Author Archives: Beth Stanton

The Area’s Best Local Summer Festivals

The official start of summer is right around the corner but doesn’t mean the summer spirit hasn’t around come into full gear! We’ve put together a list of the most fun and most entertaining summer festivals and events in the area. Get out your dancing shoes, check out some art, try an array of great food and much more at these fun summer festivals. There’s a little bit of something for everyone!


Silver Spring Thursday Night Summer Concert Series

Put on your “dancing flip-flops!”  Silver Spring’s Thursday night Summer Concerts are a perfect, free night out for the whole family. You can groove to the tunes on long summer nights while your kids enjoy games and face painting.  Silver Spring’s long running and popular Thursday Night Concerts kickoff on June 20 with a mix of crowd favorites and new offerings in the Silver Spring Season.  The concert series features a raffle with free prizes for adults as well as toys and gifts for kids.   

Event Info:

When: Thursdays from 7pm-9pm // June 20 – August 8th
Where: Silver Spring Civic Building, Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place.
Cost: Free!


World Heritage Festival

Taste delicious ethnic food from Nigeria, Jamaica, Thailand, Greece and get refreshed with a scoop of ice cream or shaved ice or even a fresh smoothie!! Enjoy a cultural performance show with folk dances from Bolivia, Brazil, Egypt, Turkey and much more! You will have an array of vendors to choose from with more than 60 artists displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in between.

Event Info:

When: Sunday, June 23rd
Where: Silver Spring Civic Building, Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place.
Cost: Free!


K-Town Food Truck Night 

Don’t want to cook dinner? Go to Food Tuck Night in Old Town Kensington every 1st and 3rd Thursday night. Theres great food and music for the family to enjoy!

Event Info:

When: Every 1st and 3rd Thursdays May thru October from 5 – 8pm
Where: 10417-10419 Armory Ave., Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: Free!


Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Summer Fair

Come out to the annual Arts and Crafts Summer Fair to see over 60 arts and crafts vendors, cultural dance performances, and food vendors.

Event Info:

When: Sunday, July 14, 2 – 8pm
Where: 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: Free!


Kensington Summer Movie Nights

Kensington Fire Department puts on this great family event. Bring your kids to the park for a night viewing of classic movies, including ‘The Princes Bride’! There will also be food trucks before the movie!

Event Info:

When: Saturday, June 22 and Saturday, July 23 at 6:30pm – 10pm
Where: St. Paul Park, Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: Free!


Latin Heritage Fiesta

A celebration of Latin Heritage with amazing food, over 60 art vendors, and dance performances. It will be a big party that the family will love!

Event Info:

When: August 11, 2 – 8pm
Where: 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: Free!


4th of July Parade and Fireworks

Go see Takoma Park’s 130th Independence Day Celebration! This year’s theme is Community Heroes and leading the parade will be our Grand Marshals, Takoma Park’s First Responders. This event is a great way to start your 4th of July celebrations!

Event Info:

When: Parade starts at 10am. Evening activities starts at 7pm
Where: 7500 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912-4939
Cost: Free!


Shorts and Sundress Summer Jam

Break out those shorts and sundresses the weather is going to be great for dancing! DJ Lineup: TMF, The Underground, DJ Cel, Handz on Radio, and Tommy Wickens aka A Plane, Cyberjamz Radio. Food and drinks will be provided by Nich’s Kitchen.

Event Info:

When: Parade starts at 10am. Evening activities starts at 7pm
Where: Polka Dot Park, 4320 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Cost: $8


Riverdale Park Station Summer Concert Series

Celebrate the start of Summer with the 2nd annual Summer Music Concert Series. This series will feature local artists from the DMV area every Friday from 6pm-8pm in Bear Square.

Event Info:

When: Friday evenings from 6pm-8pm
Where: Riverdale Park Station, 6621 Baltimore Avenue, Riverdale Park, MD 20737
Cost: FREE!


Yappy Hour at Republic

Grab your pup and join The Big Bad Woof for Yappy Hour at Republic! This event takes place on the last Sunday of each month through October. There will be treats and samples for the pups and tasty food and drink specials for the humans.

Event Info:

When: June 30 from 3pm – 5pm
Where: 6939 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Cost: FREE!

Denizens Second Location is Now Open in Riverdale Park

The beloved Silver Spring brewery, Denizens Brewing Co., has branched out to Prince George’s County, opening their second location in Hyattsville’s Riverdale Park Station.

