Arts Barn x Kentlands Mansion Block Party
Celebrate the launch of the Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion’s 2026–2027 season with an open-house block party featuring hands-on crafts, live music, art exhibits, lawn games, food, and opportunities to preview upcoming programs. Guests can bring a picnic or buy food and drinks to enjoy on the Green, in the Alley, and around the two venues.
At the Arts Barn, activities include a donation drop-off supporting local students and teachers, the interactive “Pull Up a Chair: A Seated Perspective” gallery, family craft activities in Studio 103, shopping from local artisans, previews of upcoming classes, workshops, concerts, theater productions, and special events, and the cash-only Arts Bar(n) serving beer and wine in the Alley.
Kentlands Mansion will host the Montgomery Art Association’s juried “A Closer Look” exhibition, season previews, face painting, a fall-themed children’s craft, permanent jewelry by Honey Haus Jewelry, and live music by Donuts for Dinner from the Canopy Porch. Outside, guests can play lawn games and purchase hot dogs from Catalyst Hot Dogs and frozen treats from Kona Ice.
When: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Showtimes: 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Venue: Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878. Activities also take place at Kentlands Mansion, Kentlands Green, and Selby Street.
Program: The event includes the Arts Barn’s donation drop-off, “Pull Up a Chair: A Seated Perspective” gallery, family crafting, artisan shopping, upcoming-season previews, and the Arts Bar(n). Kentlands Mansion programming includes the “A Closer Look” art exhibition, additional season previews, face painting, a kids’ craft, permanent jewelry, and live music. Outdoor offerings include lawn games and food trucks.
Live Music: Donuts for Dinner, with sponsorship from Bella Ballet.
Food and Drinks: Catalyst Hot Dogs and Kona Ice will sell food and treats throughout the event. Concessions, food-truck items, and other snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. The Arts Bar(n) offers beer and wine for purchase at a cash bar.
Donation Drive: Guests are encouraged to bring new supplies requested by local teachers, including pencils, blue or black pens, colored pencils, glue sticks, rulers, scissors, one-inch binders, lined paper, spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, index cards, and clear plastic backpacks.
Shopping: Handmade goods from local artists are available at the Shop at the Arts Barn, while face painting and permanent jewelry are also available for purchase.
Ages: No specific age restriction is stated. The event includes family activities, children’s crafts, face painting for kids of all ages, and programming intended for a broad audience.
Accessibility: No accessibility information is available.
Parking: On-street parking and a nearby parking lot are available.