The Takoma Park Street Festival returns this Sunday for its 43rd year, with thousands filling the streets to enjoy music, art, food, and more.
According to Main Street Takoma, eighteen bands will perform on three stages throughout the day, playing various music genres, including roots rock, reggae, Americana, folk, African dance music, honky tonk, Hawaiian swing, and more.
The day starts with a drum circle at 10:00 a.m. at the Gazebo stage. Everyone is welcome to join in and set the energy for the day.
More than 185 vendors, including local artists and makers, will sell various items at different prices, such as art, jewelry, stationery, home decor, clothing, personal care products, textiles, and plants. Local nonprofits, area politicians, schools, and others will also have booths to inform visitors.
There will be many food options from restaurants, food trucks, and festival favorites along the Takoma Streetery on Laurel Avenue. The Takoma Park Farmers Market, with 25 additional vendors, runs nearby. The entrance to the Farmers Market is located along the festival route at 6931 Laurel Ave.
Additionally, many businesses in Takoma Park will have open booths on the street for the day, and visitors are encouraged to visit the shops and restaurants along the route.
During the festival, Giant Foods and Small Things Matter will host a vaccination station at 7000 Carroll Ave., offering flu and COVID vaccines, including Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and child doses if available. The Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department will also host an open house during festival hours, featuring fire safety activities, firefighter demos, a touch-a-truck, pumpkin painting, games, raffles, and more.
The Takoma Park Street Festival will be held on Sunday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can access the festival from different points along the route, including entrances at Carroll Ave. and Eastern Ave. NW and at Carroll Ave. and Philadelphia Ave. Free parking is available at the TPSS Co-op.
Photo: Sam Kittner for Main Street Takoma