The 150-seat taproom offers not only their popular go-to brews, but an array of seasonal specials, cocktails, and wine that can fit any palate. The kitchen serves many pub-style eats from burgers and wings to steamed mussels — as well as dishes that incorporate many of their signature brews.

Denizens is located at: 4550 Van Buren St, Riverdale Park, MD 20737

Taproom Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 11pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am – 1pm
Brunch is served 11am – 3pm every weekend.

Dive Into Summer with Our Local Pool Roundup

Photo via Ashton Swim Club

With Memorial Day just round the corner it’s the official start of summer – it’s the time to send in summer pool dues! In addition to our local Montgomery County pools, there are many local pools with awesome swim teams, snack shacks, social events, and holiday celebrations.

If you are looking to join a pool we’ve compiled a list of some local ones along with links for membership info:

Ashton Swim Club

Address: 1315 Hornell Drive
Phone: 301-421-9266
Website: ashtonpool.com
Membership Status:Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


Calverton Swim Club

Address: 12615 Galway Drive
Phone: 301-572-4203
Website: calvertonswimclub.com
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


Connecticut Belair Swim & Tennis Club

Address: 3901 Ferrara Drive
Phone: 301-946-4500
Website: cbpool.net
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


Daleview Swim Club

Address: 901 Daleview Drive
Phone: 301-434-9555
Website: www.daleview.org
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool maintains a wait list. Learn More


Forest Knolls Pool

Address: 11105 Foxglove Lane
Phone: 301-593-9883
Website: forestknollspool.com
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


Franklin Knolls Pool

Address: 820 E Franklin Avenue
Phone: 301-585-2153
Website: www.franklinknollspool.org
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool maintains a wait list. Learn More


Glenwood Pool

Address: 10012 Gardiner Avenue
Phone: 301-681-7599
Website: www.glenwoodpool.org
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool maintains a wait list; there is a $50 registration fee. Learn More


Hillandale Swim & Tennis Association

Address: 10116 Green Forest Drive
Phone: 301-434-4782
Website: www.hillandalepool.com
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


Kemp Mill Swim Club

Address: 11805 Stonington Place
Phone: 301-593-7506
Website: swim.kempmill.org
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


Kenmont Swim & Tennis Club

Address: 2900 Faulkner Place
Phone: 301-933-0047
Website: www.kenmont.com
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool maintains a wait list; there is a $50 registration fee. Learn More


Northwest Branch Pool

Address: 10850 Lockwood Drive
Phone: 301-593-9462
Website : www.nwbranchpool.com
Membership Status: Memberships are not available at this time but the pool does maintain a wait list. There is a $50 fee to be put on the waiting list but it will be credited towards your dues. Learn More


Robin Hood Swim Club

Address: 225 Mowbray Road
Phone: 301-384-9732
Website: www.robinhoodpool.club
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


Twin Farms Swim & Tennis Club

Address: 1200 Fairland Road
Phone: 301-384-9754
Website: twinfarmsclub.com
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


West Hillandale Swim Club

Address: 915 Schindler Drive
Phone: 301-439-4208
Website: www.westhillandaleswimclub.org
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More


YMCA Silver Spring

Address: 9800 Hastings Drive
Phone: 301-585-2120
Website: ymcadc.org
Membership Status: Memberships are available at this time. Learn More

New Go Brent Office – Coming Soon!

Exciting news from Go Brent! We’ll soon be greeting clients and available for drop-ins from homeowners and buyers at 914 Silver Spring Avenue, next to our good friends at Kaldi’s Social House.

More on our move soon!

Go Brent Welcomes Ben Kaufmann!

Our incredible team at Go Brent is expanding once more! We are excited to welcome Ben Kaufmann. Ben is a Realtor licensed in DC and Maryland.

“Ben Kaufmann is a passionate and savvy full-time Realtor who built his own successful real estate business before joining Go Brent. Ben strongly believes that his clients’ needs always come first and works to leverage every opportunity for his seller and buyer clients.”

To learn more about Ben, visit his team profile.

As a dynamic real estate team, Go Brent looks for full-time agents who are dedicated to providing our clients with excellent customer service. If you are a real estate agent licensed in Maryland and/or Washington, D.C. and are interested in learning more about our team, please contact us: liz@gobrent.co.

