While some of us were still debating whether it's too early for pumpkin spice (it's August, so, yes), Montgomery County blessed us with their 100-page Fall 2025 Recreation Guide which is a treasure trove of activities that would take weeks to properly digest. But fear not, fellow Potomackers! The Loop team has done what any self-respecting community would do: we assigned ourselves the thankless task of reading the entire thing line-by-line.

The result? Two pristine, curated guides that extract the key details for every program possible at our nearby establishments: Potomac Community Recreation Center and the Germantown Indoor Swim Center. Because let's be honest, who has time to wade through pages of pottery classes in Wheaton?

The Potomac CRC guide showcases everything from free 55+ Mahjong sessions to youth martial arts programs that might finally teach your teenager some discipline. Meanwhile, the Swim Center guide covers comprehensive swim instruction at our nearest facility from Waterbabies to Masters Diving.

Registration opened earlier this Tuesday for county residents, which means the good spots are filling fast. The beauty of our guides is that each listing includes the exact Activity Code you need to plug straight into Active Montgomery to claim your spot before the rest of the County hits the waitlist.

Explore Potomac Community Rec Center Programs

Browse Germantown Indoor Swim Center Classes

Register on Active Montgomery

*If you like these guides, let us know ([email protected]) and we’ll share one for the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center on Friday.

☕ Simona Café debuts today in downtown Bethesda, bringing house-made focaccia sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and specialty coffee drinks with evening beer and wine service. Check out their menu

🚗 Teachers, staff and school administrators can score free Signature Car Washes tomorrow (Thursday) at Mr. Wash's Kensington location on Dupont Avenue, our closest spot. Just show your school ID

🔋 Potomackers can now apply for up to $5,000 grants for residential battery backup system installations to help keep the lights during storms on through a new Maryland program, with funding available first-come-first-serve until exhausted (or June 2026). Get registration info

🎓 Maryland just earned top national ranking for "Best Community College System" per WalletHub's latest study, with Montgomery College individually placing 17th among all community colleges nationwide. Read the rankings

🎵 Strathmore celebrates 20 years of its Artist in Residence program with six emerging local musicians this fall, including Montgomery County native Marcel Penzes and debut concert November 13th. Meet the class of 2026

Dance on the Lunar Lawn. 5:30-8:30pm @ Hillwood Museum
The Dance Institute of Washington's pre-professional dancers perform under Hillwood's courtyard tent, where Marjorie Post's love of dance lives on through diverse cultural expression and artistic confluence. Performance at 7pm, $30, tickets in link 💃

Introduction to Contra Dance with Penelope. 7:00-8:15pm @ Glen Echo Park
Season finale with 40-year veteran Penelope Weinberger teaching newcomers basic moves, etiquette, and dance floor navigation in this beginner-friendly class. No partner needed, ages 10+, purchase tickets in link 💃

Museum on Tap: Shady Grove Music Festival. 7:00pm @ Saints Row Brewing
Local historian Ralph Buglass recounts when Gaithersburg was the DMV's entertainment hotspot with the Shady Grove Music Fair hosting Simon and Garfunkel under the big top. Free to attend 🎵

Potomac Community Village Women’s Group. 1-2:30pm @ Potomac Library
Join PCV's new friendship-focused group for older adults, sponsored by their Women's Group but welcoming all who want to build meaningful connections in retirement years. Registration in link requested 🤝

SecurePotomac.org Community Safety Meeting. 7-8pm @ Potomac Library
Join neighbors to discuss recent incidents, hear from law enforcement and elected officials, plus explore community initiatives to enhance Potomac's safety and security. 🛡️

Mystery Book Club: The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie. 7-8pm @ Wonderland Books
Discuss Christie's spookiest standalone novel featuring witches, mysterious deaths, and the crime writer Ariadne Oliver solving supernatural murders. 📚

Movies in the Parks: The Wild Robot. 8pm @ Israel Park
Rockville’s free outdoor movie series screens this heartwarming PG-rated animated film about a robot stranded on an island learning to adapt. Free, just bring chairs/blankets 🤖

Parents Night Out. 5-8pm @ Potomac Presbyterian Church
Drop off K-6th graders for three hours of music, arts, drama, games and sports while parents enjoy kid-free time in this free community offering. Register in link 🎉

Aagaman: The Return. 7pm @ Bender JCC Auditorium
Rasa Dance School presents Shalini Goel Agarwal in a solo Odissi Indian classical dance performance celebrating this ancient art form's spiritual storytelling traditions. Free and open to public 🎭

All-Star Comedy Show. 7pm @ Cabin John Regional Park
Montgomery Parks presents free laughs from local comedians including Improbable Comedy performers, with food trucks and craft beer to complement the outdoor amphitheater setting. Free, bring lawn chairs, ages 17+ recommended 😂

Honky Tonk Dance with Arty Hill & the Long Gone Daddys. 7:30-10:30pm @ Glen Echo Park
Baltimore's honky tonk hero brings his Johnny Cash meets Guy Clark storytelling to Glen Echo's Bumper Car Pavilion, where beginner lessons precede serious two-stepping under the stars. $15 in advance, includes beginner lesson + cold treat 🤠

Native Garden Tour. 8-10am @ Residence in West End Neighborhood
Guided tour of a native RainScapes garden showcasing how native plants create biodiversity, provide wildlife habitat, treat stormwater, and inspire climate-friendly greenspaces. Address emailed after claiming free tickets in link 🌻

The Magic Duel Comedy Show. 5pm & 7pm @ Writer's Center
Two snarky magicians battle for the Golden Wand in this interactive comedy show where audiences vote electronically and choose magic styles. Cocktail attire recommended, tickets in link 🎩

Secret Comedy Show - Don’t Tell. 8:30pm @ Secret Location in Gaithersburg
BYOB pop-up comedy show featuring touring comedians in a mystery location revealed morning of show, designed like an intimate house party. Location emailed day of show, tickets in link 🤫

Community Science: Mothing by Moonlight. 9pm-11:45pm @ Locust Grove Nature Center
Celebrate National Moth Week with insect enthusiasts at a special mothing station, identifying beautiful nocturnal creatures while contributing data to ongoing research. Bring lawn chair, extra layers, headlamp/flashlight, and snacks. 🔦

Tennis & Bubbles. 12-2pm @ Cabin John Park Tennis Courts
Second annual networking event featuring professional tennis lessons with instructors Marcellus and Angel, plus champagne, prosecco, bites, and DJ entertainment for meeting new people. Tickets in link 🎾

Now go share this with that neighbor who needs help understanding our emojis 😄

-Potomac Loop Team