While some neighbors debate whether that $95 blazer from J.Crew qualifies for private school dress codes, Maryland's Tax Free Week starting this Sunday (8/10) and running through next Saturday (8/16) offers our annual chance for all of us to sidestep the state's 6% sales tax on qualifying clothing and footwear.

The fine print matters here. Each item must be priced at $100 or less to qualify so that $110 suit doesn't get a partial break, but two $80 sweaters purchased together both qualify. The first $40 of any backpack purchase is also tax-exempt, which should cover most of those monogrammed L.L.Bean classics dotting our driveways.

Online shopping counts too, provided you complete the purchase during the week and the retailer processes immediately. Amazon participates, though only for items sold by vendors collecting Maryland sales tax.

Those alterations for perfectly hemmed uniform pants? Still taxable. Accessories like jewelry, watches, and ties remain fully taxed—apparently the state draws the line at helping fund our tie collections.

Pro tip for the strategically minded: Retailer coupons that bring items under $100 qualify for the exemption, but manufacturer coupons don't affect the tax calculation.

Maryland also hosts a similar Energy Tax-Free Weekend each February for Energy Star appliances so mark your calendars for February 15-17, 2026, when that renovation gets a 6% discount.

📖 Explore the complete FAQ guide for detailed rules, online shopping guidelines, and what to do if you're incorrectly charged tax before you throw your tea into the harbor.

🥃 Montgomery County ABS released this month's Highly Allocated Products list with rare spirits hitting local stores this Saturday. Cabin John scored 6 Fortaleza Blanco tequilas while Potomac Village landed a dozen Weller 12-year bourbons. See the full list

⛳ Potomac's Zoe Cusack, 17, made the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team after her runner-up finish at Girls' Junior PGA Championship. The Churchill High senior competes September 23-25. Read the full story (MoCoShow)

🎨 Dov & Company's August workshop calendar is now available with registration open for creative classes at their Cabin John Village studio. Browse the full calendar

🏐 After Maryland finished 8th at the 2025 National Senior Games earlier this week, the Maryland Senior Olympics (50 yrs+) continues its 2025 season with Team Volleyball registration next to close on Monday (8/11). Get full event rules here and register here

Wine night is out. Mahjong is in.

The Charleston Coach brings the game (and the good vibes) right to your home - tiles, rules, everything. Just grab your friends (or partners!). She’ll even bring the tables.

She’s local, beginner-friendly, and books up fast.

🔮 See why everyone’s hooked and claim your seat.

P.S. Warning: One session may cause lifelong Mahjong addiction.

*This space sponsored by someone cool (and local)

Complimentary Reading Screening. 9:30am-12pm @ McLean School in Potomac
Free Academic Reading assessment for kindergarten through grade 3 students to identify those needing early reading intervention, conducted by expert educators. Register in link 📖

Frolics & Diversions: Field Day on the Canal. August 8-9 @ Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
The C&O Canal's beloved annual celebration returns with family crafts, ranger-led historical tableaux, live music, and launch boat tours showcasing the waterway that defines our backyard heritage. Free event, runs 10am-3pm both days 🚤

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. 3pm-midnight @ Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds
Day 1 of a 9-day celebration featuring carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, demolition derby, monster trucks, live entertainment, and traditional fair food from local vendors. Tickets in link 🎡

Fun Fridays Outdoors on the Green. 5-7pm @ Cabin John Village
My Gym Potomac brings structured play and games to the grassy lawn behind Cabin John Village for family outdoor fitness fun. Free, register in advance in link 🤸‍♀️

Bethesda Outdoor Movies: 500 Days of Summer. 8:45pm @ 4650 Willow Lane
Bethesda's 21st annual outdoor cinema series screens the Joseph Gordon-Levitt romantic dramedy about love's unpredictable 500-day timeline under actual stars. Bring chairs 🎬

Sunflower Spectacular. August 9-17 @ Butler's Orchard
Stroll through five acres of sunflowers with Instagram-worthy photo props, plus farm park fun, pick-your-own produce, and extended evening hours on select Saturdays. 8:30am-6pm standard hours, advanced reservations recommended 🌻

Four Mile Ranger Guided History Hike. 9:30am @ Glen Echo Park Carousel
National Park Service rangers lead a circuit adventure from Glen Echo Park to Union Arch Bridge, uncovering amusement park lore and Clara Barton's legacy. Free, registration instructions in link 🥾

2025 Great Falls Kayak Race & Potomac Festival Picnic. August 9-10 @ Great Falls
Expert kayakers tackle Class V+ rapids across Virginia and Maryland lines over two days, with water levels determining which spectacular course they'll navigate, followed by the celebration picnic. 10am starts both days, watch from overlooks on either side of river 🛶

Learn & Craft: Climate Change. 10:30am-12:30pm @ Potomac Library
Local high school climate activists lead elementary-aged children in creating eco-themed bookmarks and activity sheets while learning simple ways to help the planet. Free, best for ages 5-10 🌱

Montgomery County Children's Business Fair. 11am-2pm @ Rockville Town Center
Young entrepreneurs ages 6-16 launch their own businesses for one day, developing everything from product creation to marketing strategy in this inspiring marketplace experience. Open to the public 💼

Archaeology Tour. 1-1:30pm @ Josiah Henson Museum & Park
Join archaeologists to unearth secrets of the Riley Plantation where abolitionist Josiah Henson lived, discovering artifacts that illuminate Underground Railroad history. 🔍

Pitango Gelato Pop-Up. 3:30-7:30pm @ Glenstone Museum
Renowned gelato artisans station themselves beside Jeff Koons' towering Split-Rocker sculpture for Glenstone's inaugural on-site culinary collaboration. Save some for us 🍨

Shopping is My Cardio: Fit4Mom Body Boost HIIT. 10-11am @ Westfield Montgomery Mall
Monthly fitness series continues with high-intensity interval training from Fit4Mom MoCo, followed by retailer deals including Lancôme facials at Macy's and free samples at Nordstrom. Meet on Level 1 in front of Lilly Pulitzer 💪

Summer Smarts: Smithsonian Insect Experience. 11am @ Westfield Montgomery Mall
Smithsonian scientists bring live ant colonies and interactive learning to Center Court, featuring ant puppet storytelling, teamwork relay games, and a scavenger hunt passport through participating stores. Meet at Center Court 🐜

Words Out Loud Poetry Reading and Open Mic. 4-5:30pm @ Modena Reserve Kensington
Pushcart Prize nominee Christina Daub and emerging Chinese American poet Dylan Tran headline intimate literary evening featuring readings, open mic, and trivia. Details in link 📖

^{*Dates & times subject to change based on weather and/or venues making your life more difficult}

Now forward this to that neighbor who smells like the corpse flower currently blooming at the U.S. Botanic Gardens.

-Potomac Loop Team