StoryCorps Is Coming To Silver Spring

StoryCorps, a National Public Radio (NPR) production, is coming to Silver Spring from April 23 through May 22.

StoryCorps is a non profit organization which has been in operation since 2003, their work captures and records meaningful conversations between individuals. One feature of this production is their Mobile Tour which showcases their mobile recording studio, the MobileBooth, which is a silver trailer that travels across the United States recording over 1000 conversations annually.

The MobileBooth will be parked outside of Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. Slots are available for anyone who wants to have a meaningful conversation with someone in your life. The first batch of appointments will be available on April 9th, and the a second batch of appointments will be made available on April 24th. 

You and your conversation partner will have your conversation recorded for up to 40 minutes. You will get a copy of your recorded conversation and with your permission, they will preserve and store your recording in the Library of Congress.

To learn more about StoryCorps & register, visit their website.

Ready to Stop Renting & Buy Your First Home?

Ready to stop renting and buy your first home? Let us open the door for you!

If buying a home or condo is on your to-do list, then put our free First-Time Homebuyer on your calendar. Join our experts, Go Brent’s Debbie Gerald and Caliber Home Loans’ Branch Manager Ramez Fahmy, for this free seminar.

When:    Tuesday, April 30 from 7:00-8:30PM
Where:   Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring

We’ll discuss the ins and outs of purchasing and financing your first home. This is a great opportunity to learn about the buying process and ask any questions you may have.

Please sign-up in advance. There is no cost or obligation, just plenty of information!

Can’t attend but would like to learn more, contact Debbie Gerald.

The Area’s Best Upcoming Spring Festivals

The sun is out and the weather is letting up — which means Spring has finally sprung! We’ve put together a list of the most fun and most entertaining spring festivals and events in the area. Take your family, go on a date, even take a stroll alone! These fun festivals have something for everyone.


Monthly Art Walk Dates Set!

Tour the public artwork of Silver Spring on a Summer monthly artwork that will kick-off on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30-8:00pm.  Organized by the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District, and Silver Spring Urban District, and Montgomery Planning Department, April’s tour will feature painted murals in Silver Spring. 

Festival Info:

When (and how to register):
Thursday, April 18 at 5:30PM – 8PM
Thursday, May 30 at 5:30PM – 8PM
Thursday, June 13 at 5:30PM – 8PM
Where: Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District


Takoma Egg Hunt!

Come down to Piney Branch Elementary School for an egg-tastic time with your kids. This free event has age categories for the little guys all the way up to the big kids. This event is sure to put a smile on everyone face!

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, April 20, 10:00AM
Where: Piney Branch Elementary School
Cost: FREE!

Visit website for more details


Takoma Art + Wine Hop

A full weekend of art and live performances is planned in Takoma (MD and DC) for the 11th annual Art Hop Arts Fest. The work of over 100 artists will be installed INSIDE the shops, restaurants, galleries and cafes of Takoma creating a lively arts district.

Festival Info:

When:
Saturday, April 27 from 11:00AM-5:00PM
Sunday, April 28 from 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Where: Main Street Takoma
Cost: FREE!

Visit website for more details


KENSINGTON DAY OF THE BOOK FESTIVAL

Old Town Kensington celebrates International Day of the Book with this fun book festival. There will be live music, food trucks, poetry reading, a children’s stage, and of course lots of books!

Festival Info:

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 11am-4pm
Where: 3716 – 3786 Howard Ave, Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: FREE!

Visit website for more details


Image Via: Anniversary Festival Facebook

HYATTSVILLE ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL

Come celebrate Hyattsville 133 years! There will be a parade to kick off the celebration and be sure not to miss out on the Anniversary Carnival happening the whole weekend. To top the day off there will be fireworks in the park!

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, April 27 starts at 11:00AM
Where: Magruder Park Recreation Center 3911 Hamilton St, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Cost: Parade and Fireworks FREE!

Visit website for more details


TAKOMA PORCH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Come down to Old Town Takoma Park to listen to live music from the porches! There will be over 20 porches and 50 bands performing in the neighborhood. Come walk around, meet your neighbors, and enjoy live music.

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, May 11 from 2:00-6:00
Where: Old Town Takoma Park, on a porch near you! For exact locations and performances check out the link above.
Cost: FREE!

