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Free Downtown Wheaton Celebration Will Feature a Unique Parade of Handmade Art, Live Entertainment, an Art Market, Family Activities, and Food
The 10th annual Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival will return to downtown Wheaton on Sunday, Sept. 27, bringing together artists, musicians, dancers, community organizations, and residents for a free celebration of the community’s creativity and cultural diversity.
The celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will begin at 10 a.m. with the Wheaton Arts Parade, a unique showcase of more than 20 handmade, non-motorized works of art that will be pushed, pulled, carried, worn, or performed. The parade also will feature bands, dance groups, participating artists, and community organizations.
The parade will begin on Ennalls Avenue, travel along Georgia Avenue and around the Wheaton Triangle, and culminate at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, located at 2424 Reedie Drive.
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“The Wheaton Arts Parade is a great example of what happens when a community comes together and creates something that is truly its own,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Wheaton is known for its diversity, its creativity, and its strong sense of community, and this event brings all of those things together. I encourage residents from throughout the County to come to Wheaton, see the parade, enjoy the performances, and experience the many different cultures and artistic talents that make this community special.”
Following the parade, the celebration will continue with an art market featuring more than 50 artists selling original works. Beginning at noon, the performing arts festival will feature live entertainment on three stages and two dance floors until 5 p.m. Food vendors also will be on site.
“For 10 years, the Wheaton Arts Parade has brought our community together in a celebration that is truly one of a kind,” said County Council President Natali Fani-González. “This parade captures the creativity, culture, diversity, and distinctive spirit that make Wheaton so special. I’m proud to join the Wheaton community in celebrating this incredible milestone and the artists, organizers, families, and residents who have made the Arts Parade a beloved tradition for the past decade.”
Community organizations will offer art-making activities and giveaways throughout the festival. The Kids’ Zone will feature free activities, including face painting, balloon twisting, and chalk art. Attendees of all ages also will be invited to help create a community mural that will begin during the parade and continue throughout the festival.
“Wheaton has always been a place where people from different backgrounds come together, and the Arts Parade is a perfect expression of that diversity,” said Dan Thompson, executive director of the Wheaton Arts Parade. “It’s colorful, creative, a little unconventional—and most importantly, it belongs to the community. You don’t have to be a professional artist to participate. Just show up with your imagination.”
The parade will begin on Ennalls Avenue, travel along Georgia Avenue and around the Wheaton Triangle, and culminate at Marian Fryer Town Plaza.
Getting to the Festival
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The festival is conveniently located near the Wheaton Metro Station on the Red Line and is accessible by Metrobus and Montgomery County Ride On bus service. From the Wheaton Metro Station, attendees can exit toward the bus terminal and follow the walkway to Reedie Drive and the festival area.
Free parking will be available in Wheaton on Sunday. Recommended parking locations include the WMATA parking garage on Veirs Mill Road, with the entrance next to Wendy’s, and the Price-Fern parking lot behind Safeway. Additional parking will be available after noon in the Ennalls Avenue lot. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation.
For more information about the Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival, including the parade route and festival map, visit the 2026 Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival website. Attendees are encouraged to share their festival experiences on Instagram using #wheatonartsparade.
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Read the original article at mcgov
