baby. Showtime will be at dusk, approximately 8:00 PM, at Montrose Park at 451 Congressional Lane. The movie is free; bring your own chairs, blankets, food and (non-alcoholic, sorry!) beverages. If there is inclement weather, the movie is subject to cancelation, so check the forecast before leaving home.

Rockville Dunkin'/Baskin Robbins hosts grand opening Thursday w/ 99¢ ice cream scoops, giveaways

The new Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins store at 16268 Frederick Road, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg, will hold its grand opening tomorrow, Thursday, August 4, 2022, starting at 9:00 AM. If you are one of the first 100 customers, you will win free coffee for a year.

All day on Thursday, guests will be invited to take advantage of a 99-cent Single Scoop Ice Cream offer. From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, guests can win prizes from the Dunkin’ Prize Wheel, and enjoy on-site music and an appearance by Dunkin’ mascot Cuppy. At 10:00 AM, franchisee Frank Hennessey will host the store’s official ribbon cutting ceremony. Afterward, Hennessey, in partnership with the Joy in Childhood Foundation will present a $1,000 grant to Manna Food Center of Gaithersburg.

The new store is an example of the brand's Next Generation design. That includes an updated, modern interior designed to promote a sense of welcoming and positive energy, the Premium Pours tap and Nitro system, and a special area just for pick-up orders. Best of all, the new location includes a drive-thru!

Èkó House grand opening weekend in Rockville

Èkó House, the new pan-African restaurant at 150 Gibbs Street at Rockville Town Square, will host a grand opening celebration this weekend. A ribbon-cutting will be held this afternoon at 5:00 PM. Guests at the ribbon-cutting will include Will Jawando, Montgomery County Council Member; Marji Graf, President & CEO, Rockville Chamber of Commerce; Ricky Barker, Director, Community Planning and Development Services; and Cindy Rivarde, Director, Rockville Economic Development Inc., among others.  

The main event will be Saturday night, July 30, 2022 with live performances by Afropop star Simi, Isaac Gerald, and the Ayo Band between 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Tickets start at $75 and can be purchased in advance online.  “As one of the few Nigerian restaurants in the DMV, we are excited to share the richness of Nigeria’s culture and cuisine with the Rockville community,” Yomi Ajao, co-founder, Èkó House said in a statement. “We want the community and the greater region to experience Èkó (Lagos), here in Rockville, Maryland. Rockville Town Square offers an array of culinary offerings, and we are thrilled that Èkó House is now an option.”