Visit website for more details


Image via: Pizzeia Paradiso

SPRING FEST

Pizzeria Paradiso Hyattsville is putting on the second annual Spring Fest! There will be pizza, a large variety of beer, games, art and music. Come ready for great food, beer and company!

Festival Info:

When:Saturday, June 8 from 12:00-5:00 PM
Address: 4800 Rhode Island Ave., Hyattsville, MD
Cost: 10-50$

Visit website for more details


Image Via: Silver Spring Blues Festival Facebook

SILVER SPRING 11TH ANNUAL BLUES FESTIVAL

Come down to Downtown Silver Spring for an all day block party with great music, food, vendors, and arts. This two stage music festival is great for a family day outing.

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, June 15 starting at 10:00AM
Where: 920 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Cost: FREE!

Visit Website for more details


Silver Spring Cares Event Recap

We’re thrilled to see the impact our friends at Silver Spring Cares have continued to make with their incredible events that bring the community closer together. From their benefits to charitable causes, the power of giving back is limitless.

Below are recaps from their latest events Galentine’s Day & their 4th Casseroles for a Cause!


Galentine’s Day

Feeling the love…Our Galentine’s Day Gathering was a huge hit in February! More than 50 gals came together to make Valentine’s Day special for Shepherds Table. We delivered 150 sandwiches, 200 bags of trail mix, dozens of Valentines Cards, 15 floral arrangements, 150 delicious cookies AND had a blast doing it! Stay tuned for our next service social. 


Casseroles for a Cause

Our fourth Casseroles for a Cause just wrapped up. Over 100 folks throughout the community cooked 250 casseroles for our neighbors in need. That’s more than 2,250 meals! In fact, people are having so much fun and letting us know about it.

“I’ve actually started doing those on my own just for fun…Doing this has turned into the perfect introvert-friendly volunteer activity.” – Lisa S.  

Here are photos shared from one family making their veggie casseroles.

Want to participate in the next Silver Spring Cares community event?

Visit their website here

Are these Local Hotspots on your Radar?

It’s great to see the influx of restaurants, markets, and breweries providing a variety of options for a quick bite, a happy-hour hang-out spot, or a nice dinner. If you are looking for a new place to enjoy food, drink, and friends, we’ve got you covered!

Here are a few of our favorites – local hotspots receiving rave reviews and new places we’re eagerly anticipating:

Cielo Rojo

Where: Takoma Park
Website: www.cielo-rojo.com

Cielo Rojo is a family owned fine-casual Mexican restaurant in the heart of Takoma Park, MD. David Perez & Carolina McCandless first met in 2012 at Gracias Madre, an organic vegan Mexican restaurant in San Francisco. 


El Sapo Cuban Social Club

Where: Silver Spring
Website: www.elsaporestaurant.com

El Sapo Cuban Social Club is a hip, festive, forward-thinking Cuban restaurant, and the first of its kind in the D.C. metro area: bright, open, and brimming with energy, fresh mojitos, upbeat music and bold island food.


Pizzeria Paradiso

Where: Hyattsville
Website: www.eatyourpizza.com

Chef/founder Ruth Gresser, started cooking up Neapolitan-style pizzas in Dupont Circle over a quarter century ago. Founded on the spirit of laughter, Pizzeria Paradiso evokes the warmth one feels in the home of a close friend.


Silver Branch Brewing

Where: Silver Spring
Website: www.silverbranchbrewing.com

Silver Branch Brewing Company is a production brewery and taproom located in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring immediately adjacent to the Silver Spring red line metro stop.


Port-au-Prince 

Where: Silver Spring
Website: www.paphaitiancuisine.com

Port-au-Prince (aka “PAP”) Authentic Haitian Cuisine! Hungry for Haitian food? Enraptured by Haitian art? Now you can savor the delights of Haiti’s culinary and artisan offerings right here in the DMV (DC,MD,VA) metropolitan area.


Coming Soon!

The Girl & Vine

Where: Takoma Park
Website: www.thegirlandthevine.com

The Girl & The Vine is a market, it’s a café and deli, and it has a bar component to it as well. The Girl & The Vine is where you go for your everyday wine, or a unique bottle of something a bit more interesting


Denizens Brewing Co.

Where: Riverdale Park
Website: www.denizensbrewingco.com

The Silver Spring-based Denizens Brewing Co. recently broke ground on construction on its second location. Coming to Riverdale Park in early Spring 2019!